Warwick and Leamington Spa

Over the last couple of days we have stayed in Warwick and Leamington Spa.  Whilst in Warwick, we visited the Lord Leycester Hospital (thanks to such a good recommendation on Ian and Helen's blog when they visited on nb Leo).

The Lord Leycester Hospital

Despite it being called a hospital, it is not a medical establishment.  It was originally the home of the Warwick Guilds, built in the 14th and 15th century and acquired in 1571 by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leycester as a home for retired ex servicemen, (accommodation for 8).

  This is the chair where King James I sat when being entertained there in 1617.  The buildings and gardens are delightful and it was lovely to be welcomed by two of the 'Brethren', one ex. Irish Guards and one ex. Royal Navy  living there.  What a fantastic place to visit and full of history and such a reasonable price compared to Warwick castle.

In the gardens at The Lord Leycester Hospital  

The town of Warwick has many old buildings, although many of these were destroyed in the Great fire of Warwick  1694.

Warwick

 The centre is great only a 15 minute walk from the Saltisford Canal arm and about 20 minutes from the moorings at bridge 50.  There lots of  shops and some lovely independent one's too, well worth a visit.

We then cruised on to Leamington Spa mooring up at bridge 41, another lovely town with plenty of shops, beautiful gardens and majestic architecture.

Last night we enjoyed a cocktail and beer at 'Haunted', an unusual establishment with a spooky atmosphere. Later we had a very good curry at 'King Baba' across the road (very reasonable prices,  good food and service).