Attractions and Places To See around Barston - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Barston, Warwickshire, offer a blend of historical landmarks and natural features. This area, situated near Solihull, is characterized by its rich history, including ancient castles and significant memorials. Visitors can explore a variety of sites, from cultural heritage points to scenic lakes. The region provides diverse opportunities for outdoor activities and historical discovery.
Best attractions and places to see around Barston
- The most popular attractions is Kenilworth Castle, a castle that features an impressive 12th-century Norman keep. It is a historical site that served as a defensive powerhouse and a semi-royal palace.
- Another must-see spot is National Cyclists' Memorial, Meriden, a man-made monument. This obelisk honors cyclist troops killed during World War I and II, located at what was considered the center of the country.
- Visitors also love Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes, a lake and historical site. The lakes were constructed in the 1820s to supply water to the Stratford upon Avon canal, and the engine house is a Grade II listed building.
- Barston is known for its historical sites, including castles and monuments, as well as natural features like lakes. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, catering to interests in history and outdoor recreation.
- The attractions around Barston are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 190 upvotes and over 70 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Kenilworth Castle Ruins
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Kenilworth Castle
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National Cyclists' Memorial, Meriden
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In 1914, cycling was incredibly popular in the UK. During the war, the British army included a Cyclist Corps which employed bicycle-riding messengers, coastal lookouts and scouts. The two-wheeled troops often found themselves behind enemy lines. One division advertised for recruits with the slogan: “Are you fond of cycling, if so why not cycle for the King.” (It generously added, “bad teeth no bar.”)
While the majority of these specialist troops were actually converted to conventional infantry and sent to the gridlocked trenches of France, bicycle troops were used by the British all through the war. When the fighting was over, in 1918, members of cycling clubs realized how many people had not returned. A monument was built to honor all the cyclists who were killed in battle.
The 32-ton, Cornish Granite-faced obelisk was installed using donations from cyclists all over the country, and Meriden was chosen for its location at the center of the country. The future king Edward VIII (then Prince of Wales) even auctioned his own bicycle to contribute to the fund. It was unveiled on May 21, 1921 with a ceremony attended by over 20,000 people. An annual service of remembrance is held each May, which hundreds of cyclists pedal their way to Meriden to take part in.
Bicycles were also used in World War II by hundreds of paratroopers who were given a special folding bike, and commandos, during the second wave after D-day. In 1963, a bronze plaque was added to commemorate the fallen cyclists from the Second World War.
Citation atlasobscura.com/places/national-cyclists-memorial
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The Bear Inn, Berkswell
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Berkswell's toponym is derived from the Berks Well, a 16 ft (5 m) square, stone-walled water well just outside the churchyard. It is said to have been used for baptisms by immersion and can still be seen today.
There are several 16th and 17th century houses in the village. The Bear Inn dates from the 16th century. The local history society runs a small museum in a 17th-century cottage near the church.
Ram Hall, about 0.5 miles (800 m) southeast of the village, was built about 1600. The Old Rectory, now called The Well House, south of the church, is early 18th century, then replacing a rectory whose records go back to early 17th century. The almshouses were built in 1853.
There is a village green on which are the stocks[5] that were used for punishing petty offenders. It is claimed that these were especially built for a one-legged ex-soldier and his two drinking companions as there are only five leg holes.
On Windmill Lane is the protected and restored Berkswell Windmill, a fine example of a tower millwith its original machinery.
Other local features include Marsh Lane Nature Reserve. There is a small Church of England primary school near the church on Church Lane.
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Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes
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Tips from the Community
Although the route suggested by Komoot was good there were some problems in the wooded section between the two railway crossings. The path was closed and therefore needed to find a detour.
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The area surrounding Castle Green offers picturesque views of the castle ruins and a greenery for visitors interested in England's rich history and architecture
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The castle was founded after the Norman Conquest of 1066; with development through to the Tudor period. It has been described by the architectural historian Anthony Emery as "the finest surviving example of a semi-royal palace of the later middle ages, significant for its scale, form and quality of workmanship". Kenilworth played an important historical role: it was the subject of the six-month-long siege of Kenilworth in 1266, thought to be the longest siege in medieval English history, and formed a base for Lancastrian operations in the Wars of the Roses. Kenilworth was the scene of the removal of Edward II from the English throne, the perceived French insult to Henry V in 1414 of a gift of tennis balls (said by John Strecche to have prompted the campaign that led to the Battle of Agincourt), and the Earl of Leicester's lavish reception of Elizabeth I in 1575. It has been described as "one of two major castles in Britain which may be classified as water-castles or lake-fortresses...
