Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is one of those places that manages to make you feel about ten years old again. Towers, battlements, enormous walls, dungeons, medieval characters wandering around, birds of prey and enough flags flying to start a small war — it has the lot.
And, despite the rather commercial approach, it is still a magnificent place to visit.
The castle's origins go back to the Norman Conquest, when William the Conqueror established a motte-and-bailey castle here. What you see today, however, is largely the result of centuries of rebuilding and expansion, particularly under the powerful medieval Beauchamp family.
Its position is superb. Sitting beside the River Avon, with massive stone walls rising above the surrounding countryside, Warwick Castle looks exactly like a castle ought to look.The Great Hall and State Rooms are particularly impressive, filled with armour, weapons, tapestries and recreated historical scenes. Some of the displays are rather theatrical, but they do help bring the history to life.
And theatrical is definitely the word.
Warwick has embraced the idea that history should be entertaining. There are actors, shows, demonstrations, birds of prey and various events throughout the year. Some visitors will love it; traditionalists may occasionally feel that someone has let Disneyland loose inside a medieval fortress.
Personally, I think it works — provided you understand what you're getting.
This isn't a quiet National Trust property where you shuffle respectfully from room to room reading small information cards. Warwick Castle wants you to have a day out.
The castle walls and towers are among the highlights. Climbing them provides superb views across Warwick and the surrounding countryside, although there are plenty of steps and some passages are distinctly narrow. If you're expecting modern health-and-safety-friendly architecture, medieval castles may come as something of a shock.The views, however, are worth the effort.
One of the most spectacular attractions is the enormous Warwick trebuchet, which is fired during demonstrations. Watching several tonnes of medieval engineering fling an object through the air is considerably more impressive than reading about siege warfare in a history book.
There are also regular demonstrations involving birds of prey, and these are particularly good. Seeing eagles and other birds flying above the castle grounds is a memorable experience and adds something genuinely worthwhile to the day.
The castle grounds themselves are extensive and very attractive. The River Avon runs alongside the site, while the Mill Garden provides a beautiful riverside setting. There are lawns, mature trees and plenty of places to escape the crowds.
And then, inevitably, there are the queues.
Warwick Castle is extremely popular, particularly during school holidays and weekends. The more theatrical attractions can become crowded, and the cost of a family day out can become rather frightening once you start adding parking, food and extras to the admission price.This is where the Old Moaner hat has to go firmly on.
Warwick Castle isn't cheap.
The basic admission price is only part of the story, and some of the additional experiences can make the total cost considerably higher. Food inside the castle can also be expensive, so bringing your own picnic can be a sensible move if permitted for your particular visit.
But there is an important counterargument: you get a lot for your money.
Opening Hours:- Standard Hours: 10:00 – 16:00 (or 17:00 on select days)
Ticket Costs: On the Gate: £39 per person. Online Advance Booking: One-day entry starts from £25.38 (prices vary by date and booking time).Castle + Dungeon: Starts from £34 when booked in advance.Children Under 2: Free entry. Savings: Booking online in advance can save up to £17–£20 per ticket compared to gate prices. You can purchase tickets directly via Warwick Castle
The castle itself is enormous, the grounds are extensive, there are exhibitions, shows, demonstrations and activities, and you can easily spend most of the day here. Compared with attractions where you've finished in ninety minutes and wondered where your money went, Warwick at least gives you plenty to see.
The castle's history is also fascinating.
Warwick played an important role during the Wars of the Roses, when the Earl of Warwick became known as the Kingmaker because of his influence over the English throne. Later centuries brought changes, fires and rebuilding, while the castle eventually became more of a grand country residence before being transformed into the attraction we see today.There is also plenty to do in the surrounding town of Warwick, which is well worth combining with a castle visit. The town has attractive historic streets, Lord Leycester Hospital, St Mary's Church and plenty of pubs and cafés.
So don't make the mistake of driving into Warwick, visiting the castle and immediately driving home.
The castle may be the star attraction, but Warwick itself is one of England's more attractive historic towns.
The biggest criticism I would make of the castle is that sometimes the entertainment threatens to overshadow the history. If you want a completely authentic medieval experience, this obviously isn't it. But if you're prepared to accept a mixture of genuine history and modern entertainment, there is an enormous amount to enjoy.
And frankly, there is something rather wonderful about standing on a medieval battlement watching a gigantic trebuchet launch a projectile across the grounds.
You simply don't get that at most stately homes.
Old Moaner's verdict: Warwick Castle is expensive and touristy, but it is also spectacular and extremely good fun. The setting is superb, the history is fascinating and there is enough to see and do to fill a whole day. Adults can enjoy it just as much as children, provided they don't object to the occasional theatrical bit of medieval nonsense.
Come for the castle, stay for the history, enjoy the shows — and take plenty of money.
Highly recommended, provided your wallet has recovered before you leave.
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