One of Warwick key historic attractions is to reopen its doors after a winter break - with a new Master at the helm.

The Lord Leycester reopens on 1 March following its annual break for winter, giving people the chance to discover one of Europe's most important medieval buildings.

The family-friendly attraction stages regular events and offers the chance to take a step back in time and explore its half-timbered buildings and gardens, which have been and home to the Master and Brethren, veterans who live on the historic site, for over 450 years.

The Lord Leycester has recently gone through a huge multi-million restoration, revitalising it as a unique visitor attraction under the tenure of its first ever female Master Heidi Meyer, who has stepped down after a decade in charge.

She is succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Dr Daren Bowyer, who served for 26 years as an officer in the Royal Engineers, before retiring in 2008 to pursue a second career in charity and educational leadership. He comes to the Lord Leycester from the Gurkha Museum in Winchester, where he has served as Director since 2020, overseeing a major redevelopment.

Master Heidi Meyer has stepped down after a decade in charge (image supplied)

Nestled in the heart of Warwick, the collection of half-timbered buildings that make up the Lord Leycester was built by the powerful Warwick Guilds in the late 1300s to conduct Guild business from the town centre. In the reign of Elizabeth I, the Guilds gave the buildings to Robert Dudley,

the Queen's favourite courtier, to create a home for the Brethren - soldiers injured in the wars of the Tudor age.

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Centuries on, the site remains home to the Brethren, who live in its buildings and guide visitors around, sharing its many stories and rich history. The Lord Leycester also stages regular events, talks and workshops. Forthcoming events include spring wreath-making workshops, Smart Talks on a range of topics, and family drop-in activities.

People can also explore on self-guided tours or book on to a Brethren-guided tour. Tickets also allow visitors to return as many times as they like within a year, giving people the chance to discover more each time they come.

For more information on the Lord Leycester and its upcoming reopening in March visit the website.