Kenilworth
The first mention of Kenilworth is in the Domesday Book, then 'Chinewrde', as a small settlement, of approximately 100 villagers, in a clearing in the Forest of Arden. The town is steeped in history and today is perhaps best known for its castle, probably one of the finest ruined castles in Britain, immortalised and romanticised by Sir Walter Scott in his early 19th Century novel, 'Kenilworth'.
Although the town has grown considerably over the last half century, the pleasant atmosphere of a community, which is close to city, country and university, still exists. The central area, which grew up to the south after the opening of the railway in 1884, affords a wide selection of shops and other amenities, whilst the old High Street, standing to the north beyond Abbey Fields and Finham Brook, not only contains numerous examples of fine Listed buildings, but some lovely little shops.
Abbey Fields, itself, forms the green heart of Kenilworth, an extensive public open space used by residents and visitors for recreation from kite flying to playing tennis – the 68 acres includes a lake, children's play area and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Also in the town are four nature reserves, all managed through a partnership agreement between Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Warwick District Council.
The town has good transport links with Birmingham International Airport, the M40, M42, M6/M69 Motorways all being within 16 km (10 miles). There is a regular bus service to Coventry and Leamington Spa railway stations, and Warwick Parkway is about 10 minutes' drive away on the A46 bypass.