River Hunters

Warwick – River Avon and War of the Roses is a one‑off episode of the BBC’s “Warwick” series, fronted by the ever‑enthusiastic Beau Ouimette and the witty Rick Edwards. The two presenters meet up on the banks of the River Avon, right beneath the imposing Warwick Castle, and set out to dig through the layers of history that have settled in the waterway over the centuries. Think of it as a half‑hour “time‑travel” walkabout, with a dash of archaeology and a lot of banter. The episode is essentially a guided treasure‑hunt. Beau and Rick paddle along the river, pointing out everything from 15th‑century arrowheads linked to the Wars of the Roses to polished Victorian brass fittings that once adorned river barges. They chat with a local historian who explains how the Avon was a strategic artery in medieval England, then cut to a quick reenactment of a Tudor‑era skirmish. The pacing is relaxed – there’s no high‑stakes drama, just a steady stream of facts, a few witty quips, and the occasional “look at that!” moment when a particularly odd artefact surfaces. Honestly, it’s a pleasant little diversion if you’ve got an interest in British history or enjoy a good riverside stroll. It isn’t groundbreaking TV – the visuals are a bit soft‑focused, and the reenactments feel a touch dated compared with the slicker history docs on Netflix. Still, the chemistry between Beau and Rick is proper engaging, and the episode manages to make even a handful of rusty nails feel fascinating. It’s not a must‑watch, but it’s certainly not a waste of time. Rated U, though there are a few brief scenes of simulated combat that might be a tad intense for very young viewers. First broadcast on terrestrial TV this autumn, it slots neatly between the more serious “Time Team” specials and the lighter “Coast” series. If you’re after a relaxed, slightly quirky look at Warwick’s riverine past, give it a go.