Visiting Warwick Castle

Logistics & review of independently visiting Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle Official Web Site


The first thing to say about Warwick Castle is that yes, Warwick is historic and a well preserved castle, not a ruin. But, it is run by the same company that manages Madame Tussaud's and Legoland and is run primarily as an entertainment.

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Warwick Castle
Oxford
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If your requirement is pure heritage and history you may be disappointed . If you are looking for a medieval castle where you kids can fulfil their fantasies, this is probably the place for you.


Unless you arrive by tour coach. parking is not free at Warwick Castle. The less expensive car parks involve a 10 minute walk to the main entrance.

Its about a 15 minute walk from the train station at Warwick. There are regular trains from London's Marylebone Station. Trains on this line go onto nearby Stratford Upon Avon.


The Castle can trace its history back to the 10th Century. Warwick acquired the classic moat surrounding a large earth mound supporting a fort with the arrival of the Norman's. Warwick was one of a whole chain of castles across England that included Windsor Castle.


The 'serious' side of a visit to Warwick revolves around visiting the Great Hall and rooms adjoining. This is very similar to any tour of a more 'staid' castle, but won't take more than 10/15 minutes of your time.

The castle walls offer exercise and great views.

Warwick Castle Archer Demonstration

The rest of the castle is focused on events that take place throughout the day. These are biased towards entertaining children, in fact the Warwick Castle attraction is geared as a family attraction where you could easily spend the whole day. Its a kind of low key medieval theme park.

Events like mock fights, demonstrations of medieval weapons and jousting happen throughout the day. There are demonstrations of archery and stalls where kids can live out fantasies like archery and sword fighting.


For a family, the extras can work out expensive. The whole setup is a very slick cash machine, the events keeping you within the Castle with pauses long enough between them for your kids to plead to joust, fight etc - a constant drip feed on your wallet.


There is a wide range of food options, but prices reflect the monopoly Warwick Castle has over you. The grounds are vast with sweeping lawns with plenty of space for a picnic you can bring along. You should find a space of your own, even at the busiest times to have a family picnic which can be idyllic on a nice day.


If you aren't towing kids along or you arrive on a coach tour you will probably spend only a couple of hours at Warwick.


Opening hours and admission prices : Opening hours are seasonal and admissions are complicated. Nest to click through on the official web site link at the top of the page.

Warwick, Stratford and Oxford

Includes admission Warwick Castle

Includes admission Shakespeare's Birthplace

Includes admission Christ Church Oxford

This day tour to Warwick, Stratford Upon Avon and Oxford by Premium Tours also finds time to give you a glimpse of the scenic Cotswold region.

In Oxford the tour is focused on Christ Church, the largest college in Oxford and used extensively for Harry Potter films. A lunch stop takes place at a 15th century inn in the picturesque Cotswolds. The tour includes a visit to Shakespeare's birthplace and also Warwick Castle, the greatest medieval castle in Britain.

Warwick, Stratford and Oxford - Full Tour Details