Warwick Castle was top of my list of things to do this half term. Not because of the Halloween activities, as they aren’t really our thing, but as middle man has been learning about castles at school. Well, that combined with the fact that we have Merlin passes and hadn’t been there yet!
So on Sunday we got up early and drove to Warwick. If you have a premium Merlin pass then you can park without charge at the Stratford Road car park. I guess this was full as we were directed into a field and then took a reasonably long walk to the castle.
Once inside we were greeted by peacocks, before heading to the castle.
Although middle man was keen on pointing out the features of the castle, he was less keen on going up Guy’s tower. I probably shouldn’t have pushed him, but thought he was just being silly. We had taken him to The Monument 2 years ago and he had managed to climb the spiral staircase there without too much complaining. However, on Sunday, he decided he didn’t like them. The biggest problem was he had come to this conclusion right at the top of the tower! Warning, he wasn’t the only one! If you have a child that doesn’t like heights or spiral staircases it is probably best not to take them up as when they have reached the top, they will see someone else freaking out which will set them off. Hindsight is such a great thing!
So once we had ruled out any more towers, we decided that it was safest to watch the shows. We caught the end of the trebuchet show, which was good and I would have loved to see this in the dark. We then watched the birds of prey show which is one of the best I have seen.
The main problem with the shows was the crowds. It didn’t seem especially busy but crowds were gathering up to an hour beforehand to see the shows which is never ideal with small children. We gave up on the bowman show as we couldn’t see well (turning up 15 minutes early) and the music and microphone weren’t working. One for next time I suppose.
The horrible histories maze kept the boys entertained but big man pointed out that it wasn’t very hard. I am still unsure why it was given 2 pumpkins for being scary.
There is nothing scary about it and you don’t even get lost. The nice thing for the boys was that you could collect a pop badge for getting your booklet stamped.
The grounds are very pretty and middle man was fine walking around The Mound.
We had a lovely day at Warwick castle, but I think that my view is slanted slightly as it was included in the price of our Merlin annual pass. The crowds for the show would have annoyed me if we had had to pay full price to go in. The shows were good and I would suggest planning your visit around them. I am sure we will go back again to see the things we missed.
Have you visited Warwick Castle? What did you like best?
I last visited Warwick Castle when I was 18! I should really go back. Shame about the crowds, but it does sound like an interesting visit. This post would be perfect for my new #CulturedKids linky. Second link-up goes live this Friday (4 Nov) if you have time! Nell x
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I love Warwick Castle. I’ve paid for priority parking in the nearest car park, but missed a space by 1 car at 10am! Ended up in the field and thankfully had our buggy with us, because there’s no way that N at 2.5yrs would have made the walk to and from the car as well as the day. I was not impressed when they say that field is the same price as parking closer.
I’m not sure N would want to go again – he’s a bit scared of castles at the moment for some reason although in the past has loved seeing everything there.
#countrykids
Warwick castle looks brilliant. We went to Bodiam Castle which is tiny compared to this one. It does look very busy which is always annoying. #countrykids
Just a shame that you need to be there so early – they really need more shows so it isn’t an issue
We love Warwick Castle and it’s somewhere I’ve been going for years, a tad more expensive though these days. Shame about the crowds. We’re there at the end of the month, so will see what they’re like then #CountryKids
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I’ve never been but I have seen some great write ups here on Country Kids. I’m not one for crowds so that would have put me off, I have a big dislike of Legoland for the same reason, even though we went for free. The shows at Warwick Castle do sound impressive, if you can get to the front and a good alternative to braving the spiral staircase! One day I hope I get to visit too.
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Yes Legoland is bad for queues esp where it’s aimed at young children. Chessington is also a nightmare. Alton Towers was much nicer! Can you tell we have used out Merlin passes a lot this year!?!
I loved Warwick Castle when I visited 13 years ago. The trebuchet show was amazing. I haven’t been back since we had children but I know they’d love it there. We have a castle in our city but it’s nowhere near as big as Warwick.
I’m the same with spiral staircases. I hate them and will avoid them at all costs!
#countrykids
Warwick Castle always looks like an interesting place to visit although I’m with your middle man on spiral staircases. It was a shame that there were so many crowds for the show and it was difficult to see them properly. I’ve always been a little put off by the entry cost for Warwick Castle although I think I would be more inclined to visit with a Merlin pass. That last photo with the view across the castle is gorgeous. #countrykids
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I’ve been wanting to visit Warwick Castle – and debating the Merlin passes too! Hmm, shall think more now!
I’ve been taking our family to the Castle every summer for the last 5 years. Love it there and always something to watch. I’m really lucky to live just 20 minutes. A stroll around Warwick either before or after is nice too.
-Jess
Yes I would love to go back in the summer