The best running trails around Barford

History of Oakley Wood There has been woodland here since way back in the 16th Century but much of it was replanted with Scots pine. There are now large areas of conifer with some broadleaf trees and scrubland mixed in. Warwickshire Wildlife Trust have longer term plans to restore the wood back to native broadleaf trees.

A there and back again street down to one of the best (free) views of Warwick Castle. It's lined with historic timber-framed buildings but the real draw for road cyclists is the cobbles!

A there and back again historic street lined with old buildings, down to the best (free) view of Warwick Castle, made all the more exciting by the addition of COBBLES!

In 1845, Hill Close pasture land began to be divided into garden plots which Warwick tradesmen rented. They planted apple trees and soft fruit, grew vegetables and flowers and kept pigs and poultry. They built summerhouses of brick or wood in order to shelter from rain or to sit and enjoy the view across the Common. At a later date, the freeholds of these plots were purchased individually, though some were then sub-let. In the early twentieth century, part of Hill Close Gardens was sold off for housing in Linen Street and St Paul’s Close. Fortunately the remainder has been saved and restored.

Nestled next to Warwick Castle, the racecourse is one of the oldest in the country with racing being traced back to as early as 1694. The sport was introduced to the market town in the hope of attracting wealthy professionals to help rebuild the areas wealth after the devastating Great Fire of Warwick. The inaugural race at the course was held in 1707, but another 102 years passed before the first stand was opened, parts of which remain today among the later developments. The most famous name to grace the course was the legendary Red Rum, who ran once on the flat in 1967 - the same year in which the course was bought by The Jockey Club, who continue to host a fantastic Jump racing calendar from September - May. Famous races held at Warwick include the Classic Chase, held each year in January and dating back to 1974.

The site of the church of St Nicholas which dated to the Early Medieval and Medieval periods, though little is known about it. The present church was built around 1780 and stands on St Nicholas Church Street, Warwick. A unique late 18th century church building and centre, St Nicholas Church guards the southern entrance of old Warwick. The present Church was built in 1785, replacing a decaying mediaeval church, the roots of which lay in a former Saxon nunnery on the site. Few new churches were built at that time, after the short period of classical revival church building in the style of Wren. St Nicholas is an unusually fine example of Gothic revival architecture, pre-dating the Victorian excesses, and displaying a rare, delicate, simple style. This creates an unusual Church worship and community centre. Internally the unusually fine columns support a squared capitol, from which rises a very shallow vaulted plaster ceiling. With only four free standing pillars, the essence of the building is a light and airy square space with large decorated style windows. Originally built with a small rounded apse, the former chancel arch has been filled in, hiding behind it a heavy later Victorian, dark chancel. This is now divided horizontally into two floors, creating valuable activity space, sustained by kitchen and toilet facilities. The approach to the church through the space beneath the western spire leads to a ‘welcome’ area beneath the western organ gallery, more reminiscent of a Wesleyan chapel! This provides a seating and meeting area, with a removable glass screen to the main church space, with modern toilet and catering facilities, the latter with lifting shutters into the main church area. The Choir singing at Warwick Castle on Ascension Day The present Church is still regarded historically as the Castle’s Church; hence the Earl of Warwick is a patron. Connections with the Castle go back a long way and our links are still strong today, for example, our Choir sings on the Castle Tower at sunrise on Ascension Day. The overall result is a 200 year old Gothic style people’s centre for worship and prayer, doubling as a pleasant area for events such as the Christmas bazaar, meetings, concerts, church parties, as well as the formal worship of a live church community in the 21st century

I'm sure there are other ways, clear around at ground level and trimming the trees...

The remains of a Medieval hospital founded by Roger Earl of Warwick. The remains lie to the north of Saltisford Road 100m north west of the Vittle Drive / Ansell Road cross roads. Upstanding buildings include the 15th century chapel and 15th/16th century Master's House. Hospital of St Michael, on the N of town, near St Michael’s Church. Founded by Roger Earl of Warwick about the end of the reign of Henry I (1100-1135). Its small endowment was originally intended for the benefit of lepers. Information on wardens and the history of the Hospital exists from 1275. In 1535 it was given to Richard Fisher in exchange for rent and the provision of money and four beds to the poor. Philip and Mary revived the religious character of the foundation. The last known master was appointed in 1557. The remains of the Hospital comprise a Chapel (PRN 1950) and a two-storied timber framed building of the 15th century, often known as the ‘master’s ‘ or ‘priest’s’ house. This is of two bays with close-studded framing and blocked original windows. Additions were made to the W in the 17th century. It was subsequently divided into three tenements.