Visit warwick castle


A brief History

Originally a Saxon town, Ethelfleda, daughter of King Alfred, selected Warwick as a suitable place to build a defensive mound by the river Avon to keep out the Danes. This was way back in 914AD.

Later the Normans also looked at Warwick as a good spot for a castle and in 1068 William the Conqueror ordered a new and enlarged castle to be built on the site of this Saxon fortification. Henry de Newburgh was made its constable and became the Earl of Warwick.

During the Barons’ War the Earl was forcibly removed to Kenilworth by John Gifford and held to ransom. In 1265 he died and the title passed through his daughter to the Beauchamp family who, over the next 180 years, were responsible for building most of the castle as it stands today.

In 1449 the Beauchamps were succeeded by Richard Neville as the 16th Earl of Warwick. He was also known as “Warwick The Kingmaker” who deposed of Henry VI in favour of Edward IV and then imprisoned him in Warwick Castle.

Warwick Castle was used as a fortification until the early 17th century. In 1604 James I granted the castle to Sir Fulke Greville who repaired the castle at great expense and turned it into a lavish country residence.

Warwick Castle was purchased by the Tussauds Group in 1978. It is now a major tourist attraction but the stronghold is also protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade I listed building.

Warwick castle front view
Warwick castle view from tower 2


things to do at warwick castle

Warwick Castle is a great day out. Set in 64 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens, there is a lot to see and do from live shows, watching birds of prey to visiting the very scary Castle Dungeons.

Kids have a lot of fun at Warwick Castle because it has many interactive experiences, shows and demonstrations.

Interactive experiences

  • Zog Playland - there is a zip line, tunnels and a tower
  • Horrible Histories Maze - where kids solve challenges and collect stamps for a free badge
  • Princess Tower - there is a riddle to solve to save Princess Eve
  • Kingmaker Experience - what it was like to prepare for battle in medieval England

So grab yourself a map as soon as you arrive and plan to spend a full day at the castle. Make sure you join a castle history tour. The tour is free, very informative and led by a team of expert historians covering a range of popular topics.


CASTLE TOURS AND SHOWS

Check out the schedule of Castle Tours and Shows. Ideally you would have done your homework and organised your entrance tickets in advance and get your timed tickets to visit the Princess Tower as soon as you arrive.




GREAT HALL AND STATE ROOMS

The Great Hall is the largest room in the castle. First constructed in the 14th century it was rebuilt in the 17th century to provide a grand entrance for those who wanted to visit the Earl of Warwick.

The State Dining Room has seen guests like Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, King Edward VII and Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Phillip in 1996.

The three Drawing Rooms are beautiful, filled with portraits and artefacts.

The Queen Anne Bedroom was formerly known as the State Bedroom and amazing tapestries created by Franciscus Spiringius in 1604 in Belgium surround this room.

warwick castle great hall

great hall
warwick castle red drawing roon

 Red Drawing Room



THE CASTLE DUNGEONS

warwick castle dungeon entrance

The entrance to the Castle Dungeons is on the left as you are facing the souvenir shop. Your One Day Castle Entry ticket does not include entry to the dungeons so look out for an extra charge.

The Castle Dungeon walk through takes you on a journey through the castles darkest history.

As Warwick Castle is now partly owned by Merlin Entertainment expect a Disney type experience with lots of special effects and interactive involvement with live actors.

The kids will love it. Just make sure they are older then 10 years as there is a lot of yelling and spooky stuff going on and during busy times it can get a bit crowded.




THE MIGHTY TREBUCHET

warwick castle trebuchet 2

Warwick Castle is home to the world’s most powerful catapult. Seeing it in action is amazing. It was used to hurl huge projectiles to breach the castle walls, mostly large rocks and stones. To spread disease, manure and dead animals were also hurled by this machine into the besieged castle.

This Trebuchet here at Warwick Castle is an authentic copy of a medieval siege machine. It weighs 22 tonnes and is close to 18 meters tall. Look out for Trebuchet Talks on River Island when you are visiting. You will learn how this catapult played a vital role in defending the castle.





HORRIBLE HISTORIES MAZE

warwick castle maze entrance

This adventure maze is full of fun challenges like invading a Viking ship, surviving the trenches and uncovering evil plots.

With different stamps to collect, the maze tells you to step back in time and is divided into six historical interactive zones including the Slimy Stuarts, the Vicious Vikings, Terrifying Tudors, Measly Middle Ages, Stormin' Normans and Frightful First World War.

Make sure you escape the maze in good time and head straight to the shop with your collection of stamps to grab yourself a free badge.



BIRDS OF PREY SHOW

warwick castle birds of prey

The Falconer’s Quest is the UK’s biggest bird of prey show which involves up to 60 birds soaring up into the sky. It brings to life the story of Hobby, the son of a local fisherman, who in 1356 longed to become a falconer.

Audience members are taken along this quest and can watch some amazing birds of prey like falcons, eagles and barn owls, hawks and condors. The show takes place alongside the river Avon within the castle grounds and it's great fun to watch the birds swoop down and diving back up into the sky above.

Expect a bigger show inolving more birds in the summer and during school holidays.



LOCATION

Warwick Castle
Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6AH

Take the M40 Motorway going west and come off at junction 15. Warwick Castle is well signposted and less than two miles from junction 15.

Official Website: Warwick Castle