Warwick Castle is a popular choice with families for a fun day trip or overnight stay. It is not only one of the best-preserved English medieval castles, but it also offers a number of adventure activities and shows for children.
The castle is just under a 2-hour journey from London by train or car. Although it can be visited as a day trip, it also has a hotel where you can stay overnight. This gives families two days of activities there.
In this Warwick Castle review we look at what the castle offers, whether it is worth travelling to, and what you can expect from a day there.
You can also see what thousands of reviewers have to say about the pros and cons of the castle.
We hope that this will help you to decide if Warwick Castle is worth a visit for you and your family.
What is Warwick Castle?
Book from £22.00: Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is one of the best-preserved English medieval castles. It is located in the historic town of Warwick in the Midlands, a one hour and fifty minute train ride from London.
The history of Warwick Castle stretches back to when Aethelflaed, daughter of Alfred the Great, built a surrounding wall there in 914 AD.
William the Conqueror went on to build a wooden fort in 1068 AD which is known as the first version of the castle. It was then rebuilt in stone in 1260.
Warwick Castle is famous for its role in the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War.
Today, Warwick Castle is open to the public. As you can enjoy the family attractions while also learning about the history, it makes for a fun family day out.
Book from £22.00: Warwick Castle
What is good about Warwick Castle?
What is good about Warwick Castle is the live shows and adventure experiences, together with the rich history the castle has. Here are some of the most popular activities at the castle.
Adventure and immersive experiences at Warwick Castle
Book from £22.00: Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle offers lots of activities and on-site attractions suitable for children. These include the much-talked-about Falconer’s Quest, the UK’s largest bird-of-prey experience.
The terrifying Castle Dungeon experience is another of the Castle’s exciting live shows where you are guided around the dungeons by some of its residents.
There is also the fantastical Princess Tower interactive storytelling for 3- to 8-year-olds.
Historical experiences at Warwick Castle
Book from £22.00: Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is rich in history, and exploring it will reveal key events that have shaped Britain. You can visit the Great Hall and State Rooms, climb the towers, and walk the Castle walls.
Different history tours run throughout the day, delving into the Castle’s past. You can also walk through The Kingmaker experience and get a feel of the preparations that were made before a medieval battle.
Toddler play areas at Warwick Castle
Book from £22.00: Warwick Castle
For younger children and toddlers they can enjoy the Zog Playland. This adventure playground has dragon-winged zip wires, slides, sand play, and adventure tunnels.
All this is inspired by the Zog books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
You will also find the Horrible Histories Maze at Warwick Castle alongside activities in jousting and archery.
Check the seasonal events that Warwick Castle hosts with special activities to see what’s on during your stay.
What ages is Warwick Castle good for?
Warwick Castle is good for all ages but perhaps best for children above the age of 2 years. Toddlers can enjoy exploring Zog Playland and its activities, as well as exploring the castle and watching its shows.
There are more activities on offer for older children, such as live experiences and immersive shows.
Older children can also explore the castle and climb the battlements.
How much time do I need at Warwick Castle?
You need a full day at Warwick Castle to be able to take part in the live shows, activities, and explore the castle grounds.
You might be able to spend less time at the castle if visiting with toddlers and very young children as there are fewer activities they can take part in.
You can also stay overnight at Warwick Castle, which means you’ll get to enjoy two days of experiences at the castle. This can help make the travel there worthwhile.
Book from £22.00: Warwick Castle
Can you stay at Warwick Castle?
Yes, you can stay at the Warwick Castle Hotel which opened in July 2024. There are medieval-themed rooms to choose from, as well as a medieval dining hall.
Alternatively, there are Woodland Lodges on the bank of the River Avon and a Knight’s Village Glamping where you can sleep in medieval-themed tents.
If you are looking for a room that feels like it’s made for royalty, you can stay in the Caesar’s Tower Suites.
These are opulently decorated with four-poster beds, tapestries, and high-vaulted ceilings. The luxury rooms are on their own private floor of a 14th-century tower.
Castle entry, complimentary breakfast, and evening entertainment are included in every stay.
Overnight stays at Warwick Castle start from £89.00 for a family of 4. Castle Day Tickets are not included.
Warwick Castle reviews
Warwick Castle scored an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 22,678 reviews on Google.
Many reviewers cited the bird-of-prey experience, the Falconer’s Quest, as a clear highlight. They loved this as well as the other live shows on offer.
The wild peacocks wandering the castle was also very popular with kids.
Reviews found the castle to live up to expectations, being an impressive and well-kept historic building.
They said that it looked as you would imagine a medieval castle to be and that they loved being there exploring the history.
Lots of people were impressed by the views that they got from climbing the castle walls and towers, too.
On the downside some found that the cafe at the Castle had limited food options and noted that the Castle could get busy during peak times and special events. If visiting on these days, be prepared for some queuing.
Many reviews pointed out that the car park is quite far from the Castle. So that’s something to keep in mind as well, as it may be a 10- to 20-minute walk to get to the Castle. A buggy may be helpful for younger children.
