I have always wanted to visit Warwick Castle, but it is that little bit too far for a day out from Bournemouth!
During half term we stayed in a holiday cottage in Staffordshire and with Warwick Castle, which is part of the Merlin group, was just an hour away we decided this was the best opportunity to visit the iconic castle.
The Warwick Castle website promises that we would be surrounded by jaw-dropping history, magic, myth and adventure! They are currently celebrating its 1,100th birthday and have lots of attractions and activities to see and do.
We set off early and arrived at the castle at about 10.30am. I have to admit that we weren’t expecting such a long walk from the carpark to the castle entrance and Eliza spent the whole walk down complaining that her legs hurt. By the time we got to the entrance it was almost time for the World’s Largest Trebuchet – FIRE display so we half walked / half ran to the field so we could see the action.
It was fascinating watching the actors get in the wheel and walk it around to raise the counterweight. It looked like quite a strenuous job as they took it in turns! Finally it was ready and the projectile was placed in the sling and lit…………the trigger was released and off it flew!
The kids all gasped in amazement and we were shocked that if they had wound it tighter the fireball could reach the town of Warwick itself!!
Once the demonstration had finished it was time to explore and we soon stumbled upon some of the birds of prey that would be performing in displays later in the day.
The grounds of the castle are beautifully maintained and it was nice to see that shops were situated in medieval tents and the staff were dressed the part too.
As it was Halloween week when we visited there were lots of spooky goings on. They do have the Dungeons at Warwick Castle but Eliza and Isaac are too young for them, so we stuck to the family friendly Skeletons Ball instead.
The sets were spookily fun and the actors were brilliant, throwing themselves into their parts. They also took their audiences ages into account as they were friendly and chatty with Eliza and Isaac but turned on more spooky magic for the older children.
We then headed back inside the castle walls. We though we were too late for the Birds of Prey show and stood back and watched by the Castle Ramparts, only to discover that we had the best view as the birds were landing right next to and above us!!
Earlier in the day I had booked a storytime session for Isaac and Eliza so we split up and I took the little ones inside for a witch led story where we practiced our magic and set the imprisoned Prince free whilst hubby and Kian explored the castle ramparts above us.
The highlights of the whole day though was the Duelling Dead Show. Packed full of action, fight scenes and gunfire it was brilliantly staged and great fun to watch and was so good we staged are own version afterwards!
Warwick Castle has something for everyone and we didn’t get to do it all. I would love to come back when the kids are older and spend more time looking around inside as it was packed full of historical artifacts and information, but the little ones weren’t interested and wanted to go back to the Skeleton Ball!
The castle looks stunning lit up at night too!
Thank you for an amazing day out!
I’ve never been either but it looks very tempting seeing all your photos.
We’ve had a few reviews submitted for Warwick Castle now and I definitely have to go, they seem to make a real effort with every season. Great review. #countrykids
My son visited Warwick Castle on his school trip recently and the trebouchet made a huge impression on him – I wasn’t sure when he said they fire live fire but they obviously do!
We’re not far from Warwick, and though I’ve been several times, we’ve yet to take the kids – it’s on the agenda for next year! Looks like you guys had a fabulous time 🙂 x
It’s wonderful isn’t it. It really is on doc my favourite places to explore #CountryKids
Wow it looks like am awesome day out. I went many years ago before Z was a twinkle in my eye. I definitely need to go again!
Wow what a fab day! So much to see and do1 #countrykids
Looks like y’all had a wonderful visit!
Wow, looks like a day jam-packed with fun. The trebuchet that throws fireballs sounds amazing. It looks like they’ve really thought their grounds through and have tried to include something for all the family from toddlers to grandparents. Thanks for linking up with Country Kids.
I’d really like to go to Warwick Castle one day but it’s just that bit too far to do it in a day, plus I think The Boy could do with being a year or two older.
Nipping over from Country Kids.
I have always wanted to visit Warwick castle, but it’s too far from me as well! It reminds me of Windy Castle on Peppa Pig! Lovely photographs.
Wow this looks like such a great day out. Wonderful photos x
looks amazing I would love to go back to Warwick castle
We loved Warwick castle when we visited and it looks even more fun at Halloween!
We stopped off in Warwick earlier in the year but we were too late too visit the castle. It looks like they put on a great show for Halloween.
Warwick Castle is ace – loads to do especially when there is an event on anyway eg Halloween. Great post, love your video really captures the essence xx
Wow! You guys always have such a wonderful adventures. I wish we travel more.
Looks amazing! We have driven past and I said we would visit one day.. must make the effort next year
It looks amazing! We have driven past but never visited.
This looks fantastic! I’ve heard it’s a great place to visit, definitely going to go at some point! There’s so much to see and do there! x
Warwick Castle is one of those places we’ve always want to visit, but so far haven’t – looks brilliant!