East Gate to Warwick Castle: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Warwick's medieval streets whisper stories of rebellion and royal intrigue. On this self-guided audio tour, you'll peel back the layers of a town that has survived fires, civil wars, and centuries of transformation while maintaining its remarkable architectural heritage. Starting at the imposing East Gate, one of only two surviving medieval gateways, you'll traverse cobblestone streets lined with Tudor and Georgian buildings, hearing the stories behind landmarks like the haunting Lord Leycester Hospital. Along the way, discover the site of the devastating Great Fire of 1694, learn about the infamous Bloody Code and its public executions, and meet powerful medieval figures like Warwick the Kingmaker. The tour ends at the iconic Warwick Castle, a testament to nearly 1,000 years of English history. A walk through Warwick is a journey through the heart of English history, where every stone and street corner tells a story of courage, conflict, or community.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   Pass by

   Explore the medieval East Gate, one of only two surviving medieval gateways into Warwick. Take in this imposing entrance as you begin your journey through nearly 1,000 years of English history.

2. 2

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   Discover St Mary's Church, a striking survivor of the Great Fire of 1694 that reshaped the town. Take in this architectural treasure spanning centuries of rebuilding and restoration.

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   Pass Shire Hall, the main office and meeting place of Warwickshire County Council since the Local Government Act of 1888. Take in this Grade I listed complex, blending its original 18th-century building with later additions spanning nearly 150 years of local governance.

4. 4

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   Pass the Thomas Lloyd, named after a banker who retired to Warwick in 1865 and became a prominent local philanthropist until his death in 1890. Discover how this building once housed the local branch of Lloyds Bank, the very institution he helped lead.

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   Stop outside the Old Coffee Tavern, a red brick building first opened in 1880 as the Dale Temperance Hotel and Coffee Tavern. Discover how this teetotal alternative to Warwick's pubs was founded by philanthropist Thomas Bellamy Dale before becoming one of the town's most attractive pubs today.

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   Take in the Market Hall Museum, one of Warwick's architectural treasures spanning the Tudor, Georgian, and medieval periods. Discover the layers of history housed within this landmark building.

7. 7

   The Lord Leycester

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   Hear the haunting tales of the Lord Leycester Hospital, one of Warwick's most storied landmarks. Discover the extraordinary characters and dramatic history behind this atmospheric building.

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   Explore the medieval West Gate, a rare survivor of Warwick's original defensive walls alongside East Gate. Take in this historic gateway as further proof of the town's remarkable architectural heritage.

9. 9

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   Hear the remarkable story of local philanthropist Thomas Oken at the Oken Tea Rooms. Discover how his legacy still shapes this charming corner of Warwick today.

10. 10

    Warwick Castle

    Pass by

    Arrive at the iconic Warwick Castle, a testament to nearly 1,000 years of English history. Take in this fitting conclusion to your journey through the town's medieval streets and royal intrigue.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.