Wanting to live somewhere beautiful but need to get in and out of the city every day? Take a look at this ‘easy-on-the-eye’ town that’s been named one of the best places to live in Warwickshire.
Let’s face it, there aren’t many people who could claim to have a huge medieval castle in their hometown. We’re talking, of course, about Warwick. But there’s more to this historic town than just its famous castle and racecourse.
Set on the River Avon, the area is blessed with beautiful parks and gardens, all within walking distance from the town centre, plus an abundance of independent shops and eateries too. There are also a good choice of primary schools that are rated as outstanding by Ofsted.
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Warwick has been given one of the top spots in Muddy Stilettos 2025 annual guide, alongside the likes of Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon and Kenilworth.
It takes less than 90 minutes to reach London by train from Warwick
(Image: flickr / Elliott Brown)
A spokesman for Muddy Stilettos said: “This easy-on-the-eye market town has Georgian townhouses, Queen Anne mansions, tottering half-timbered Tudor buildings and a castle, all washed down with chi-chi tea shops and artisan bakeries. It has two top independent single-sex schools, boating on the river, leafy parks and is really close to Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon and Coventry.
“Take your pick from creative Spanish cuisine at La Mesa, pizza and craft beers at Dough & Brew and Thai food at The Art Kitchen. Nice characterful gastropubs include The Old Coffee Tavern, a London-style boozer with rooms, The Rose and Crown and The Globe – both also offer B&B.
“And if it’s a coffee and cakes you’re after, we can highly recommend Jack’s Shack, Warwick Street Kitchen and another lovely artisan bakery Bread & Co.”
The lifestyle website loves the small, independent boutiques and antique shops, especially Warwick Books, interior store Hatton & Harding and sustainable groceries from Green Bean. Nearby Hatton Shopping Village is worth a trip for its farm shop, boutiques, jewellery maker and garden centre and kids love Hatton Adventure World.
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According to Muddy Stilettos, the majority of sales in Warwick during the last year were flats, selling for around £243,486. Detached houses sold for an average of £579,279 with semi-detached homes fetching £373,399.
You can enjoy shows at Playbox Theatre, Warwick Arts Centre and the Bridge House Theatre. Get out and about in the great outdoors with a visit to Priory Park, Hill Close Gardens, Mill Garden, St Mary’s Lands and St Nicholas Park, which has a large playground and an outdoor pool in the summer. And there are always lots of events, including the Warwick Words history festival and an international folk festival.
Outstanding Ofsted-rated state primaries include St Anthony’s Catholic Primary and Coten End Primary School and Good secondaries include Campion, Aylesford School and Sixth Form College and Myton. There are some highly regarded independents plus, of course, the University of Warwick.
How to get to Warwick from Birmingham
It takes around 40 minutes to drive to Warwick from Birmingham, via the M42 and the M40. However, it’s quicker to jump on a train. Direct trains can take as little as 27 minutes from Birmingham Moor Street. And you can get to London Marylebone in just one hour and 25 minutes from Warwick Parkway.