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Robert Langham (C16) - "The Castle has the name of Killingwoorth, but if truth grounded upon faithful story, Kenelwoorth [Kenilworth]. It stands in Warwickshire, a 74 mile North-West from London, and as it were in the navel of England, four mile somewhat South from Coventry a proper city, and a like distance from Warwick, a fair Shire town on the North. In air sweet and wholesome, raised on an easy-mounted hill, is set evenly coasted with the front straight into the East, has the tenants and town about it, that pleasantly shifts from dale to hill, sundry wherewith sweet springs burst forth; and is so plentiful and well sorted on every side into arable, meadow, pasture, wood, water, and good air, as it appears to have need of nothing that may pertain to living or pleasure."
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Drop down and corner past a medieval castle. Pretty cool.
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Although much of it is still in ruins, it is definitely worth the visit, very accessible from the centre and with a good car park (paid) next to it. The castle, which was built between the beginning of Norman rule in England and the Tudor period, played a significant role in history.
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Imposing monument, set in a charming village green with benches. Shops nearby.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly attractions around Barston?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Kenilworth Castle offers historical exploration and often hosts themed days and re-enactments. The National Cyclists' Memorial, Meriden is an interesting historical monument, and the Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes provides a scenic setting for outdoor enjoyment.
What historical sites can I visit near Barston?
The area is rich in history. You can explore the impressive Kenilworth Castle, a 12th-century Norman keep that was once a semi-royal palace. The National Cyclists' Memorial, Meriden commemorates cyclists from the World Wars. Additionally, St John the Baptist Church, Berkswell is a beautiful Norman parish church with a notable crypt.
What natural features can I see around Barston?
The Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes offers a significant natural feature. These three lakes were constructed in the 1820s to supply water to the Stratford upon Avon canal and provide a scenic environment.
Are there any wheelchair accessible attractions in the Barston area?
The National Cyclists' Memorial, Meriden is noted as being wheelchair accessible, offering an opportunity to visit this historical monument.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The Barston area is great for cycling. You can find various routes for touring bicycles, road cycling, and gravel biking. For touring, explore routes like the 'Packwood House – Wedge Bakery loop' or 'Meriden Pond – Berkswell Village loop'. Road cyclists might enjoy the 'Fleur de Lys Pub, Lowsonford – Packwood House loop'. Gravel biking options include the 'Kenilworth Castle – Kenilworth Greenway loop'. More details on these routes can be found in the Cycling around Barston, Road Cycling Routes around Barston, and Gravel biking around Barston guides.
Where can I find a pub near walking routes in the Barston area?
The Bear Inn, Berkswell is a 16th-century pub located in Berkswell, a village with historical sites like St. John the Baptist Church and the Berks Well, making it a good stop after exploring the local area.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Barston?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical landmarks and natural beauty. For instance, Kenilworth Castle is praised for its impressive Norman keep and historical significance, with many enjoying the themed events. The Earlswood Lakes are valued for their scenic views and historical context related to the canal system.
Are there any unique historical facts about the attractions?
Yes, the National Cyclists' Memorial, Meriden, an obelisk, was built using donations from cyclists nationwide and unveiled in 1921 to honor cyclist troops from World War I, with a bronze plaque added later for World War II. It's located at what was considered the center of the country. Also, the Earlswood Lakes were constructed in the 1820s, with labor including prisoners of war from the Napoleonic wars.
Can I find any Grade I or Grade II listed buildings in the area?
Yes, St John the Baptist Church, Berkswell is a Grade I-listed Norman parish church. Additionally, the engine house at Earlswood Lakes is a Grade II listed building, notable for its historical connection to the canal's water supply.
Are there any specific cycling routes that pass by historical sites?
Yes, the 'Kenilworth Castle – Kenilworth Greenway loop' is a moderate gravel biking route that passes by Kenilworth Castle. You can find more details in the Gravel biking around Barston guide.
What is the history behind the Earlswood Lakes?
The Earlswood Lakes were constructed in the 1820s over nearly five years to supply water to the Stratford upon Avon canal. The labor force included prisoners of war from the Napoleonic wars. The engine house, now Grade II listed, originally housed a beam engine to pump water to the feeder river.
What is the significance of the National Cyclists' Memorial?
The National Cyclists' Memorial, Meriden is a 32-ton Cornish Granite-faced obelisk built in 1920 to commemorate cyclist troops killed during World War I, with a later addition for World War II. It stands as a tribute to the significant role cyclists played in the wars and is located at what was considered the geographical center of the country.
Most popular attractions around Barston
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