Warwick Castle is one of those places I keep coming back to. With its mix of history, live shows and ever-changing seasonal events, it feels like there’s always something new to see.
As a parent to two children aged four and six, finding a day out that keeps everyone entertained (adults included) isn’t always easy. But whenever the school holidays roll around, Warwick Castle is firmly on my list, as it’s one of the few places I know will entertain all of us.
I recently visited over the Easter holidays, and here’s why it’s become one of my go-to recommendations for family days out.
Events and activities
If you’re looking for a day out that genuinely caters to all ages, Warwick Castle is hard to beat. During school holidays and weekends in particular, there’s a packed schedule of entertainment and shows running throughout the day, so you’re never short of things to do.
Among the highlights is “the Falconer’s quest” – the UK’s largest birds of prey display – which is as impressive as it sounds. Watching eagles and vultures soar just overhead is a real crowd-pleaser and one that held both of my children’s attention from start to finish. The “legend of the trebuchet” show is another standout, bringing medieval warfare to life with dramatic storytelling and the firing of a full-scale trebuchet.
Archery sessions, storytelling in the princess tower and the castle dungeon (recommended for over 10s) are also available for an additional cost, but there’s plenty included in the standard ticket price, too. Younger guests will love the Zog live shows and the chance to meet the dragon himself at no extra cost.
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Castle and grounds
The castle itself is open to explore throughout the day and it’s worth setting aside a good chunk of time to properly take it in. Inside, you’ll find beautifully recreated state rooms, offering a glimpse into how the Beauchamp and Greville families lived in the castle centuries ago, alongside exhibits that bring the castle’s history to life.
There’s a surprising amount to see in the nooks and crannies of the castle, so much so that it took us until our third visit to feel like we’d covered it all. Highlights include the great hall, the Kingmaker exhibitionand the royal weekend party set-up.
Free guided tours run at various points during the day and are well worth booking if you want a bit more context. While my younger children didn’t fully grasp all the history, they still enjoyed exploring the rooms, admiring the costumes and decor and asking questions along the way.
While the views from the towers and ramparts at Warwick Castle were a highlight once at the top, they’re not for everyone. The winding staircases are very narrow, steep in places and can feel quite relentless on the way up.
I made the mistake of taking my four-year-old halfway up and quickly regretted it – coming down felt particularly nerve-wracking, especially with how steep and enclosed it is. It’s also worth noting that once you’re in, the route is one-way and there’s likely other visitors waiting at the other end, so there’s no easy exit if you change your mind. If you’re visiting with younger children, anyone who might tire easily or feel uneasy in tight spaces, it’s probably one to skip.
Outside, the grounds are just as impressive. There are beautifully kept gardens, open green spaces to run around and plenty designed with families in mind. The Zog playland and maze are ideal for younger children, while the Horrible Histories maze is better suited to older ones and adds a bit of challenge and humour.
Food and drink vendors are dotted across the site, from quick coffee stops to hot meals, ice cream and even a glass of wine if you fancy it. That said, you’re more than welcome to bring your own food and a picnic is an easy way to keep costs down.
Also be prepared for the gift shops around the grounds as well as at the entrance/exit. As with most attractions, souvenirs and toys can become costly, so if you’ve promised your little ones a gift, I would advise (from personal experience) waiting until the end.
It’s well worth planning ahead when booking your Warwick Castle tickets. The easiest way to save is to book online in advance, where prices can be as much as 45 per cent cheaper than on-the-gate entry.
If you’re visiting as a group, family tickets typically offer better value than buying individual passes. Prices start from around £86 for a family of four, with options for families of three or five as well.
It’s also worth keeping an eye out for additional discounts. NHS workers can sometimes access exclusive event days with reduced entry, whilst student tickets are available at a lower rate of £16.
You can find more ways to save on your Warwick Castle tickets on our dedicated deals page.
On-site hotel and glamping
If you’d rather not squeeze everything into one day, staying overnight turns the visit into more of a short break.
The on-site hotel offers themed medieval-themed rooms, with family options that can accommodate up to three children. Stays include evening entertainment, plus dinner and breakfast options for a more relaxed break. We could barely prize my boys away from the interactive moving horse statue in the main reception, a small detail that really added to the excitement of the day.
For something a little different, the woodland lodges along the River Avon offer a quieter, more private setting. These range from smaller woodland lodges sleeping up to five, to larger knight lodges designed for groups of up to seven.
The most memorable option, though, is the Knight’s Village medieval glamping experience. Set within the castle grounds, these themed tents give you that “sleeping in a castle” feel with a bit more comfort. It’s a fun option for children and makes the whole trip feel that bit more special, although availability is limited to selected dates.
Car parking is an extra cost to your ticket and you can pay before or after your visit. There’s a walk of around 15 minutes to the main car park, however you can catch the shuttle bus, which runs at intervals throughout the day.
You probably won’t get around everything in a single visit to Warwick Castle, at least if you have younger children. As I’ve mentioned, it’s taken us a few trips to feel like we’ve properly explored all it has to offer. That said, the ever-changing line-up of shows and seasonal events means it never really feels repetitive.
Visit our dedicated travel deals homepage for more savings, from days out to family travel
