Attractions and Places To See around Lapworth - Top 20

See rides here Send to Phone

National Cyclists' Memorial, Meriden

Highlight • Monument

The obelisk honors the cyclist troops who were killed during World War I.

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

Tip by

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

The Bear Inn, Berkswell

Highlight • Pub

The Church of England parish church of St. John Baptist is a late-12th century Norman building, notable for its two-part crypt. The eastern part is a rectangular space of two bays under the chancel. The western part is an unusual octagonal space under the eastern part of the nave. Later features of the church include the Perpendicular Gothic windows of the north aisle and the two-storied wooden porch.
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.

Tip by

Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes

Highlight • Lake

The Earlswood Lakes were constructed in the 1820S to provide water to the Stratford upon Avon canal. Construction took nearly 5 years to complete, and the labour force included prisoners of war from the Napoleonic wars.The cost of construction was £297,000.

There are three lakes. The Engine Pool lake cover 25 acres (10 ha). The lakes are fed by tributaries of the River Blythe, and in turn outfall into that river also.

Tip by

St John the Baptist Church, Berkswell

Highlight • Historical Site

St John’s is a pretty Norman parish church that contains one the finest crypts in the country. The Grade I-listed church was built in the 12th century and modified over the next 300 years. The half-timbered two-storey south porch was added in the 16th century. The grave of Maud Watson can be found near the porch and south wall. Watson became the first Ladies’ Singles Lawn Tennis Champion at Wimbledon in 1884 after beating her sister in the final.

Tip by

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Popular around Lapworth

Hiking around Lapworth

Road Cycling Routes around Lapworth

Running Trails around Lapworth

MTB Trails around Lapworth

Cycling around Lapworth

Gravel biking around Lapworth

Tips from the Community

Anita

April 13, 2025, Kenilworth Castle Ruins

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

Walk The Walk 🌳

March 27, 2025, Kenilworth Castle Ruins

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."

Javi Jaavii

August 25, 2023, Kenilworth Castle Ruins

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.

September 6, 2022, St John the Baptist Church, Berkswell

An odd looking church quite low and spread instead of tall and imposing

September 6, 2022, The Bear Inn, Berkswell

Lovely church and great for a walk

Ben

August 6, 2022, National Cyclists' Memorial, Meriden

Imposing monument, set in a charming village green with benches. Shops nearby.

May 17, 2022, Engine House and Engine Pool, Earlswood Lakes

A lovely place for a walk