The Lord Leycester - Historic Site and Gardens

4.9 (26 reviews) 1–2 hours

out of 5

26 reviews

4.9

The Lord Leycester - Historic Site and Gardens — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

The Lord Leycester - Historic Site and Gardens, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

The Lord Leycester is one of the most remarkable medieval sites in Britain — and still home to a community of veterans today.

Located on Warwick’s High Street beside the West Gate, the site has over 900 years of history, centred on the Chapel of St James the Great, built in 1123 above the town’s original gateway.

Founded in 1571 by Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, it remains a working charitable home for former soldiers, known as the Brethren.

Unlike a traditional museum, the Lord Leycester is a living community. Visitors can explore the medieval buildings, courtyard and gardens, and join guided tours led by the Brethren themselves.

With a café and gift shop open to all, it offers a rare chance to experience history still being lived.

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At a glance

Duration: 1–2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–15
Written guide: German, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Polish, French, Turkish, Spanish
Guide: English
Operated by: The Lord Leycester

Ages: Children (0–4 years) · Youth (5–17 years) · Adults (18–64 years) · Seniors (65–120 years)

What is included

Included

Included: FREE Children's Activity Trails
Included: FREE Return Admission for 12 months
Included: Self-Guided Tour of the Buildings and Gardens
Included: Access to the on-site Café and Gift Shop

Not included

Not included: Guided Tours not included but are available on Wednesday & Saturday at 11am for an additional fee.

Itinerary

The Lord Leycester

Admission included

The Lord Leycester is one of Europe’s most important medieval buildings. Situated in the heart of Warwick next to the original West Gate of the town, it was built by the Guilds in 1380, and later acquired by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester in 1571. The buildings feature a Medieval Banqueting Hall, Guildhall and 900-year-old Chapel.

Having undergone a £5m restoration, completed in August 2023, The Lord Leycester has been transformed into a modern heritage visitor attraction with fascinating displays showcasing the site’s rich history and updated facilities, including a new Café and Gift Shop. Visitors can also relax in the 500-year-old Master's Garden, a tranquil oasis in the centre of town.

Within the impressive half-timbered buildings, Dudley founded a home for retired soldiers called ‘Brethren’ and installed a Master to oversee the running of the organisation. This is a tradition that has continued for over 450 years.