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HOW IT RATES The county town of Warwickshire lies on the River Avon and is three miles from Leamington Spa, nine miles from Stratford and 11 from Coventry. Founded in AD914, it has always been a place of defence. However, a devastating fire in 1694 destroyed much of the town and many buildings were rebuilt in the late-17th century and 18th-century style. The town is famous for its castle, one of the country's top tourist attractions.

ARCHITECTURAL GEMS Warwick Castle is one of the most dramatic and complete medieval castles in the country. It has had people living in it since the Middle Ages and until recently was the home of the Earls of Warwick. In 1978 it was bought by the Tussauds Group when the waxworks moved in. Other medieval buildings that survived the fire were the Guildhall, now Lord Leycester Hospital, and a group of timber-framed buildings around Oken's House.

WHAT'S NEW Gladedale (Home Counties) Ltd has a development on the banks of the river within easy reach of the town centre. There are one, two and three-bedroom apartments, together with three and four-bedroom houses. Prices start from £156,750. 0845 1302707.

QUALITY OF LIFE Rather pleasant. The town sits on a river and is graced with many attractive parks and gardens. Hill Close Gardens is a network of Victorian gardens, which was recently restored using Heritage Lottery funding. St Nicholas Park is great for a day out with pony rides, paddling pools, boats for hire, sports facilities and a café.

TRAVEL The town has two railway stations: Warwick Station in the town and Warwick Parkway, a new station opened in 2000, a few miles from town. Both have services to London (1 hours), Birmingham (30 minutes) and Stratford-upon-Avon (20 minutes). The Saltisford Canal Arm, part of the Grand Union Canal, runs through the town.

SMARTEST STREETS Bridge End has some large detached period cottages with great views of the castle. Flanking an entrance to the castle is Mill Street, a cobbled road with property from various periods up to £1.75 million. Barford is the pick of the surrounding villages where Paul Twyneham & Co estate agents has a Regency-style house for £1.68 million.

BEST RESTAURANTS Findons is all chandeliers, drapes and mirrors with a fresh-tasting modern European cuisine. Merchants Wine Bar and Restaurant offers a fine dining experience with real English menus. For some excellent pub grub, try The Rose and Crown.

TOP NIGHTLIFE There are a few places where you can catch a play: Warwick Arts Centre, the Dream Factory and the Bridge House Theatre. Warwick is not big and its nightlife reflects this. There are some decent old-fashioned pubs. The Millwright Arms and The Roebuck are shrines to ale, offering a wide selection.

EDUCATION Warwick School claims to be the oldest boys' school in England. It is thought to date back to AD914. Other good secondary schools include The King's High School for Girls and Myton School and Aylesford School, both state-run. The University of Warwick is actually on the outskirts of Coventry.

WORKING LIFE The tourist sector is a large employer, with catering and retail on its shoulder. In recent years, National Grid and IBM have set up shop in and around Warwick.

UPSIDE Warwick has some excellent restaurants and a fantastic variety of independent shops. The racecourse is one of the leading courses in the country. From Saturday, for nine days only, Warwick Castle will host the Great Joust: two men, two sets of medieval armour, one winner.

DOWNSIDE It might seem a little dull and the tourist rush in the holidays could be overwhelming. The council estimates that the district will need 90 hectares of land for new homes and business and estimates suggest that a further 2,700 new homes will be built on greenfield land.

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