Dark History Walking Tour in Warwick

If you’re seeking a unique way to experience Warwick after dark, the Dark History Walking Tour offered by The Weird Walk of Warwick delivers an engaging mix of spooky tales and historic insights for only $15.18 per person. This 1 hour 30-minute guided walk takes you through some of Warwick’s most intriguing and haunted sites, making it perfect for visitors eager to see a different side of the city beyond its well-known landmarks.

The tour begins at Lord Leycester Hospital and culminates in the bustling market square at the Heron Sculpture Fountain, with stops at notable locations like Warwick Castle, Collegiate Church of St Mary’s, and the Old Shire Hall. With a highly-rated guide and free cancellation, it offers a practical yet captivating experience suitable for most travelers.

Key Points

• Affordable price point of $15.18 per person offers excellent value for a 90-minute guided walk.
• Includes visits to historic landmarks such as Warwick Castle and Lord Leycester Hospital.
• Expert storytelling highlights Warwick’s haunted past, murders, and legendary figures.
• Accessible to most, though it involves some walking and standing; not ideal for those with mobility issues or young children.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds flexibility to your plans.
• Highly recommended, with a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 148 reviews.

Starting Point: Lord Leycester Hospital

The tour kicks off at Lord Leycester Hospital on High Street, a building known for its ancient architecture. Here, you’ll learn about a ghost story tied to this historic site and hear about a nearby deadly murder. The stop lasts about 10 minutes and is a great introduction to Warwick’s darker tales.

This site sets the tone for the evening, blending history with ghostly legends, and is ideal for those interested in Warwick’s hidden stories. The free admission adds to the tour’s overall value, making it a compelling starting point.

Exploring Warwick Castle’s Secrets

Next, the guide leads visitors to the Warwick Castle area, specifically the coach house and stables. A daring heist that took place here is revealed, illustrating Warwick’s treacherous past. This stop lasts around 8 minutes and provides fascinating context on how Warwick’s castle evolved into the historic fortress we see today.

While the castle is a famous landmark, the focus here is on its lesser-known stories, giving visitors a fresh perspective on this iconic site. The free admission at this stop is a bonus, as most visitors will already be familiar with the castle’s grandeur.

The Mysterious Oken Tea Rooms

This stop takes you to the Old Oken Tea Rooms, once the residence of Thomas Oken, a notable Elizabethan merchant. The guide shares stories of his death and the spooky happenings that reportedly occurred afterward. Lasting about 8 minutes, this site offers a glimpse into Warwick’s mercantile past intertwined with ghostly tales.

Fans of mystery and legend will appreciate how this stop combines history with supernatural stories, making it both informative and chilling.

The Tragedies and Triumphs of Castle Hill

At Castle Hill, near the old horse and coach entrance, the tour uncovers two dramatic stories. The first involves Piers Gaveston, a controversial noble who was executed in Warwick, and the second focuses on Fulke Greville, the castle’s owner who made it the impressive structure it is today.

This 16-minute stop reveals tragic circumstances behind Warwick’s historic figures and shows how personal stories are tied to the landscape. It’s a compelling mix of history and legend, perfect for those interested in Warwick’s noble and notorious past.

The Legend of Moll Bloxham on Mill Street

Walking along Mill Street, one of Warwick’s most picturesque and ancient streets, visitors hear the legend of Moll Bloxham—the infamous hellhound of Warwick. The story is delivered in about 8 minutes, and the street’s charming scenery provides a fitting backdrop for this spooky legend.

This stop offers a visual treat alongside the stories, with plenty of opportunities for photos. Fans of local folklore will find this particularly memorable.

The Tall Spire of St Mary’s

The Collegiate Church of St Mary’s is the tallest building in Warwick. The guide discusses some notable historical figures buried there, adding depth to the tour’s exploration of Warwick’s religious and social history. This 8-minute stop emphasizes Warwick’s architectural heritage and its noteworthy past residents.

Visitors interested in church architecture or famous burials will find this highlight engaging and informative.

The Old Shire Hall and Its Secrets

Standing outside the Old Shire Hall, the site where criminal trials took place, the tour explores Warwick’s judicial history. The guide explains trial procedures, the county courts, and shares the story of the strangest case ever heard here. This 8-minute stop emphasizes Warwick’s dark judicial past.

It’s an evocative site where history feels close, especially when hearing about notorious cases that once unfolded within the hall’s walls.

Last Words on Barrack Street

The last remaining gaol cell in Warwick is located on Barrack Street. Here, the guide recounts the final moments of a murderous criminal before their execution, along with a story about a family hanged at the scaffold. The group then visits the execution site and learns about what happened after the hangings. This 16-minute segment adds a visceral layer to the tour.

This stop makes Warwick’s harsh justice history tangible and might appeal to those interested in medieval punishment.

The Final Legend at the Market Square

The tour wraps up at the Heron Sculpture Fountain in the market square. The final story involves murder, insanity, and witchcraft, emphasizing crimes and trials that shocked Warwick. After hearing this chilling tale, visitors are free to explore nearby pubs and restaurants.

This ending provides a memorable conclusion, leaving guests with a taste for Warwick’s dark side that they can continue exploring independently.

Practical Details and Group Size

The tour departs from Lord Leycester Hospital at 7:30 pm and is suitable for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 30. It features a mobile ticket for easy access, and service animals are allowed. The pace involves some walking and standing, so it’s less suited for those with mobility issues or very young children.

The tour is scheduled for most evenings, with bookings typically made about 12 days in advance. Its affordable price and length make it an attractive option for an engaging evening activity.

Why This Tour Excels

What sets this Dark History Walking Tour apart are the expert storytellers who deliver the tales with artistic flair, making dark subjects both entertaining and educational. The local guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging delivery, often making history feel alive.

The stops are carefully curated to include landmarks, legends, and moments of intrigue, while the cost remains accessible. The free cancellation policy adds peace of mind, allowing for flexible planning.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour is a great choice for history buffs, folklore enthusiasts, and those intrigued by haunted locations. It’s ideal for adults and older children due to some dark themes and the walking involved. Visitors who appreciate storytelling and want an insider’s view of Warwick’s lesser-known stories will find this tour especially rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
It may not be ideal for very young children due to some dark themes and the walking involved. Older children and teens will likely enjoy it more.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

What is the cost?
Tickets are priced at $15.18 per person, offering good value considering the guided storytelling and site visits.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Lord Leycester Hospital and ends at the Heron Sculpture Fountain in Warwick’s market square.

Are there any physical requirements?
Participants should be able to walk and stand for the duration, as the tour includes some walking and standing at multiple sites.

Is there any parking nearby?
The tour starts at a central location on High Street, which is accessible via public transportation and has nearby parking options.

This Dark History Walking Tour combines history, legend, and entertainment into an accessible package, ideal for visitors seeking a memorable night in Warwick. Its affordable price, engaging guides, and variety of haunted tales make it a compelling choice for those interested in the darker side of Warwick’s past.