Pictures of England

Search:

Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Village sign

Fletching

in the county of East Sussex

Pictures of Kenilworth

in the county of Warwickshire

About Kenilworth

Kenilworth is a pleasant town located in the spacious Warwickshire countryside, it is a town with an 'air of gentility' that tells you that this is a prosperous place with a long, illustrious history. A short distance away but close enough for it's fields to border the fascinating old parts of Kenilworth, is Stoneleigh Abbey, home of the Royal Agricultural Show which attracts visitors from all over Europe. The magnificent Italianate mansion dates 1726. It was built round the remains of an abbey and has an Elizabethan wing. The 14th-century gate-house to the monastry survives intact and the house shows superb furniture and is a treasure trove of fine paintings.

The true glory of Kenilworth lies in the magnificent and atmospheric ruins of Kenilworth Castle where romantically, Elizabeth I was entertained by her favourite, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. The Queen is said to have stayed for 18 days. It was a time of great rejoicing, merriment and pleasure. The castle was founded by Geoffrey de Clinton in the 12th-century. It was originally built as a fortress, and it was in the 14th-century that John of Gaunt turned it into the magnificent castle by adding elaborate domestic quarters. Robert Dudley added more living quarters and the northern gate-house. Much of John of Gaunt's banqueting hall still survives, together with other domestic quarters. The castle Keep was partially destroyed during the turmoil of the Civil War, and sadley, the castle was never to be re-occupied again. To wander the castle ruins is to walk hand in hand with history, it is an atmospheric place, never more so that when a fading sun casts long shadows all around, it is a if you can feel the grandeur of the past rising up before you with the tinkling sound of music and a young Queen being courted by her favourite.

A wander in the town reveals several buildings of note from both the Georgian and Victorian periods. It is a spacious town that has some delightful shops, restaurants and welcoming inns. The open countryside surrounding the town is very pastoral, old meadows are grazed by cattle and sheep and here and there you will find beautiful old timber frame cottages and gracious red brick farmhouses. This is an area where every village reveals fresh delights, the whole region is steeped in history and is a joy to explore.

Nearby attractions include 2 National Trust properties - Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House.

Recommended towns & villages near Kenilworth

Coventry

Coventry (151 Pictures) in the county of West Midlands

(4.6 miles, 7.5 km, direction NE of Kenilworth)

Coventry has been at the heart of industry for many decades and has a great industrial past...

Rainbow over Royal Leamington Spa

Royal Leamington Spa (37 Pictures) in the county of Warwickshire

(4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction SE of Kenilworth)

This town has a history stretching back to the Doomsday Book, but it was Queen Victoria who put the "Royal" into Leamington Spa when she bestowed the title in 1838...

Warwick from the Castle, Warwick

Warwick (262 Pictures) a Historic Market Town in the county of Warwickshire

(4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction S of Kenilworth)

Warwick offers its visitors the chance to explore England's fascinating history with fine medieval buildings and a truly magnificent castle...

The museum at Berkswell, Warwickshire

Berkswell (7 Pictures) in the county of West Midlands

(4.8 miles, 7.8 km, direction NW of Kenilworth)

This must be one of England's loveliest villages, it is evocative of a life before urbanisation and modernity, it is that perfect idyll of much loved English country life where you can re-discover the peaceful tranquillity of yester-year...

Henley In Arden, Warwickshire

Henley in Arden (8 Pictures) a Historic Market Town in the county of Warwickshire

(9.3 miles, 15.0 km, direction SW of Kenilworth)

Hidden deep amonst the leafy lanes of Warwickshire, close to what little remains of the ancient Forest of Arden, lies the pleasant Market town of Henley-in-Arden...

All towns & villages in Warwickshire
Complete A to Z of towns & villages in England

Nearby attractions..

Kenilworth Castle

Kenilworth Castle (84 Pictures)

(0.7 miles, 1.1 km)

This is all that remains of a castle that once heaped lavish entertainments on England's "Good Queen Bess" for here in the heart.....

A picture of Lord Leycester Hospital

Lord Leycester Hospital (6 Pictures)

(4.1 miles, 6.6 km, direction S)

One of the most interesting building's of Warwick to survive the great fire in 1694 is the Lord Leycester Hospital. This historic.....

St John's House Museum, Warwick

St Johns House Museum (1 Pictures)

(4.7 miles, 7.6 km, direction S)

A charming 17th century mansion displaying folk life and costume, with period reconstructions of a Victorian parlour, kitchen and.....

Collegiate church - Church of St Mary's in Warwick

Warwick Church of St Mary (1 Pictures)

(4.7 miles, 7.6 km, direction S)

St Marys Church is believed to date back to pre norman times. Roger Earl of Warwick made it a collegiate church in 1123, giving.....

No picture available

St Nicholas Park

(4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction S)

Lovely in the summer, St Nicholas park contains a crazy golf course, childrens train, amusements, paddling pool and boats for.....

A picture of Okens House

Okens House (1 Pictures)

(4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction S)

The black and white fronted Oken's House houses one of the finest collections of early dolls and toys in the country. It was the.....

A picture of Warwick Museum

Warwick Museum (1 Pictures)

(4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction S)

The Warwickshire County Museum is housed in the Market Hall which was built in 1670. It was built on arches to allow for stalls.....


All attractions in Kenilworth
All attractions in Warwickshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England