Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle

I have loved castles for as long as I can remember. Growing up I did not have the chance to visit many castles but over the last few years, we have had the opportunity to travel across the UK and visit some fascinating castles. There is something about buildings steeped in history that draws me to them. I love architecture and history and century-old buildings are a perfect place to soak up both. A couple of weeks back we visited Warwick Castle and loved it. The castle offers a good insight into medieval history and made for a good day out. If you are planning to visit Warwick Castle, I have some tips for you.

About the castle

Warwick Castle has a history dating back to almost 11 centuries. It all began in 914 when an earthen, defensive wall was built to protect the small hill-top settlement of Warwick against Danish invaders. William the Conqueror developed this into a motte-and-bailey castle in 1068. In 1260 the wood was replaced by stone. During the first half of the 14th century, Caesar's Tower and Dungeon constructed while Guy's Tower was completed in 1395. In 1449 Richard Neville became the Earl of Warwick and a year later the gatehouse and barbican were completed. The castle saw further developments in 1540 when reinforcements were made to the south front, the Spy Tower was built and an extension was made to the State Rooms for a royal visit.

The castle has had its share of royal visits. The year 1572 saw a visit from Queen Elizabeth I while King William III visited the castle in 1695. Queen Victoria graced the castle with a visit in 1858 and in recent times HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visited the castle in 1996.

In 1750 Lancelot 'Capability' Brown was commissioned to landscape the gardens. Continuous development was carried out at the castle with a conservatory being built and the State dining rooms completed. It was sometime in 1978 when the castle was bought by the Tussauds Group (Merlin Entertainments now) and since then extensive renovation has been undertaken and several new attractions have been added at the Castle.

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle


Highlights at Warwick Castle


The Castle makes for a perfect day-out idea as there is lots to see and do at the castle. With continuous restoration over the past many years, the castle is a fun experience for the entire family.

Towers and Ramparts: Climb up the towers and enjoy beautiful panoramic views. Guy’s Tower (built in the 14th century) is the first tower you see as you enter the castle grounds. The tower is 12-sided, stands 39m tall and has five storeys. The tallest tower at the castle, standing at 44.8m tall, is Caesar's Tower. This tower made of three storeys is a great example of military architecture. All the towers offer lovely views but be aware that the climb up involves a lot of steps and at some places the passage is narrow. It may be unsuitable for those with a fear of confined spaces or heights.

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle


The Castle's Interiors: Lavish is the word that comes to my mind when I remember the beautiful grand interiors of the castle. Whether it is the Great Hall (the largest room in the Castle) with artefacts like suits of armour and two pristine pieces of equestrian armour or the State Rooms or the Green Drawing Room with its collection of beautiful paintings, all the rooms act as a reminder of the time gone by. It is almost a magical feeling; walking around a castle and retracing the footsteps of the family that lived there.

Warwick Castle












Warwick castle


Daily Shows: The castle has many different activities scheduled for each day. 'Flight of The Eagles', a bird of prey show, 'The Great Joust' where knights battle it out and the 'Trebuchet Fireball Spectacular' where you can watch the world's largest working catapult launch a flaming fireball into the air. Some of the shows are weather dependent, so please check with the castle staff before booking your tickets.

The Mound: This is the oldest part of the Castle and offers stunning panoramic views. The climb is not as difficult as the towers. When we climbed up the mound, we were greeted by a beautiful buzzard hovering over the mound. When the birds are left free for the 'Flight of the Eagles' show, they usually fly around the mound, at times resting on the walls.

Warwick castle



Playgrounds and Gardens:
Warwick Castle has around 64 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens. The gardens were designed by Lancelot Brown and this was his first independent castle commission. River Avon runs through the grounds and you can venture across the river to the island where weather permitting jousting and trebuchet firing takes place. There is Rose garden which even has a new English rose variety called the ‘Warwick Castle’. My favourite part of the Castle's grounds was the Peacock Garden where peacocks roam freely amidst manicured hedges. In the backdrop was the Conservatory. This part of the castle is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle

Other attractions at the castle include Princess Tower (you need to collect a free timed ticket to this attraction), pageant playground, goal and the Mill & Engine House. If you are not of a nervous disposition, then check out the Castle Dungeon which is an optional extra attraction inside the castle. You need to purchase timed tickets from the Central Courtyard Ticket Tent.

Note: If you are heading for a longer break, here is a list of things to see and do in Warwick that might be useful in planning your holiday.

Plan your visit


There are two types of tickets available: the Castle ticket, that gives you access to the Castle, the grounds, attractions and shows and the Castle & Dungeon ticket that gives you entry to the dungeon as well. The Castle also offers 'Open Dated' tickets that are perfect if you are not sure when you will be visiting. As with most attractions you get a better deal if you book in advance.

Adult tickets at the gate are priced at £18.60 while for children it is £16.20. If you purchase the tickets 1-4 days in advance, the tickets are price at £15.00. You get a further £2.00 discount (tickets priced £13.00) if you book 5+ days in advance. The Castle is open all year round from 10:00am except for Christmas Day.