Parking and some of the attractions may need to be purchased separately, so it’s good to budget for this in advance. Events with separate tickets include the Dungeons live experience and the archery activity.
Overall, reviews for Warwick Castle were very positive. Visitors found the Castle to be beautifully kept and packed with history to discover.
Many reviewers said it made for an excellent family day out with engaging activities and exciting live shows. Families found lots to do, and it entertained kids of different ages.
Warwick Castle pros and cons
The pros and cons from reviewers of Warwick Castle can be summarised as follows:
| Pros | Cons |
| Brilliant live shows, including the Falconer’s Quest | The car park is a 10- to 20-minute walk from the castle |
| Stunning views from the castle walls and towers | Additional costs for some attractions |
| Entertains children of all ages with their activities and interactive experiences |
Best prices for Warwick Castle tickets
Book from £22.00: Warwick Castle
The best price for Warwick Castle is £22.00 for a day ticket, which can be booked online at the Castle’s website. The price is the same for all ages, with under 2s free.
During off-peak times, you can get the Parent & Toddler deal that gives entry to an adult and child under 5 years for £20.00.
Short breaks with an overnight stay start from £35.00 per person. Some overnight stays include one-day castle tickets and discounted second-day tickets.
Warwick Castle ticket guarantee
Purchasing tickets online for Warwick Castle is cheaper than buying tickets on arrival. Online purchases also come with a Rainy Day Promise.
This means if it rains for an hour or more during your visit, you will get a free return visit.
How to get to Warwick Castle?
To get to Warwick Castle by car, head to one of the two car parks: the Stratford Road car park (CV34 6AH) and the Stables Car Park (CV34 4QU). Note that it is a 10- to 20-minute walk from the car parks to the Castle.
It is easy to get to Warwick Castle by train. Warwick Railway Station is approximately a 15-minute walk from the castle.
There are day tours by a coach from London too.
Book from £22.00: Warwick Castle
Is Warwick Castle worth it?
Yes, Warwick Castle is worth it as you can explore history while also enjoying immersive activities and live shows. It makes for a fantastic family day out or overnight stay as there are many adventure experiences to enjoy.
The archery activity is especially popular with children. The live shows, such as the Falconer’s Quest, have been a highlight for kids and adults.
While toddlers have fewer activities they can take part in, there are still activity options for them. They can explore the castle, watch the shows, and visit Zog Playland. Zog Playland is an adventure playground for younger children with activities as well as a large pretend castle to explore.
Adults and older children can learn more about the Castle’s rich history through educational experiences like the Kingmaker Exhibition. Here, the night before the Earl of Warwick went to battle is recreated. A battle which led to the coronation of King Edward IV.
Teenagers can also enjoy scarier activities like the immersive Castle Dungeon experience.
In addition to all this, seeing Warwick Castle itself, an impressive, magical building, captured the imagination of many of its visitors.
Tickets are worth the price, as a lot of shows and attractions are on offer, and under 2s go free.
Some activities are included in the ticket price, while others need to be purchased separately. Check the website for the latest events and to book in advance.
FAQs
Do you need to book in advance for Warwick Castle?
Yes, booking in advance for Warwick Castle is recommended for the best price and to take advantage of the Rainy Day Promise. With online tickets, you can get a free return visit if it rains for one hour or more during your visit. You can book online via the Warwick Castle website.
Can you take your own food to Warwick Castle?
Yes, you can bring your own food to Warwick Castle. The castle grounds make for the perfect picnic spot. You can bring some delicious food and a picnic rug to enjoy lunch with views of this historic castle.
Is Warwick Castle fun for adults?
Yes, Warwick Castle can be fun for adults. While Warwick Castle has lots of activities for kids, being a family attraction, there is a lot for adults to enjoy. As a historical site, adults can discover the role of the castle in British history through the different history tours. You can visit the Great Hall & State Rooms as well as The Kingmaker experience. The live shows appeal to all ages, especially the bird of prey experience of the Falconer’s Quest. There are also gardens and views from the walls and towers.
Can you walk around Warwick Castle for free?
No, you cannot walk around Warwick Castle for free. You must purchase a ticket to enjoy the grounds of the castle as well as see inside and climb the walls. Tickets can be purchased online on the Warwick Castle website.
Do you have to pay for the dungeons at Warwick Castle?
Yes, you have to pay for the dungeons at Warwick Castle. The dungeon experience at Warwick Castle costs £6.00.
Why is Warwick Castle so famous?
Warwick Castle is famous as one of the best-preserved English medieval castles. It has over 1,000 years of history to discover. Built by William the Conqueror, it is famous for its involvement in the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War. It has also been home to the infamous Richard Neville, known as ‘The Kingmaker.’
Can you do Warwick Castle in a day?
Yes, you can do Warwick Castle in a day. There are plenty of attractions and activities at Warwick Castle to entertain children of all ages. There is also history to unpack and grounds to explore. If you wish to, you can also stay the night at Warwick Castle. They have glamping, cabins, and their own hotel on-site.
What are the opening times for Warwick Castle?
Warwick Castle’s opening hours are from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. However, these hours may alter during school holidays and special events.
