Bedworth
A small town with some of the best transport links in the country. Main line trains to London, Birmingham and the north and south from Coventry and Nuneaton and only minutes to the centre of the UK’s motorway system. For those who prefer a slower mode of transport the Coventry Canal passes through the edge of the town and provides a waterway link to the north and south of the country.
Although Bedworth has its civic links with Nuneaton it is a town with its own friendly identity. Whilst still thought by many as an ex-coal mining area, it formed an important part of the 19th Century silk ribbon weaving industry of Coventry and North Warwickshire. The ribbon trade collapsed in 1860 following the Cobden Free Trade agreement with France but the town adopted other trades such as tape, bead and trimming work and eventually hat making.
One world famous silk ribbon maker still operates in Bedworth. Toye, Kenning and Spencer produce high class medal ribbons and Masonic regalia which are exported around the world. Still run by the Toye family, the firm has grown and diversified since its foundation by a Protestant Huguenot refugee, Guillaume Toye in 1685, its original values are unchanged – superb craft skills, quality and service. The company holds a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty The Queen as supplier of Gold and Silver Laces, Insignia and Embroidery and was commissioned to manufacture the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal.
High class engineering skills abound in factories today in Bedworth, many people not realising that the Torches for the 2012 Olympics were made in the town. One of these torches can be seen in the Heritage Centre conveniently situated in All Saints Square in the centre of the town.
Next to the Heritage Centre is Bedworth’s hidden gem, the picturesque Nicholas Chamberlaine Almshouses which were built in 1840/41. These are managed by the Nicholas Chamberlaine Charity which was founded in 1715 after the death of Nicholas Chamberlaine. Nicholas was Rector of the small town for 51 years and in his Will left money to build and support schools for boys and girls and the establishment of a hospital (almshouses). As well as the almshouses the charity also supports three Church of England schools in the town. The pupils of these schools still gather in late May for songs, prayers and sticky buns at the almshouses for the annual Founders Day service. This annual custom sees buns provided for schoolchildren by the Charity and is the reason why it is better known as Bun Day.
Top class entertainment for North Warwickshire, Coventry and further afield, is provided by The Civic Hall in High Street which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2013. The town takes pride in the Miner’s Welfare Park, which dates from 1923 and was given the accolade of the best public park of its type in 2000.
10 free things to do in Northern Warwickshire
*parking charges apply at certain locations There’s no such thing as a free lunch they say, but who needs lunch anyway when Northern Warwickshire has so much on offer for free? 1 Fancy the long route from Coventry to Birmingham? Get away from the cities while walking...
Northern Warwickshire’s Cycling Country
Warwickshire is proud to have hosted a stage in the Ovo Women’s Cycle Tour for 3 years in a row – we certainly have some fine cycling country whatever your level of cycling proficiency. If you like to potter around away from traffic our country parks are ideal. Try...
Historic days out in Northern Warwickshire
Henry Tudor’s restover before the Battle of Bosworth, an important Roman fort town & Boudica’s last stand, the Elizabethan centre of literary activity, the Sir Robert Peel Museum and George Eliot’s inspiration are just some of the historical places of importance that you visit in North Warwickshire.
Family days out in Northern Warwickshire
Burn off some energy at our country parks or stroll along the peaceful Coventry or Fazeley canals? Whether you love books, adventure or animals we have some fantastic places for you to visit in North Warwickshire.
Uncover George Eliot Country
“Unconventional”, “unorthodox”, descriptions of one of the leading nineteenth century authors Mary Ann Evans, known as George Eliot and born in Nuneaton; drawing on her early life here in rural Warwickshire her themes and characters are just as relevant today as then....
Sporty trips in Northern Warwickshire
Road racers or easy trails? Tee off at the Belfry? Wakeboarding, waterskiing or open water swimming? Or a take a stroll that’ll give you insights into fascinating local history. North Warwickshire can cater for all tastes.
10 ideas for a rainy day
Let’s face it, England is famous for rainy days so we have it covered. 1 Have fun inside at the swimming pools in – Atherstone Leisure Complex, Pingles Nuneaton or Lea Marston hotel 2 Nuneaton’s Art Gallery & Museum showcases fine art, local history and galleries...
