lord leycester hospital

we were met by one of the brethren, a retired Royal navy man who told us much about the 'hospital'. We walked around enjoying the chapel, great hall, courtyard, brethrens' kitchen, garden and the Queen's Royal Hussars exhibition/museum. This would probably not normally interest me but we were taken around on a personal tour by a retired Hussar officer, who pointed out things of interest, showed us various artefacts, and really brought the history of the Hussars alive ,. Good tea and scone in the Brethrens kitchen. This building is very old, made of oak beams and wattle and daub. It hasn't been painted black and white, which is better for the timbers. it is magnificent

We spent about an hour at Lord Leycester Hospital .. a building founded in the 1500's as a hospital for disabled soldiers. Blows me away that that this place is still standing, let alone the amazing state of repair, and there is also a reference to the Second World War. If you like stepping back in time, this is the place.

We began our visit with teacakes and a drink, in the Bretheren Tearooms. There are several historical features and artefacts in there, as well as a warm welcome. The resident/guide who welcomed us into the Hospital itself was very informative, and he sent us on our way round the Chapel, the Great Hall and the Courtyard, reading the information sheet as we went. Climbing the stairs from the Courtyard to the Guildhall was like going back in time, and the welcoming and knowledgeable gentleman in the room itself gave us information and anecdotes about the history of place itself. The Hussars Museum is very well set out, and completed our tour. We reported back to the resident/guide at the entrance, for a final chat.

The Lord Leycester is a genuine historical treasure which retains its authenticity (unlike the castle which has sold out to Tussauds). For a modest entry fee, you get an entertaining introduction to the building from one of the residents, and then you follow a self-guided route through the site which points out things of note and provides historical context. The complex is a wonderful mix of very old and old, and has some stunning Tudor architecture. Finally, there is a beautiful walled garden in which you can wander or sit and absorb the atmosphere, and forget you're in the heart of Warwick.There is also a small tea room for those that seek refreshment.This is without doubt the most interesting attraction in the town.

The ex-servicemen live on site and run the tours so they give a good intro and history of the place. It has a small charge to go in which goes to upkeep. Fascinating buildings and history. It's not over-run with tourists and has interesting buildings (chapel, dining hall, quod) to visit as well as tea rooms for refreshment. A lovely garden out the back is well kept and worth a look. Not your everyday attraction but it was a real gem to find and a privilege to look through.

A fascinating glimpse of Warwick's history, so much to see in such a small . Everyone was very knowledgeable, from the gentleman at the door - one of the residents, to the man upstairs giving a brilliant explanation of the swords and muskets on display. The chapel is magical and you can almost feel 500 years of people passing through the Guild Hall and the Great Hall. As a local I had driven past many times and am really glad that we have been. It will definitely be on my list of recommended places to visit in Warwick

I can't say enough to fully describe our experience here. It was terrific . The place itself is steeped in history. The gentleman upstairs was phenomenal , he took swords down from the walls as well as a musket. He obviously takes great pride in the history of the building and the regiment . Do not miss it !!

These buildings are a wonderful peek into the past and are now home to some friendly retired servicemen. We went at the end of our day and were a bit sceptical about paying to go in but it's really worth it for the wonderful history you learn and the insight into Warwick of so many centuries ago. Don't miss it!

The buildings are not kept to the high standards they once were and the areas are not kept clean, there is a general air of neglect. Needs some work to restore to former glory,

This building is a must. It is built in the tudor style and is hard to believe that it served as a hospital. The curators are very knowledgeable.

Lovely little tea room plus. Nice surroundings and good service. Cakes were good with a big choice. Great history to the room.

We only managed a half a tour, a wedding was pre-booked so we had half price tickets and thoroughly enjoyed what was on offer. The West Gate chapel is lovely, spot the Warwick bears! The courtyard architecture is well worth seeing, more bears to spot and we hope the porcupine finds his head soon! Up the old wooden stairs to the open gallery and the Guildhall which is beautiful, we tried to guess the table King James used but the wedding preparations had meant a bit of furniture shifting so we missed that one. Onwards to the little tea rooms in the old kitchen with interesting historical associations to look at and enjoy, a scone and tea, a good end to our visit.(The tea rooms can be visited separately.) A visit in the summer to see the gardens would make this a must return!

This ancient looking building is wonderful to tour. It isn't a hospital in modern terms of the word. there is a chapel to visit , It is and has always been a place for retired soldiers to live. Steeped in history, you just have to visit it yourself!

Visited yesterday and was amazed at the variety of history included in the few buildings!Excellent room guide in the Guildhall, took us on a personal tour of almost every item on display there.Thoroughly recommended,

Enjoyed the warmth of the residence and their shared knowledge. Café sweet and oldie worldie. Small garden very well kept, but not disable friendly. Tours of the building are on offer at certain times, stairs throughout I believe, but sounds very interesting.Step back in time.