Kenilworth

Set in the green heart of Warwickshire, midway between Coventry and Warwick, Kenilworth is a town that wears its history with quiet confidence. Within striking distance of Birmingham, Coventry, Leamington and Warwick, but retaining its small town charm, it has a character all of its own, shaped by nine centuries of royal intrigue, medieval siege and Elizabethan spectacle. Walk from the castle down through Abbey Fields and into the High Street and that sense of layered history never quite leaves you. Independent shops, restaurants and traditional pubs give the town its easy, welcoming feel,

Plus, Kenilworth has a reputation for top quality food at the many restaurants, bistros and bars and has a lively and creative community who bring festivals to the town throughout the year.

Kenilworth’s highlights

Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden

From medieval fortress to Elizabethan palace, Kenilworth Castle has been part of England's affairs during its 900-year history. First built in the 1120s and a royal castle for most of its history, its most romantic chapter came when Robert Dudley, Elizabeth I's childhood friend, took possession in 1563 and spent fortunes turning it into a showpiece mansion to impress the queen. Famously, he entertained her here for 19 days of festivities in 1575. Today you can explore the castle ruins, and the recreated Elizabethan Garden, both managed by English Heritage.

Abbey Fields

A gorgeous public open space attracting visitors from miles around, and that forms the green heart of Kenilworth. The 68 acres includes a lake, two children's play areas, tennis courts and heritage trails. The Abbey Fields are also rich in history, with the remains of a historic Abbey.

The High Street and Old Town

Enjoy the charm of Castle Hill and the High Street with its independent restaurants, bars and a few shops. The town is also well served by two community theatres, the Talisman and the Priory, both centrally located and putting on a programme of plays, musicals and shows.

Kenilworth Greenway

The Kenilworth to Berkswell Greenway is a country park following a 6.5 km section of a former railway line, open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Left to itself after the line closed, the old trackbed became a wildlife corridor, which you can enjoy today.

Kenilworth Common and Nature Reserves

Four nature reserves sit within easy reach of the town centre too - Crackley Woods, Knowle Hill, Kenilworth Common and Parliament Piece - a field and nature reserve covering 14 acres, was where, according to legend, King Henry III held a Parliament in 1266.

Nine centuries of royal history

It is thought that a castle has existed at Kenilworth since Saxon times. Kenilworth has experienced dramatic episodes in English history from the six-month siege of 1266, believed to be the longest in English medieval history to the removal of Edward II from the throne, to the lavish Tudor pageantry of 1575. 

Insider tips

• Check out the events and exhibitions taking place at Kenilworth Castle, such as the renowned fireworks display over the castle.
• Allow time to climb Leicester's Tower at the castle for sweeping views over the ruins and countryside beyond.
• Some of the best views of Kenilworth Castle are to be had on the Millennium Way circular walk, which you can pick up close to the castle.
• Pick up a heritage trail leaflet and follow it through the Old Town - the stories hidden behind the facades of Kenilworth's older buildings can be surprising.
• Enjoy fine dining in cafe’s, restaurants and pubs in Kenilworth, with its fair share of Michelin stars.

Getting here

By rail

Kenilworth Station is on the line linking Nuneaton, Coventry, Kenilworth and Leamington Spa, with trains running every hour, seven days a week. The castle is about a mile from the station - a pleasant walk through the town, or a short taxi ride away.

By bus

Kenilworth can be reached by frequent buses from Coventry, Leamington Spa and Warwick making it straightforward to visit without a car from several of the county's larger towns.

By car

Kenilworth is located on the A46, just six miles from both Coventry and Warwick and close to the M40 and M6 motorways. There is plentiful parking available throughout including a large long-stay car park at Abbey Fields.

Walking and cycling

The countryside around Kenilworth is superb walking country. The castle and Abbey Fields make a natural starting point, while the Greenway, the common and the nature reserves open up quieter, greener corners of the town and beyond. The following long-distance walking routes pass through or close to Kenilworth.

Millennium Way 

The Millennium Way passes close to Kenilworth Castle, with a gentle ten-kilometre circular walk starting at the castle and taking in wide open countryside, flat farmland and even an alpaca field. The Millennium Way itself is a particularly satisfying introduction to this 100-mile trail that runs from Pershore in Worcestershire to Middleton Cheney in Northamptonshire.

Warwickshire Centenary Way 

The Centenary Way long-distance path passes through Kenilworth connecting the town to the wider county-spanning route that stretches from Kingsbury Water Park in the north to the Cotswold edge at Upper Quinton, and offering straightforward access to open countryside in either direction from the town centre.

Kenilworth Greenway 

The Greenway follows the old railway branch line from Berkswell to Kenilworth Junction, first opened in 1884, and is a permissive bridleway open to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. It links Kenilworth town centre with local villages, the University of Warwick and Berkswell railway station. Parts of the Greenway are designated as National Cycle Route 52.

National Cycle Route 52 

For those wanting to venture further afield, Kenilworth Greenway connects to the National Cycle Route 52 - a long distance route between Warwick and Osgathorpe, north of Coalville.

Discover more

To discover more things to do and explore in and around Kenilworth, take a look at Visit Kenilworth.