St John's House, Warwick: A Jacobean Mansion with Nine Centuries of History
Explore nearly 900 years of history in Warwick’s Jacobean St John's House, a Grade I listed mansion blending heritage, education, and intimate events.
St John's House in Warwick is a Grade I listed Jacobean mansion with origins dating back to the 12th century when it served as a medieval hospital. Over nearly 900 years, it has evolved from a hospital to a private residence, school, War Department office, and museum. Today, it offers intimate event spaces and educational experiences, showcasing local history and heritage within its historic sandstone walls.
A brief summary to St John's House
- St Johns, Warwick, CV34 4NF, GB
- +441926412069
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Pre-book your visit or group tour as St John's House is generally closed to the general public and accessible mainly to school groups and private bookings.
- Explore the recreated Victorian classroom and social history exhibits on the ground floor for a glimpse into 19th-century education.
- Check availability for wedding ceremonies or special events, as the house offers intimate, historic rooms suited for small gatherings.
- Visit nearby St Nicholas' Park after your tour to enjoy Warwick’s green spaces and scenic surroundings.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Bus
Local bus services connect Warwick town centre to the St Johns area, with frequent routes taking approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Buses run regularly throughout the day but check schedules for weekend and evening service variations. Tickets cost around £2 to £4.
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Taxi
Taxis from Warwick town centre to St John's House take about 5 to 10 minutes depending on traffic. This is a convenient option for groups or those with limited mobility, with fares typically ranging from £7 to £12.
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Walking
From Warwick town centre, a walk to St John's House takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes along mostly flat, paved streets. The route is accessible but may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.
St John's House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about St John's House
Medieval Origins and Early History
St John's House stands on a site originally used as a hospital in the mid to late 1100s, located on the eastern edge of Warwick. It provided rest and care for travellers and the local poor or unwell. The property was affected by King Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s, after which it was granted to Anthony Stoughton, a servant of Queen Katherine Howard. The Stoughton family rebuilt the house in the late 16th and mid-17th centuries, resulting in the Jacobean mansion seen today, constructed from distinctive Warwick sandstone.Jacobean Architecture and Family Legacy
The present building dates to around 1667, featuring grand ground and first-floor rooms for the family and smaller attic windows where servants lived. The house’s imposing stone façade was intended as a status symbol, impressing visitors with its craftsmanship despite the sandstone’s relative softness. The Stoughton family’s history is colorful, including Eugenia Stoughton, known for her eccentric lifestyle and numerous cats. Ownership passed through generations until the house was sold in 1788.Transformation into an Educational and Military Site
From 1791, St John's House served as a school for boys and girls, focusing on the traditional 'three R’s'—reading, writing, and arithmetic—with strict, silent classes emphasizing memorization. The school closed in 1900 due to bankruptcy. In the 20th century, the building was repurposed as a War Department record office and later housed museum collections, including social history, costumes, and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Museum.Museum and Cultural Venue Today
Since opening as a museum in 1960, St John's House has welcomed thousands of visitors, particularly school groups, for educational activities and exhibitions. The ground floor features a recreated Victorian classroom and displays of toys and costumes, while the first floor hosts the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Museum. Though closed to the general public, it is available for pre-booked groups, weddings, and special events, offering a unique historic atmosphere.Setting and Surroundings
The mansion is set near St Nicholas' Park, with a small garden adjacent to the house that adds to its tranquil charm. Its location on Warwick’s eastern edge provides a scenic and historic context, blending heritage architecture with green space. The house’s wood-panelled rooms and intimate event spaces make it a sought-after venue for small weddings and private ceremonies.Preservation and Heritage Status
St John's House is a Grade I listed building, recognized for its architectural and historical significance. The preservation of its Jacobean features and the careful curation of its museum exhibits ensure that the legacy of nearly 900 years continues to educate and inspire visitors. Its role as an education centre and event venue highlights the adaptive reuse of historic buildings in Warwickshire’s cultural landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Randolph Turpin Statue
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Shakespeare & Company Holiday Home
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Tramway Bridge
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The Countess of Evesham
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Stratford Waterside Market
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Discover unique artisan treasures and vibrant street food in Stratford-upon-Avon's charming riverside market.
Stratford upon Avon
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Historic market town on the River Avon, birthplace of Shakespeare, blending timeless Tudor charm with vibrant cultural life and scenic riverside beauty.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Shop
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Discover the essence of Shakespeare's legacy at The Shakespeare Birthplace Shop, a unique gift shop in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Statue Of Shakespeare Stratford-upon-Avon
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A bronze tribute to the Bard in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, where literature and history come alive on Henley Street.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
13.3 km
Discover the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, where the legacy of Shakespeare comes to life through captivating performances and stunning architecture.
