Castle town with indie shops, just 30 mins from Birmingham is named one of the 'best places to live'
One of Birmingham's 'best places to live' is today's castle town with indie shops
It has three outstanding primary schools, independent shops rule here, and commuting to London is easy
Having trouble getting to and from the city every day but want to live somewhere beautiful? Discover why this town has been named one of Warwickshire's best places to live for its 'easy-on-the-eye' appearance.
Having a medieval castle in your hometown is a rare find, let's face it. We're talking about Warwick, of course. In addition to its famous castle and racecourse, this historic town offers much more.
There are plenty of independent shops and eateries within walking distance of the town centre, plus parks and gardens along the River Avon. In addition, there are a number of primary schools that are rated as outstanding by Ofsted.
It ranks alongside Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Kenilworth in Muddy Stilettos 2025 annual guide.
In a statement, Muddy Stilettos said: "This easy-on-the-eye market town has Georgian townhouses, Queen Anne mansions, tottering half-timbered Tudor buildings and a castle, all washed down with chi-chi tea shops and artisan bakeries. It has two top independent single-sex schools, boating on the river, leafy parks and is really close to Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon and Coventry.
"Take your pick from creative Spanish cuisine at La Mesa, pizza and craft beers at Dough & Brew and Thai food at The Art Kitchen. Nice characterful gastropubs include The Old Coffee Tavern, a London-style boozer with rooms, The Rose and Crown and The Globe – both also offer B&B.
"And if it’s a coffee and cakes you’re after, we can highly recommend Jack’s Shack, Warwick Street Kitchen and another lovely artisan bakery Bread & Co."
Warwick Books, Hatton & Harding, and Green Bean are among the independent boutiques and antique shops the lifestyle website loves. Kids love Hatton Adventure World, which is near Hatton Shopping Village, which has a farm shop, boutiques, jewellery maker, and garden centre.
The majority of Warwick's sales last year were flats, selling for an average of £243,486. Semi-detached homes sold for an average of £373,399. Detached houses sold for an average of £579,279
There are several theatres to choose from, including Playbox Theatre, Warwick Arts Centre, and Bridge House Theatre. Enjoy the great outdoors at Priory Park, Hill Close Gardens, Mill Garden, St Mary's Lands and St Nicholas Park, which has an outdoor pool in the summer and a large playground. An international folk festival and a history festival, Warwick Words, are always happening.
St Anthony's Catholic Primary and Coten End Primary School were rated Outstanding by Ofsted, while Campion, Aylesford School and Sixth Form College and Myton were rated Good. As well as Warwick, there are a number of highly regarded independent schools.
Birmingham to Warwick: How to get there
Warwick is approximately 40 minutes away from Birmingham via the M42 and M40. On the other hand, catching a train is quicker. There are direct trains from Birmingham Moor Street that take as little as 27 minutes. It takes just one hour and 25 minutes to get from Warwick Parkway to London Marylebone.
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