Day Planner

What to do on site?
Which English Heritage properties are nearby?
Which other places of interest are nearby?

What to do on site?

Castle

Suggested time needed: 1 hour

One of the most spectacular castle ruins in England, Kenilworth Castle has recently unveiled the results of a fabulous multi-million pound restoration programme.

Visitors are now able to enjoy new attractions including a fascinating suite of authentic room displays and exciting new exhibitions as well as a brand new visitor centre, shop and tea room.

Kenilworth Castle has a rich and colourful history spanning 900 years and is associated with some of the greatest leaders and events from the Medieval and Tudor ages.

Stables

Suggested time needed: 30 minutes

Part of the recent conservation programme is Leicester’s Barn which now houses a brand new exhibition charting the castle’s tumultuous history and the superb new tea room.

Gardens

Take in the breathtaking views from the castle grounds and why not bring a picnic for perfect ‘al fresco’ dining in the most glorious of settings.

Elsewhere on site, work continues on the re-creation of the magnificent Elizabethan garden throughout 2008. The completed garden will be opened in late Spring 2009, displaying the gardens as they once looked in 1575 when they were created for one of the Queen’s many visits to Kenilworth.

Gatehouse

Suggested time needed: 30 minutes

Central to the castle’s restoration lies the stunning transformation of Leicester’s Gatehouse, built around 1570 by Sir Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester for Queen Elizabeth I.

The Gatehouse has been returned to its 1930s glory when the building was last inhabited as a home. The beautifully restored interiors now offer visitors the opportunity to explore a suite of fully furnished historic rooms.

One of England’s most famous royal love stories is brought to life on the top floor of the gatehouse. A new exhibition which houses major loans form museums and private collections explore the relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley.

New tearoom and shop

Suggested time needed: 45 minutes

Browse the well stocked gift shop which specialises in books, medieval and Tudor themed gifts, jams and preserves, wines and liquers and period bath oils, lotions and soaps.

And finally, relax in the newly refurbished tea room and choose form a selection of snacks and refreshments sourced from fine local Warwickshire produce.

Audio tour

Suggested time needed: 1 hour

Journey back through Kenilworth’s romantic and turbulent history with our in depth audio tour.

Which English Heritage properties are nearby?

Witley Court, Worcestershire

A hundred years ago, Witley Court was one of England’s great country houses. Today it is a spectacular ruin following a huge fire in 1937. Visit Witley Court and step back in time to a bygone age. Enjoy the beautiful gardens, lake, woodland walks and majestic fountains.

Which other places of interest are nearby?

Stratford Upon Avon

Distance: 14 miles

Stratford-upon-Avon is a picturesque Tudor town. Beautifully situated on the river, it boasts a wealth of black and white timber framed buildings and is of course birthplace of William Shakespeare. Enjoy a stroll around the town centre with its good selection of shops, restaurants and tearooms.

Stoneleigh Abbey

Distance: 3 miles

Stoneleigh Abbey has magnificent state rooms, a medieval gatehouse, and regency stables, all perfectly located in beautiful landscapes.

Kenilworth

Kenilworth is a delightful South Warwickshire town. Around the castle and the St Mary's Abbey ruins there are lovely walks, delightful old houses and thatched cottages in “Little Virginia”, said to be named after the planting of potatoes brought back form the Americas by Sir Walter Raleigh. Kenilworth is a favourite for locals and visitors alike with its excellent selection of restaurants, pubs and shops.

English Heritage Properties nearby

Other nearby attractions