Magic Alley
13.3 km
Discover the magic and folklore at Magic Alley, a whimsical attraction in Stratford-upon-Avon that brings stories to life in enchanting displays.
Stratford Upon Avon Bandstand
13.3 km
Historic bandstand in Stratford-upon-Avon offering free summer concerts and a vibrant community atmosphere in a scenic park setting.
Sinister Stratford
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Explore the darker side of Stratford-upon-Avon with Sinister Stratford's captivating tours of haunted history and folklore.
Garrick
13.3 km
Step into Stratford-upon-Avon's oldest pub, where medieval charm meets hearty fare and centuries of captivating history.
Stratford-upon-Avon Town Hall
13.4 km
Elegant Palladian landmark in Stratford-upon-Avon, blending rich history, Shakespearean heritage, and civic tradition since 1767.
Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council
13.4 km
Explore Stratford-upon-Avon and its rich heritage at the Town Council, your gateway to local culture and events in Shakespeare's hometown.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Nicholas' Park, Warwick
0.3 km
A historic riverside park in central Warwick offering gardens, sports, and family-friendly leisure in a tranquil natural setting.
Warwick
0.3 km
Discover Warwick’s timeless medieval castle, charming historic streets, and tranquil river setting in the heart of Warwickshire.
Warwick East Gate Victorian Type PB1 Postbox
0.3 km
Discover Warwick’s charming Victorian cast iron postbox, a vibrant red relic of 19th-century British postal heritage still in use beside East Gate clock tower.
Warwick Castle Main Entrance
0.5 km
Step into over 1,100 years of history at Warwick Castle, where medieval grandeur meets immersive live entertainment and scenic grounds.
The Castle Dungeon
0.5 km
Step into Warwick Castle’s dark past with The Castle Dungeon, a spine-chilling immersive journey through plague, torture, and medieval terror.
Warwick Antiques Centre
0.5 km
Discover timeless treasures and vintage charm at Warwick Antiques Centre, a historic marketplace in the heart of Warwick.
Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum
0.5 km
Explore the rich history of the Warwickshire Yeomanry cavalry regiment in the historic Georgian Court House of Warwick.
St Mary’s Church
0.5 km
Discover St Mary’s Church, Warwick: a historic collegiate church blending medieval grandeur with post-fire Gothic revival in the heart of Warwick.
Time Tower
0.6 km
Step inside the Time Tower at Warwick Castle for an immersive journey through centuries of history with captivating audiovisual storytelling and stunning views.
Market Hall Museum, Warwick
0.7 km
Discover Warwickshire’s rich history in a 17th-century landmark with fossils, Roman treasures, and a live beehive at Market Hall Museum.
Market Pl
0.7 km
Discover Warwick Market’s vibrant Saturday stalls in the historic Market Place, where fresh local produce and unique crafts come alive every week.
The Weird Walk of Warwick
0.7 km
Explore centuries of military history and medieval charm at the Lord Leycester Hospital’s Weird Walk of Warwick, a unique living heritage site.
The Lord Leycester
0.7 km
Step into a living medieval masterpiece where Tudor history breathes through centuries-old timber walls and enduring traditions.
The Rose & Crown
0.8 km
Historic Warwick gastropub and inn offering seasonal cuisine, fine ales, and cozy accommodation in the heart of Market Place.
Warwick Castle
0.8 km
Discover over 1,100 years of history, thrilling live shows, and breathtaking views at Warwick Castle, one of Britain’s finest medieval fortresses.
Essential places to dine
The Aubergine Turkish Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine with vibrant flavors and warm ambiance in the heart of historic Warwick.
Aqua Food & Mood Lebanese Restaurant
0.5 km
Authentic Lebanese flavors and warm hospitality combine in Warwick’s cozy Mediterranean gem.
Giggling Squid - Warwick
0.6 km
Vibrant Thai tapas and bold flavours in Warwick’s historic High Street, with a welcoming atmosphere and dedicated vegan options.
La Mesa
0.6 km
Experience intimate Spanish-Mediterranean fusion dining in Warwick’s historic Old Square with exquisite five-course menus and warm hospitality.
7 Square Restaurant
0.6 km
Experience refined French-inspired cuisine and unique artistic ambiance in the heart of Warwick’s historic Old Square.
