If you’re looking for a budget-friendly day out packed with fun and exploration, Warwick is the perfect destination. Read on, as we take you through a delightful day in this historic town, enjoying activities for all ages without breaking the bank.
Warwick Boats at St Nicholas Park
We began our adventure at Warwick Boats in St Nicholas Park, where we hired a unicorn pedalo for a scenic boat ride.
As we (me and Jemima) pedalled along the serene waters, and Matilda steered in the middle, we were treated to breathtaking views of the picturesque Warwick Castle. There’s something special about seeing it from this different angle. I’d be tempted to try a dragon next time, to add to the castle theme.
Depending on the budget and how energetic you feel, you could hire a rowing boat or electric boat. The pedalo for a family is £25.
Find out more about Warwick Boats https://warwickboats.co.uk/
St Nicholas Park Playground
Next, we headed to the playground in St Nicholas Park. The playground boasts a variety of equipment, a splash pad, and a sand pit, making it a hit with the kids and a huge hit with me, being as it’s FREE. Lots of people had come with picnic blankets and looked ready to spend the day there.
Whilst in the park we also took a peek at the mini golf course, which looked like a fun activity for our next visit. They also have a permanent Funfair in the park with rides for little ones.
For more information about St Nicholas Park, check out: http://www.stnicholaspark.co.uk/
Market Hall Museum
Our next stop was the Market Hall Museum to explore their new exhibition, ‘Tales From the Riverbank.’ Warwick Boats are a kind sponsor of the exhibition.
This exhibition dives into the stories of life on Warwickshire’s rivers, canals, and waterways. It was educational and interactive, with numerous hands-on opportunities for children. Best of all, it’s FREE to visit, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option.
They’ve even thought about children with sensory needs, and as you start the exhibition, children can choose a sensory backpack to carry around with them, filled with sensory toys. So thoughtful!
Find out more about the museum here: https://heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk/markethallmuseum
Lord Leycester Hospital
We then walked to the Lord Leycester Hospital, where the entry ticket turns into an annual pass. A family ticket costs just £25, a great deal if you live locally or plan to pop back again later in the year.
The museum features interactive elements to keep children entertained and offers two trails: a Bear trail indoors and a fairy trail outside.
The girls were particularly excited about the fairy trail, eagerly searching for each hidden fairy.
The gardens are beautiful and very well maintained. If I lived locally, I think I’d be popping along with a book in the summer and spending my days in the gardens. A little green haven in the middle of Warwick Town Centre.
After a couple of very enjoyable hours, we visited the museum café, where we indulged in their amazing cakes and refreshing ice cooler drinks. The treats were a great way to cool down on a hot day.
For more information about Lord Leycester, take a look at the website here: https://www.lordleycester.com/
Late Lunch at The Four Penny
For lunch, we headed to The Four Penny, which has a great beer garden. Although there’s no kids’ play equipment, it’s a lovely sun trap perfect for those wanting to enjoy a beer in the sun.
The relaxed atmosphere made it an ideal spot to take a rest before exploring more of Warwick.
Take a look at the venue here: https://www.4pennyhotel.co.uk/
Other Dining Options
If you prefer dining more centrally, Dough and Brew is brilliant for pizza, and we noticed several other tempting eateries along the way. Warwick offers a variety of dining options to suit all tastes.
Shopping and a Surprise Encounter
We wrapped up our visit with some shopping, meeting some lovely locals along the way, including the lovely Mary’s Sweet Shop (a must visit).
A particularly memorable moment for the girls was when we got to hold a friendly tortoise.
A unique and delightful end to a perfect day out.
Conclusion
Warwick offers an array of budget-friendly activities that cater to both kids and adults. From scenic boat rides and engaging museums to delicious food and charming encounters, there’s something for everyone. Plan your visit today and discover the magic of Warwick!
To see what we got up to last time we visited (with some more ideas of what to do in Warwick), check out our last post here: https://smallhousebigtrips.co.uk/buyin2warwick/
And for more information on Warwick and all that it has to offer, visit https://www.buyin2warwick.co.uk/ and also https://www.visitwarwick.co.uk/ for loads of great ideas.