#Ad Disclosure: Explore With Ed was invited by Warwick Castle to experience a family day out, any opinions shared are my own. Please follow the latest Government travel advice and refer to Warwick Castle's website for the most up to date information prior to your visit.
Families visiting Warwick Castle aren’t short of options for an adventurous day out or staycation this summer as #ZogHasLanded and he’s putting young dragons through their paces on an immersive activity trail.
Warwick Castle and Magic Light Pictures have brought to life the much loved children’s book character in one of Britain’s most enchanting settings.
However, it’s not just children whose imaginations will run free at Warwick, walk around this formidable fortress and you may encounter an expert Bowman or knight on horseback, and for a moment feel as though you’re in the realms of King Arthur, Lancelot and other classic tales.
Inside Warwick Castle
Retained inside the castle’s impressive ramparts are real life stories, battles and conquests dating back a thousand years to the Normans. The State Rooms and Great Hall (closed until 17th May) piece together the extensive history, the most gruesome of which is reserved for those who book an additional ticket (£6 online, ages 10+ recommended) to explore the Castle Dungeons.
Warwick Castle’s epic scale and age was enough to satisfy my insatiable appetite for history and architecture, but here’s what the youngest members of my family had to say about it:
“It was very cool to see a castle that wasn’t knocked down so you could see how it was when it was built!”“I thought the castle was very beautiful, there were lots of trees.”
Warwick Castle Grounds
Beyond the soaring turrets and thick stone walls lies 64-acres of green space, including a Horrible Histories Maze where tonnes of fascinating facts and gory tales are waiting to be found, inspired of course by the popular children’s franchise.
There’s an amazing viewpoint at the top of the Conqueror’s Fortress, stretching from the spire of St Mary’s Church to the beautiful rural countryside. Below near the river you may spot The Trebuchet, an intimidating catapult replica that would’ve been used in Medieval battles.
Related: Save my We Love England article for Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon
Another event scheduled to take place over the summer season at Warwick Castle is the UK’s largest bird of prey show ‘The Falconer’s Quest‘. The show has up to 60 spectacular birds from across the globe to see, like the American Bald Eagle and Andean Condor.
Dining at Warwick Castle
There are numerous dining options within Warwick Castle’s grounds, for a light lunch or Afternoon Tea (from £19.95 per person) the Conservatory Tea House is a lovely spot overlooking the Peacock Gardens and Pageant Fields.
One of the finest locations to enjoy a family picnic is situated near the river bridge where you’ll enjoy views of the Castle’s grand Great Hall and Staterooms.
Zog & The Quest for the Golden Star Activity Trail
The Zog activity trail is available until the 5th September 2021 and is included in the price of your admission ticket.
Ticket prices for Warwick Castle
When booked in advance online child tickets are available from £8 and Adults from £12. A special Parent & Toddler ticket (a toddler is classed up to 5 years of age) is also £12 when booked ahead of your visit. Ticket offers are available between Monday and Thursday from the 19th April until the 13th May.
Visit www.warwick-castle.com for the latest information or to book tickets. Opening hours are typically 10am – 4pm for day visitors.
Staying at Warwick Castle
For an enchanting short break the nearby Knight’s Village contains woodland lodges and glamping tents, plus evening entertainment and complimentary breakfast. If you love the idea of an overnight experience fit for a King and Queen, the 14th century Caesar’s Tower Suites are another option inside the castle walls.
Families can complete their Zog experience with Warwick Castle’s Play & Stay package, available for selected dates and subject to availability.
Other events at Warwick Castle
- In September Warwick Castle will be hosting an open air cinema event with a bar and catering.
- Christmas arrives on the 27th November with a new trail and ice rink.
- Olly Murs and Michael Buble each have a tour date scheduled at the castle in July 2022.
- More event information and updates.
Related: 10 places in England and Wales for a rural staycation
Nearby attractions for families
- Explore Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon (9 miles) and see where England’s famous playwright was born and educated.
- Enjoy Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Theme Park (33 miles) and the thrills and spills of Alton Towers (77 miles).
- Expand your family break with a trip to the National SEA LIFE Centre in Birmingham (35 miles) using a multi-attraction ticket with Warwick Castle.
Fantastic castle, one of the best we have visited. Plenty for all ages to do and see.
An amazing blog! I’d love to go inside the Castle too!