Top 7 Hidden Gems Things to do in Warwick, England

Charlecote Mill is the last working water mill in Warwickshire and still operates commercially producing stoneground flours. The mill opens to the public on the second Sunday of the month and bank holidays throughout the summer from 11.00Am to 5.00Pm. Occasionally the open days are joined by local bakers and teas and home made cakes are always on offer. This is a very rare example of a fully working mill and well worth the visit.

The Hospital is a historic group of medieval timber-framed buildings dating mainly from the late 14th Century. Of historic significance, they represent one of the finest examples in Britain of medieval courtyard architecture. Clustered around the Norman gateway into the town, the 12th century chapel sits above it. For nearly 200 years this site was home to Warwick’s medieval Guilds. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, under the patronage of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, the buildings became a place of retirement for old warriors. These soldiers are known to this day as the Brethren and with the Master, still live within the walls of the building. They are a living legacy of 450 years. Each morning they meet and pray together the words their founder Robert Dudley set down. You can often see the Brethren in ceremonial uniform as they give tours through the buildings and gardens. ​These extraordinary medieval buildings are open to visitors and can also be hired for private events.

Charlecote Park has been home to the Lucy family since the 12th century. Their stories are told throughout the house by their portraits, the objects they collected from around the world and the design influence they had on the house and parkland. See how Mary Elizabeth Lucy remodeled the house in Victorian times. The gardens include a formal parterre, woodland walk and the wider parkland (inspired by 'Capability' Brown), which offer walks with picturesque views across the River Avon. A herd of fallow deer has been in the park since Tudor times.

Hill Close Gardens are a rare and unique example of Victorian detached leisure/pleasure gardens. Once used by townsfolk who lived above their businesses and wanted to escape from the crowded town centre. Owners and tenants came here after work or on Sundays to tend their flowers, fruit and vegetables or to relax. These gardens have been fully restored to their original charm and boasts a visitor centre that can be hired out and is used as a tearoom on weekends and bank holidays through the summer months. The gardens are open all year during weekdays. Plant / produce / gift sales. Special events are put on throughout the year. Come along and step back in time.

This garden lies in a magical setting on the banks of the River Avon beneath the walls of Warwick Castle. Winding paths lead round every corner to dramatic views of the castle and ruined Medieval Bridge. This informal cottage garden is a profusion of plants, shrubs and trees - beautiful throughout our opening season. Open daily 1st April to 31st October from 9am to 6pm. Partial wheelchair access. Not suitable for electric wheelchairs or large pushchairs. Disabled parking and drop off only. Please use nearby car park at St Nicholas Park, approx. 6 minute walk.

State of the art locks were built at Hatton to flight off stiff competition from the roads and railways in the 1930's. When the locks were completed bands played and crowds gathered to watch the Duke of Kent arrive by boat and cut the ribbon. Today Hatton Locks is a lovely peaceful location to watch the colourful narrowboats as they move through the flight and if thats too much excitement why not enjoy a picnic or bite to eat in the cafe.