12th November 2022
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I haven't visited Warwick Castle since 2005, so visiting again after 17 years it was amazing to see so many changes.
Not being a driver i found visiting the castle was easy using public transport, with a train from Northampton to Coventry, then a change to Leamington Spa and then a train to Warwick!
Entry was easy as i had already booked online so was able to skip the ticket office.
One disappointment was not being able to get a picture of the gatehouse, as they was in the middle of construction of the Christmas ice rink. So will have to return in the future for that!
First impressions is the castle is well-maintained, and everything was top quality!
The tower has many attractions inside it walls and all of them, except the Castle Dungeons are included in the admission cost.
The first attraction i experienced was the Tower and Ramparts. This encompasses the Guy's Tower, Wall and Caesars Tower. This attraction does have a few safety notices, including there is in total over 500 steps to climb up/down!
The first tower i climbed was Guys Tower. This tower looks like it is the tallest tower but in fact the neighbouring tower, Caesars Tower is actually the tallest!
The climb is steep but once you get to the top it does offer speculator views of the castle and the surrounding tower
Mid-way down the tower there is a room that used to be used as a guard room, that shows information about the history of the tower and the life of someone who worked in the tower.
The next tower to climb is Caesars Tower. The tower offers views of the river and original medieval bridge. Below the tower is The Gaol, This was the castles original dungeon, Inside you climb down a narrow staircase, and created with a dark room, with just a slit in the floor for sanitation. There is only a small window for light, this was also the place the guards could view the prisoners
The next attraction i visited was The Kingsmaker. This is a walk-through attraction showing the castles inhabitants getting ready for the Battle of Barnet. The attraction shows all aspects of the build-up including the blacksmith, stonemason, bowmen and the soldiers. The attraction was highly detailed, with the rooms even having different lighting, flooring and even smells! There is an opportunity for a professional photo in the area.
You leave the attraction via the gift shop that has merchandise especially for the Kingsmaker like Pens, Books, Keyrings etc and also generic merchandise for Warwick Castle in general. I felt considering it is a Merlin Attraction, the prices didn't seem very expensive.
The next attraction i visited was the State Rooms. This offers a detailed look at the history of the castle and its wealthy inhabitants. The first room you enter is The Great Hall. It holds now holds the Earl of Warwick's armour and weapons collection, including Jousting armour.
You then enter various state rooms, like the Red Drawing Room, Cedar Drawing Room and the Green Drawing Room. Each was used for various occasions like banquets and ballroom dancing.
You also enter Queen Annes Bedroom. Queen Anne never visited the castle, but the furniture was gifted to the Earl, so he named the room after it.
Another breath-taking room was the State Dining Room. This room had some seen some powerful guests such as Queen Victoria, King Edward VII and Queen Elizabeth the II!
There is also a smaller walk-through attraction, The Royal Weekend Party. You see the castle residences on the 26th June 1898 getting ready for a special guest. The castle was expecting the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII), and the attraction shows them in various stages of getting ready, It uses authentic furniture, fittings, clothing to show the scenes in the actual rooms, like the Music Room, Library, Ladies Boudoir and Guest Bedroom
I was lucky enough to see the attraction with its Christmas overlay which made it even better
The next attraction was The Time Tower. This is a immersive show that shows projection mapping and screens to show the development of the castle! You also meet some of the former owners of the castle and a little bit of history about them! The only issue i had with this attraction was the entry and exit system. You enter through a turnstile that counts how many people in (max 25), but there is nothing stopping people entering the exit, which means they walk in front of the screens.
In the centre courtyard this is also The Castle Dungeons, which is similar to other Dungeon attractions in the country. There is an additional charge. I have to admit i was too scared to do this attraction.
The highlight of my day was the Winter Birds of Prey show! You could tell the handlers cared about their birds and had them well trained. You first meet Jack the Owl and learn interesting facts about him, like his eyes are fixed and have no peripheral vision so has to turn his head to see anything to the side! The next feathered friend who comes out is Charlie the Hawk!
The final feathered friend to come out was Simon the Falcon who decided to fly off for a few minutes and you could see the worry on his handler's face!
The final area i visited was the Old Mill. The original use of the building was to grind corn, and then in the 17th Century was used to for pumping water.The building was destroyed by fire in 1880, and was rebuilt for use as a electricity generator!
This area also offers amazing views of the River Avon, the Weir and original Medieval bridge. In the summer you can access the other side of the river, which is home to the famous Trebuchet and Boathouse.
There is also other kid friendly attractions like the Zog Playland, a play area themed to the characters of Zog. The Horrible Histories Maze is an interactive maze. There is also the Princess Tower (weekends only) which is a interactive show, which has the kids help the princess sole the riddles to reunite the happy couple!
Cost
You can purchase tickets on the day, but it is cheaper to buy online. You save money and also time on entry. You also have to pay to park as well
There is plenty of places to eat but i saw the prices so i would suggest bringing a picnic and take in some of the amazing sites of the castle and river.
Overall, i can't wait to return to Warwick Castle in the future to experience events like The Jousting, Fireworks and Christmas events.
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