Top ten experiences in Kenilworth!

New to Kenilworth? First time visiting? Well, it would be remiss of us to not point out just how much there is to see and do! However as time is always short so we’ve done the hard work and come up with a top ten “must do” experiences for visitors to the town. Of course there is plenty more but these ones are the pick of the bunch and highly recommended for first timers and old hands alike. Enough preamble, lets get to the list!

1.The View from the Elizabethan Tower

Kenilworth Castle really is not to be missed, but for THE best view in town, ascend 18m by stairs to the heights of the Castle tower and gaze upon the ruins from the floor level of the Queen’s private rooms. You’ll get a birds-eye view over John of Gaunt’s vaulted Great Hall and breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside, its a truly Royal vista!

2.Uncover the mystery of the Abbey

Scattered amongst the leafy churchyard of St Nicholas you’ll discover the atmospheric ruins of the 12th century Abbey of St Mary the Virgin. It’s not quite “Name of Rose” level mysterious, but searching out the remnants is top notch fun. Marvel at the enormous Tantara Gatehouse, the Cloister and the vast Abbey Church as you walk in the steps of the Augustine canons. Swing by the Abbey Museum for the full story or grab the Castle & Abbey Trail for detailed instructions!

3.Wander the Old High Street

A short stroll up Castle Hill and High Street takes you past the 17th century thatched cottages of Little Virginia and more listed buildings than you can shake a stick at (including the Virgins & Castle – Kenilworth’s oldest pub!). Look out for Kenilworth Pound and take your time and enjoy plenty of great places to stop for a bite or a browse.

4.Discover THE Green Heart of Kenilworth

Linger in the rolling 68 acres of beautiful parkland of Abbey Fields, right in the heart of town. It’s perfect for a picnic, bird spotting, a quiet stroll or entertaining the kids at its top notch playground and swimming pool!

5.Get Active on the Greenway

The tranquil and traffic-free expense of the Kenilworth Greenway is a fantastic (and level!) way to get out and active in some scenic nature! Whether you walk, cycle, run or even ride a horse, the 6.5 km length of the old Kenilworth to Berkswell railway is just the ticket!

6.Take your pick of Nature Reserves

Kenilworth is not short of Green Space, and you’ll find no less than four nature reserves within easy reach of town, all with a differing character. Choose ancient Crackley Wood for an easy woodland stroll (as well as a brass-rubbing trail) or uncover the sunken lanes and rare heathland of Kenilworth Common. Alternatively head to the open grassland of Parliament Piece or the hillside meadow of Knowle Hill.

7.Strike out into the Great outdoors

If that’s not enough greenery for you, then why not go really rural  into some exquisite countryside? There’s plenty on the doorstep and you’ll find 26 ready-made walks in the Kenilworth and Beyond Country Walks book available at outlets throughout town. Best part? They all go to great pubs too!

8. Walk on the wild side (with Alpacas)!

Sticking with the outdoors, how about a wander with a difference? A pre-booked two hour Alpaca Experience lets you escort some of Faerie Tale Farms’ friendly and fluffy Alpaca on a guided countryside walk. If that’s not instagrammable we don’t know what is….

9.A night at the Theatre

Yearning for some more culture? Take your pick from either of our two excellent theatres, The Talisman or The Priory. Both offer an extensive programme of plays, musicals, shows and films throughout the year.

10.Take a Visit Kenilworth Trail

If all the above doesn’t feel in-depth enough then grab a helping hand with one of our self-guided trails. Choose from Heritage, Nature or The Castle & Abbey trails. Learn about Sir Walter Scott, the landmine of 1940, Herons, Bats , the siege of 1266 and more! Each takes around 2 hours and gets you right into the heart of the story!

Need more ideas?

That’s a decent bucket list for starter’s! However if you need more ideas then why not try one of our itineraries? We’ve organised suggestions for all kinds of interests. Either way we hope you have an amazing time in Kenilworth! and come back soon for more!