At BirminghamWorld we love to celebrate the plethora of West Midlands towns that make the region so special and unique.
Last week, we made the case that Stratford-upon-Avon should be in the running for the UK Town of Culture competition. Though, there is another Warwickshire market town that is often overlooked in comparison to Shakespeare’s birthplace that is considering to run for UK Town of Culture.
That town of course is Warwick, the town would like to emphasis the area's distinctive identity and community spirit.
There is definitely more to Warwick than its iconic castle, which at over 1,000 years old is the best preserved fortress in England.
At the moment, residents, businesses and visitors in Warwick are being asked to describe what makes the town special, as part of a potential opportunity to celebrate the town on a national scale.
The council is not committing to a bid at this stage, but is using the programme’s focus on pride, culture and place to start with a conversation with the local community around what makes Warwick such a special place.
Cllr Dave Skinner, leader of Warwick Town Council, said: “Warwick is full of brilliant people, ideas and activity, and this competition offers a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on all of that. What’s particularly exciting is the chance to bring people together - residents, businesses and community groups - to help shape the conversation and celebrate what makes Warwick such a special place.”
5. Court House
The historic Court House is a Grade I listed building located on Jury Street is at the heart of Warwick. The building was built after the Great Fire of Warwick in 1694, and was re-opened in 2014. It's now a hub for the local community, and is a good place to start if you're keen to learn more about Warwick. | Warwick Town Council
6. The backdrop to some of your favourite TV and films
Warwick and its historic buildings have been the perfect backdrop for multiple TV series. Period dramas Pride and Prejudice, Tom Jones, and Moll Flanders were all filmed here, while parts of the town substituted for Elizabethan- and Jacobean-era London in the BBC’s Doctor Who. Filming also took place in June 2019 for A Christmas Carol, which was broadcast on UK television at Christmas of that year. As recently as September 2025, Warwick was used for filming the BBC mystery series Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators. You may also spot the Blue Plaque erected in recognition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s association with Warwick. The author was married in Warwick’s Catholic Church of Saint Mary Immaculate and is said to have been very influenced by the town. It’s even thought to have inspired ‘The Shire’ in his famous hobbit books. | Warwick Castle
7. Enjoy the River Avon
Often called Shakespeare's Avon, is one of England’s most prolific rivers. Avon is about 85 miles, and it starts in Naseby, Northamptonshire, runs through Warwickshire county before eventually merging with the the River Severn at Tewkesbury. | Warwick Visitor Centre
8. Mill Gardens
This is a gorgeous cottage garden near Warwick Castle and its located the banks of the River Avon. The general admission fee for adults is £3 and children can enter for free. This hidden oasis of Mill Garden, tucked at the end of Mill Street in a breathtaking position on the banks of the River Avon, lying beneath the walls of Warwick Castle. | Warwick Visitor Centre