Many of the streets in Warwick’s old town still have attractive 17th- and 18th-century buildings that will appeal to tourists. Points of interest include the Court House with its Georgian ballroom, Landor House, and the lovely Shire Hall with its octagonal tower lantern. The ‚ West Gate ‚ has been retained from the old town walls, and guilds have assembled in the early-Gothic St. James’ Chapel since 1383.

Built in 1443, the Collegiate Church of St. Mary was reconstructed after a 1694 fire with help from Christopher Wren. The most splendid feature of this must-visit historic attraction is the Beauchamp Tower on the south side of the choir, which can be climbed. While admission to the church is free, a small fee is charged for the privilege of climbing the tower, but is worth it for the great views.

The Warwickshire Museum-really two attractions in one: the Market Hall Museum and St. John’s House-is home to an extensive early history collection covering archaeology, social history, geology, and natural history, and is one of the top-rated free things to do in Warwick.

Just four miles east of Stratford-upon-Avon and six miles south of Warwick, Charlecote Park is perhaps most famous for its connection to Shakespeare. Legend has it the Bard was supposed to have been caught poaching here, and after receiving a lashing as punishment, went on to lampoon his captor in the somewhat laughable justice of the peace in Henry IV.