Warwick Castle

On a bright sunny morning we were off to visit Warick Castle. The history of the castle dates back to 914 when earthen ramparts were constructed to protect the small settlement of Warwick. In 1068 William the Conqueror built a motte and bailey fort on the site. This later evolved into the stone castle.

James, Melissa, Zoe and Eliza had called in to see us when they arrived in Warwick the previous evening so we had organised to meet at the castle.

We had visited the castle previously on the VOSCA tour in 2015 so this time we set off to explore the grounds looking for something that would entertain a four year old and an 18 month old.

The first stop was to join the crowds watching the firing of the trebuchet. This is a replica of the weapon used to make holes in castle walls during a siege.

We then went to watch the birds of prey.

 These magnificent birds put on a great display flying around the grounds, then back to their handlers.

Our third stop was the Wars of the Roses presentation. We were not sure how the girls would react to this event but they watched fascinated as riders on horseback rode backwards and forwards in front of them.

Zoe made sure that she had a good view of the show.

Eliza was transfixed watching the horses with Grandad

as can be seen in this picture as a horse raced by.

One day we will explain to the girls the significance of the Wars of the Roses to our family history.

Our next stop was lunch followed by a walk in the gardens.

Peacocks everywhere.

After lunch Zoe and her parents climbed one of the turrets to check out the view.

Meanwhile Eliza and Grandad had a nap.

When Zoe and her parents returned it was time to go the castle to look at some of the rooms inside.

Then it was back to the hotel after a fun day exploring Warwick Castle.

Warwick Castle

As the cricket match to be played on Wednesday 22 July was cancelled a group of us went to visit Warwick Castle.

Approaching the entrance to the castle you pass archers demonstrating their craft.

The deep ditch surrounding the castle, one of the defensive devices constructed to defend the castle from attackers, is clearly visible.

The castle is entered through the barbican.

Once inside the castle our first stop was the Castle Dungeon tour for which we had separate tickets. The dungeon was built in 1345. The tour includes at times gruesome re-enactments, with audience participation, which could be described as Horrible Histories for adults. Unfortunately it is not really possible to see the actual dungeon due to the darkness and special effects required for the performance. Once outside again we then found the entrance to the prison which allowed us to see the conditions in which prisoners were kept including the hole in the floor where some prisoners were discarded.

Quite some time was then spent in the Great Hall and other rooms in the castle. Suits of armor and a selection of weapons are part of the display in the hall. The hall and state rooms are impressive and we spent a good deal of time exploring the interior of the building open to the public.

Trebuchet

A walk along part of the castle wall was our next destination providing views of castle buildings and grounds as well as the area surrounding the castle.

Looking towards Warwick

While we were exploring the gardens the birds of prey show was about to begin. Being summer in England it was raining but we were able to seek shelter under some large trees nearby to watch eagles and other large birds of prey swoop overhead.

Walking around the gardens we met a number of peacocks including this one posing near a topiary peacock.

The gardens are worth exploring, when it is not raining.

Also in the grounds is a replica of a ballista, a medieval siege weapon. The castle also has a working replica of a trebuchet but it was not operating the day we visited the castle.

The castle had a Victorian water mill which in 1890 was adapted to supply electricity to the castle. The mill has been restored and is well worth visiting. As you enter the mill there is another view of part of the gardens.

The castle has a long history dating from 914. This timeline provides a brief outline. It is well worth visiting Warwick Castle to explore the buildings and the gardens however this may become more difficult in time as the Castle is managed by Merlin Entertainments (The Tussauds Group) and the feeling I had was that the Castle was on its way to being turned into a theme park. Hopefully visitors who wish to will still be able to explore the history of the Castle on its own and not as an object lost in re-enactments.