The Art Kitchen
0.7 km
Experience vibrant Thai cuisine in Warwick’s dynamic art gallery setting, where fresh flavors meet contemporary creativity.
Tasca Dali
0.7 km
Experience authentic Spanish flavors with a surprise 5-course tasting menu in the heart of Warwick’s Market Place.
The Globe
0.8 km
Historic Warwick pub and hotel offering Mediterranean-inspired dining, cozy rooms, and a lively yet welcoming atmosphere in the town center.
Saxon Mill Warwick
2.0 km
Historic riverside gastropub in Warwick blending traditional mill charm with modern British cuisine and scenic views.
The Moorings at Myton
2.2 km
A charming canal-side gastropub in Royal Leamington Spa, serving locally sourced English classics in a family- and dog-friendly setting.
The Star & Garter
2.8 km
A stylish gastropub in Leamington Spa blending traditional charm with modern dining and lively social vibes.
Habano Restaurant & Wine Bar
3.1 km
A vibrant Pan-Latin dining experience with fresh Cuban and Spanish flavors, friendly service, and a lively wine bar in the heart of Leamington Spa.
La Coppola Ristorante & Oyster Bar
3.2 km
Authentic Italian and seafood dining in an elegant, welcoming setting at the heart of Leamington Spa’s Parade.
Giggling Squid - Leamington Spa
3.2 km
Experience vibrant Thai flavors and stylish sharing plates in the heart of Leamington Spa’s Royal Priors Shopping Centre.
Côte Leamington Spa
3.2 km
Experience modern French cuisine and warm brasserie charm in the heart of Leamington Spa’s historic town centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cloud 9
0.2 km
Discover handcrafted fair trade treasures at Cloud 9, Warwick’s boutique for ethical gifts and global artisan crafts.
Browsers
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts and charming keepsakes in the heart of historic Warwick at Browsers, your cozy local gift shop on Smith Street.
Trinkets & Treasures Ltd
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts and charming homewares in Warwick’s welcoming boutique, perfect for every special occasion.
Present Days
0.6 km
Discover unique local crafts and charming gifts at Present Days, Warwick’s beloved boutique gift shop on historic Swan Street.
NV Her
0.7 km
Discover unique, sophisticated ladies’ fashion with a raw edge at NV Her, Warwick’s independent boutique in Market Place.
BeHoptimystic
0.7 km
Discover an eclectic mix of unique collectibles and rare treasures in the heart of Warwick’s historic Market Place.
The Shop at Market Hall
0.7 km
Explore The Shop at Market Hall for handcrafted treasures and local gifts that capture the heart of Warwick, England.
The Original Factory Shop (Warwick)
0.8 km
Discover unbeatable bargains on fashion, beauty, and home essentials in the heart of Warwick’s historic Market Place.
Leamington Shopping Park
2.1 km
Discover a vibrant shopping destination with free parking, top brands, and a welcoming open-air environment in the heart of Royal Leamington Spa.
Stone The Crows
3.1 km
Discover quirky gifts and stylish homeware at Stone The Crows, a beloved Leamington Spa boutique known for unique finds and excellent service.
Lilac Rose
3.1 km
Discover unique British fashion and accessories at Lilac Rose, Leamington Spa’s vibrant independent boutique with a curated, colourful collection.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
3.2 km
Discover quirky gifts, creative homewares, and joyful party supplies at Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Leamington Spa’s vibrant town centre.
Cotswold Trading - Leamington Spa
3.2 km
Discover stylish homewares and unique gifts at Cotswold Trading, Leamington Spa’s award-winning destination for curated, quirky collections.
Royal Priors Shopping Centre
3.2 km
Leamington Spa’s premier indoor shopping centre with spacious malls, diverse stores, and convenient access in the town’s historic heart.
Revolve
3.3 km
Discover exclusive ladies’ fashion and wedding wear with personalized service at Revolve, Leamington Spa’s stylish boutique on Warwick Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Black Pug
0.3 km
A historic Tudor pub in Warwick offering quirky charm, great drinks, dog-friendly warmth, and a lively beer garden atmosphere.
The Wild Boar
0.5 km
A cozy Warwick pub blending traditional charm, hearty British fare, and well-kept real ales in a welcoming atmosphere.
Ronnie's of Warwick
0.5 km
Eclectic bar in Warwick blending retro style, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere with a welcoming garden space.
The Old Coffee Tavern
0.6 km
Charming historic pub and boutique hotel in Warwick’s Old Square, blending cosy style, excellent food, and comfortable rooms in a central location.
