Warwick Gardens

Originally the castle would have been surrounded by a landscape designed to ensure that the defence of the castle was not obstructed by trees or cover that could provide sanctuary for unwanted visitors.

As England became more settled and civil wars and internal struggle ceased to become of relevance, attentions turned towards the design of a landscape and gardens more fitting for a grand stately home. The transformation of the surrounding landscape was due to the involvement of Capability Brown. During the 1750's the surrounding grounds were transformed.

Today the visitor is inspired by the tranquil setting surrounding the castle. The landscaping enhances every aspect of the castle with its sweeping lawns to the river edge. The natural beauty is breathtaking and the specially chosen trees and shrubs lend themselves to the overall effect of this impressive and extensive garden. Take a look at some of the photographs for a tour round the gardens.

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Warwick

Warwick is one of the UK's most historic towns. There are many buildings of historic interest here. The most prominent landmark is Warwick Castle which dominates the skyline. Warwick Castle is the most visited stately home in Great Britain. With its staterooms, great hall, dungeons and torture chambers it dates back to the 14th century. The 128 foot Guy's Tower, Ceasar's Tower and Clock Tower are magnificent examples of a well preserved heritage.

Worth a visit is Lord Leycester Hospital, a group of 14th century buildings which were converted into a home for old soldiers in 1571 and is still in use today. The chapel, great hall and the Guildhall with the museum of the Queen's Own Hussars are all within easy walking distance of the centre. At Oken's House you can pay a visit to the Warwick Doll Museum.

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Warwick Rooms

The State Rooms at Warwick Castle

The State Rooms, enhanced with waxworks from Tussaud's, beautifully illustrate and capture the spirit of a bygone age. The ornate and intricate details of the furniture and decor is an unforgettable experience. The treasures of decades of family history lies here at Warwick Castle.

The Chapel

Used right up to the turn of the century by the families of the Earls of Warwick, this small but beautiful building with its stained glass and serene architecture dates back to the early 1600's where it is thought to have been situated on the site of an older chapel.

The State Dining Room

The State Dining Room dates back to 1763 when it was commissioned by Francis Greville. Distinguished Kings and Queens have been entertained here. Some of the finest crafstmen in England designed and built this room.

The Great Hall

The Great Hall is the largest room in the Castle. It looks far finer today with its displays of armoury and fine furniture. In earlier times this would have been the heart of the castle. The floors would have been covered in straw, the room filled with smoke from the fires and the atmosphere dank and smelly.

The Stately Rooms

The Castle has further rooms on show, such as the drawing rooms, bedrooms, music room, library, ladies boudoir, smoking room, dressing room and several other rooms showing daily life and splendour of the castle and its opulent surroundings.

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Kenilworth

Kenilworth is a town in Warwickshire, England. In 2001 the town had a population of 22,582.

Kenilworth is perhaps best known for Kenilworth Castle, although other significant local landmarks include Kenilworth Clock and the Abbey Fields. A settlement has existed at Kenilworth since at least the time of the Domesday Book, the Book refers to Kenilworth as Chinewrde.

The first potato grown in England, brought back from South America by Sir Walter Raleigh, is thought to have been planted in the Little Virginia area of the town, near the castle.

The town was popularized in the romance novel Kenilworth written in 1821 by Sir Walter Scott.

Modern Kenilworth is frequently regarded as a dormitory town for commuters to Birmingham, Coventry and Royal Leamington Spa. In addition, its proximity to the University of Warwick has helped it build up a significant student population.

The town has good transport links - the Birmingham International Airport, several railway stations and the M1, M6, M42 and M40 motorways are within 10 miles of the centre of Kenilworth. The town's station was closed in the 1960s as part of the Beeching rail cuts, but there is a regular bus service to Coventry and Leamington stations, and Warwick Parkway station is less than 10 minutes' drive away on the A46 bypass.

As it stands today, Kenilworth comprises two distinct sections. The New Town includes the high street, with a selection of shops, pubs and a supermarket, whereas the Old Town encompasses the cottage-style houses near the original centre of the settlement, by the Castle, and is separated from the New Town by the Abbey Fields.

The main street of the old town ran in essentially a straight line from Castle Green, just north of Kenilworth Castle, along the High Street. This road continues to form a near-straight road directly to the centre of Coventry.

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Kenilworth Castle

Kenilworth Castle is in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, England. Historically the Castle was contained within the Forest of Arden.

A fortification has existed on the site from Saxon times. But the current ruin is of Norman origin, a great square stone tower was built by Geoffrey de Clinton, Treasurer and Chief Justice of England to Henry I, in about 1125. Henry II took control of the castle during the rebellion of 1173-1174, giving the Clintons another castle in Buckinghamshire by way of compensation.

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