A Visitor's Introduction to Warwick Castle

Why Visit Warwick Castle?

Warwick Castle offers a rich blend of history, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The castle itself is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, with impressive defensive features, including towers, ramparts, and a moat. Inside, visitors can explore lavishly decorated rooms, hear stories of the castle’s past occupants, and view displays that bring history to life.

In addition to its historical appeal, Warwick Castle is known for its engaging live shows, such as jousting tournaments, falconry displays, and re-enactments of key events in the castle’s history. These interactive experiences, combined with hands-on exhibits and tours, make it an exciting destination for families, history enthusiasts, and those looking for a full-day outing in a picturesque setting.

Warwick Castle Highlights

1. The Great Hall and State Rooms: The Great Hall is the largest and most impressive room inside the castle, serving as the heart of Warwick Castle's medieval power. It houses an extensive collection of armour and weapons, including medieval swords and suits of armour. The adjoining State Rooms, richly decorated with period furniture and tapestries, give visitors a glimpse into the life of the nobility who lived at the castle. These rooms played host to many significant historical figures over the centuries, from monarchs to political leaders.

2. The Castle Towers and Ramparts: Warwick Castle's defensive features are among its most iconic elements. Visitors can climb the towers and walk along the castle's ancient walls, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding Warwickshire countryside. Key highlights include Caesar’s Tower, one of the tallest and oldest parts of the castle, and Guy’s Tower, which offers a commanding view of the River Avon and the town of Warwick. The ramparts walk also provides insight into the castle’s strategic importance during medieval warfare.

3. The Kingmaker Exhibition: This immersive exhibit brings to life the story of Richard Neville, the 16th Earl of Warwick, known as "The Kingmaker" for his pivotal role in the Wars of the Roses. The exhibition transports visitors to the year 1471, as the Earl prepares for battle. Life-size wax figures, interactive displays, and authentic sounds and smells of medieval life create a vivid atmosphere that helps visitors understand the scale of preparation for war.

4. Jousting Tournaments and Live Shows: Warwick Castle is renowned for its spectacular live entertainment. One of the main attractions is the summer jousting tournaments, where knights on horseback battle in thrilling, action-packed shows that recreate the excitement of medieval tournaments. Other live shows include the “Flight of the Eagles” falconry display, which features majestic birds of prey soaring over the castle grounds, and the “Wars of the Roses Live” show, which dramatises key moments from the conflict between the houses of Lancaster and York.

5. The Dungeons Experience: The castle dungeons offer a spine-chilling, interactive journey through some of the darker chapters of the castle’s history. The dungeon experience uses live actors, special effects, and terrifying stories from medieval times to recreate the atmosphere of imprisonment, torture, and crime. The experience is designed for thrill-seekers and offers a more intense look at the gruesome side of history. It is not recommended for younger children due to its frightening nature.

6. The Princess Tower: Perfect for families with younger children, the Princess Tower offers a fairy-tale experience where children can help solve a magical riddle to save the princess. The interactive story encourages participation and creativity, making it a hit with younger visitors and a charming contrast to the more intense parts of the castle tour.

7. The Castle Gardens and Grounds: Surrounding Warwick Castle are 64 acres of landscaped gardens, including a peacock garden with strutting peafowl, and Capability Brown-designed grounds that showcase sweeping lawns, flowerbeds, and tranquil walking paths. The River Avon flows through the grounds, offering scenic views and boat trips along the river. Visitors can explore the conservatory, which houses an elegant collection of exotic plants, and enjoy peaceful picnics or strolls amidst the lush greenery.

8. The Trebuchet and Medieval Siege Weapons: The castle is home to one of the largest working trebuchets (a medieval catapult) in the world. The trebuchet is part of the castle’s impressive collection of siege weaponry and is regularly demonstrated in live shows, where it launches projectiles into the air, showcasing the engineering marvels of medieval warfare. Visitors can learn about the mechanics and importance of these weapons in defending and attacking fortresses during the Middle Ages.

9. Seasonal Events and Special Attractions: Throughout the year, Warwick Castle hosts a variety of seasonal events, including themed medieval banquets, Halloween haunted nights, and Christmas celebrations with festive decorations and activities. The castle is particularly magical during these events, with themed entertainment and experiences that bring a different aspect of history or legend to life.

Warwick Castle Facilities

Warwick Castle is well-equipped with facilities to ensure that visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable experience:

Dining: There are several on-site dining options, including the Undercroft Café, which serves traditional meals, sandwiches, and snacks. The Coach House Restaurant offers more formal dining with a selection of hot meals, while kiosks throughout the grounds provide light refreshments such as ice cream and drinks.

Gift Shop: The castle has a gift shop where visitors can purchase a range of souvenirs, from medieval-themed toys and books to more elaborate items like replica armour, swords, and Warwick Castle-branded merchandise.

Accessibility: Warwick Castle provides good access for visitors with mobility issues, with accessible pathways around the grounds and gardens. Some areas of the castle, particularly the towers and ramparts, are less accessible due to the historic nature of the building. However, the majority of key attractions can be accessed via ramps and lifts.

Practical Information

Opening Hours: Warwick Castle is open daily, with seasonal variations in opening times. The castle typically opens at 10:00 am, and closing times vary depending on the season and events. It is advisable to check the castle’s official website for current opening hours and event schedules.

Admission: Tickets to Warwick Castle can be purchased online or at the gate. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or when special events are taking place. There are also combination tickets that include entry to the Castle Dungeon or special events at an additional cost.

Getting There: Warwick Castle is located in Warwick, just off the M40, making it easily accessible by car. On-site parking is available for a fee. The castle is also accessible by train, with Warwick Station located about a 15-minute walk from the castle. Regular train services run from London, Birmingham, and other major cities.

Nearby Attractions

Warwick Castle is located in a region rich in history and cultural landmarks, making it a great base for exploring nearby attractions:

Warwick Town: The historic town of Warwick offers charming streets filled with independent shops, cafés, and historical landmarks like St. Mary’s Church and the Market Square.

Kenilworth Castle: Located just a short drive from Warwick, Kenilworth Castle is another impressive medieval fortress with a fascinating history and scenic grounds to explore.

Stratford-upon-Avon: The birthplace of William Shakespeare is just a 20-minute drive from Warwick Castle. Visitors can explore Shakespeare’s family homes, see a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, or enjoy the historic charm of the town.

Hatton Country World: A family-friendly attraction located near Warwick, Hatton Country World offers animal encounters, playgrounds, and craft shopping, making it a popular destination for families with young children.