That Gin & Cocktail Bar (That Gin Company)
0.6 km
Discover Warwick’s premier gin destination, blending bold handcrafted flavors with a cozy, inviting cocktail bar experience.
Tilted Wig
0.7 km
Historic gastropub and cozy inn in Warwick’s Market Place, blending traditional charm with modern British cuisine and welcoming accommodation.
The Eagle
0.7 km
A cozy, quirky cellar micro pub in Warwick serving expertly curated real ales and craft beers in an intimate, friendly atmosphere.
Rigsby's Cellar Bar
0.7 km
Cozy cellar charm meets heartfelt hospitality in Warwick’s intimate and quirky Rigsby's Cellar Bar.
The Castle Inn
1.1 km
A historic Warwick pub with quirky charm, lively entertainment, and a welcoming beer garden for locals and visitors alike.
The Fat Pug
2.4 km
Quirky and welcoming gastro pub in Leamington Spa serving hearty British dishes and lively drinks in a vibrant, eclectic setting.
Unicorn
2.5 km
A warm, family-friendly pub in Warwick offering excellent British fare, accommodating service, and a welcoming local atmosphere.
Fizzy Moon Brewhouse & Grill
3.0 km
Eclectic brewhouse and grill in Leamington Spa offering craft beers, hearty pub fare, and a uniquely stylish atmosphere.
Bedford Street Bar
3.1 km
Lively grill and bar venue in Leamington Spa offering live jazz, classic British dishes, and a vibrant social atmosphere with heated outdoor seating.
The White Horse
3.1 km
A charming blend of historic character and modern comfort, The White Horse offers classic British pub fare and a lively atmosphere in the heart of Leamington Spa.
The Boiler Room
3.2 km
An independent, quirky craft beer bar in Leamington Spa with artisan ales, lively music, and a cozy, intimate vibe.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Cavern
1.5 km
A vibrant night club in Warwick offering energetic music, lively dancing, and a social atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Altoria Nightclub
3.1 km
Experience Leamington Spa’s vibrant nightlife at Altoria Nightclub with diverse music floors, VIP service, and a unique rooftop terrace open till 3 am.
Neon
3.1 km
Leamington Spa’s largest nightclub, Neon delivers vibrant music, themed nights, and a dynamic party atmosphere every Friday until dawn.
Smack
3.1 km
Leamington Spa’s energetic and affordable two-floor nightclub with a storied past and a lively, if sometimes challenging, atmosphere.
Caz Bar Nightclub
13.2 km
Experience Stratford-upon-Avon's glamorous late-night vibe at Caz Bar, a vintage cellar nightclub with live DJs, dancers, and premium drinks until dawn.
Fat Cat Comedy Club
13.4 km
Discover the joy of laughter at Fat Cat Comedy Club in Stratford-upon-Avon, where each show promises an unforgettable night of entertainment.
Stratford Play House
13.4 km
Discover the vibrant world of performing arts at Stratford Play House, where drama, comedy, and culinary delights come together in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Stratford Upon Avon Bridge Club
14.0 km
Explore the vibrant community of The Stratford Upon Avon Bridge Club, where bridge enthusiasts gather for games, camaraderie, and local culture in a picturesque setting.
Club PST
29.5 km
Compact, bass-driven Digbeth club with reggae roots, stacked rooms and late-night underground parties.
Disco Wonderland
29.5 km
Dive into Birmingham's dazzling disco haven, where retro beats, neon lights, and endless energy light up Deritend's nightlife.
VOID Nightclub
29.6 km
Dive into Digbeth's underground heartbeat at VOID Nightclub, where marathon raves and thunderous bass fuel Birmingham's rawest nightlife from dusk till dawn.
The Night Owl
29.6 km
A cozy Digbeth venue where soulful retro beats and friendly vibes create unforgettable nights for all music lovers.
Quantum Vnues
29.6 km
Dive into Digbeth's beating heart: Quantum Venues delivers electrifying nights of music, lights, and unbridled energy in Birmingham's creative core.
Next Door & Spotlight
29.6 km
Two adjoining Digbeth nightspots — a pulse-driven DJ room and an intimate bar space with street-food pop-ups and a raw, industrial vibe.
Sector 57
29.8 km
Experience Birmingham’s vibrant nightlife at Sector 57, where eclectic music and electric vibes create unforgettable nights in Deritend.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Tranquil
- Intimate
- Educational
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Educational
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