Note: The prices above are correct at the time of writing the post. 
 
For latest prices, visit Warwick Castle's website.

If you driving to Warwick then you need to plan where you want to park. The Stables Car Park (CV34 4QU)  is next to Admissions but has a charge of £10.00. We parked our car at the St Nicholas Park which is a very short walk away from the castle. The park has a pay and display parking and it cost us just £4.00 for the day. There are other parking areas as well around the castle where you can get parking for a lower rate than the Stables Car Park.

For more information:
Warwick Castle | Warwick CV34 4QU
Phone: 01926 495 421 (9:00am - 5:00pm)

66 comments:

  1. A wonderful castle to visit - we have visited it several times! The peacock is always there - such beautiful colours and the last time he opened his 'fan' for us to see!

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  2. What a stunningly beautiful building & grounds! that huge table laid out is amazing!

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  3. I have always wanted to go there! It looks incredible and I've heard so many good things about it :D

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  4. Might have to give it a visit, love the siege weapon!

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  5. I've always wanted to visit. I will do one day

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  6. This sounds fantastic, I'd love to visit one day. The peacocks are stunning!

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  7. This castle is one of my favourites!

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  8. Warwick castle is one of my favorite places to visit during the summer. We all love it there. Great photos x

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  9. This is one place I have yet to visit and will be putting it on our summer outings list!! it looks amazing :)

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  10. I have been here, your photography is brilliant and captures everything nicely xx

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  11. So much history, stunning views!

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  12. Looks great, would love to go

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  13. Beautiful place filled with history x

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  14. This is a place I would love to visit thanks

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  15. We have been here and it's a great place. The 'Trebuchet Fireball Spectacular' is a must see.

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  16. Would love to visit Warwick Castle someday!

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  17. I haven't been to Warwick castle in ages, I am going to have to take the kids this summer!!!

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  18. What amazing pictures! I haven't been to Warwick castle for ages. I really want to go back now :) x

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  19. this looks wonderful i have wanted to go to Warwick castle for ages! xx

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  20. Love the pictures! I've been to Warwick castle and I have to say, it's one of the best preserved castles we have.

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  21. I am drawn to historical buildings just like you. Warwick Castle looks like a great place to visit and hopefully I will do one day.

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  22. It looks wonderful I will definately be putting it on my list of places to visit

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  23. I have never been there but it looks great,educationally and fun for all the family

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  24. looks so beautiful, i love finding out about history of castles etc. definitely need to visit

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  25. Oh your pics are just awesome! I've never been but this makes me want to

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  26. Such a great place to visit on a sunday! This kind of historical sites are my favourite to explore :) x

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  27. i live near rochester castle and my children and grandchildren love to visit ,so this would be great

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  28. It looks wonderful, a great place to visit one day x

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  29. Looks like a lovely place to visit!

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  30. I've never been to Warwick Castle - it looks like a very interesting place to visit.

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  31. Such a wonderful place. Part of history.

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  32. We have visited a number of times, it's a great day out.

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  33. Warwick Castle is on our to visit list ☺☺

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    1. Wow what a great castle. Love historical places.

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  34. A beautiful castle captured in stunning photographs x

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  35. Live quite close to Warwick Castle but haven't visited in about 17 years! This has made me want to go again so will probably visit in the Summer.

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  36. Beautiful!
    Gabrielle L.

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  37. Would love to visit. Looks beautiful!

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  38. Looks like a beautiful place to visit :)

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  39. Looks fantastic, I would love to learn a little history behind the castle.

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  40. We LOVE Warwick Castle, been going there for years and never get tired of it, always something new to find or see!

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  41. Wow - Looks amazing and would be a great family day out :)

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  42. I visited Warwick castle when I was 17 and doing my Travel & Tourism course for college. I enjoyed it and would love to take my children for them to see it :)

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  43. I've never visited Warwick castle, but I think I'm going to make a point of going there when we next visit my son who is at uni there!

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  44. Looks very interesting! Love castles, but never visited this one yet.

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  45. Debbie Henderson4 February 2016 at 08:42

    looks to be a stunningly beautiful place to visit x

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  46. I'm so jealous,I read a lot of historical novels and I'd love to visit Warwick Castle,it's just so far away(about 300 miles).I too love castles and historical buildings and I can recommend Scone Palace and also Atholl Palace both extremely beautiful so if you're ever in Scotland they're both wort a visit,oh,and Stirling Castle too x

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    1. Thanks for the recommendation Karen. I have made a note and will surely try to visit at least one of the three when we are in Scotland.

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  47. i love going to castles as i like to look and imagine how people used to live its just 1 amazing castle

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  48. This is my favourite casle to visit

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  49. I still remember how much I loved this when I was a kid

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  50. Never been here, but yoou sold it to me :)

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  51. Great castle, have been past this but never been inside.

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  52. I would love to visit here!

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  53. i love warwick castle, love the horrible histories part as there are fun game there.

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  54. i went here a couple of years ago and was a brilliant day out go much to see and do and really interesting to

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