The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
Open the pages of any fairy tale and you’re sure to find a castle. These magical places ignite the imaginations of young and old alike. Throughout history, these magnificent buildings have been the homes of kings and queens and have borne witness to many historical events. One of Britain’s finest examples is Warwick Castle, a jewel in the English countryside.
Warwick Castle is a spectacular family day out for all ages. Not only is it a fine example of a medieval castle with a stone façade and wonderful turrets, battlements, and fortifications, it has sixty acres of grounds and is surrounded by lush green countryside and the modern town of Warwick. Cross the drawbridge and explore the ramparts and climb the turrets to see over the whole of Warwick. Warwick is a desirable town, steeped in history and heritage. Take a Warwick Town Trail to explore its hidden treasures.
The castle is perched on the river Avon and as a settlement, its history spans over a millennium, from the times of the Danish invaders. It is said that Saxon Princess Ethelfleda, daughter of King Alfred built a fortified earthen rampart to protect Warwick. But it was William the Conqueror after his victory over King Harold at the Battle of Hastings who put it on the map and elevated it.
He commissioned Henry de Newburgh, who later became the first Earl of Warwick to build a sturdier wooden fortification. The de Newburgh family held the castle for five generations and began to turn it into stone. Under the change of ownership to William de Beauchamp (1268 to 1298) began a lasting dynasty stretching 181 years which began its rich fortunes. During the reign of King James I in 1604, it was converted to a country house owned by the Grenville family. Mr Grenville was a parliamentarian, and the castle was marginally involved in the Gunpowder Plot of of 1605 as conspirators hiding nearby stole cavalry horses from the stables at Warwick Castle to flee after their foiled attempt.
Later stands against the Crown were made when Warwick Castle’s defences were bolstered in 1642 in preparation for attack during the First English Civil War. Indeed, on 7 August 1642, a Royalist force laid siege to the castle. In 1802 George Grenville almost lost the estate to gambling debts, but it was subsequently bequeathed back to the family and remained in their ward for three centuries. The castle was extensively damaged by a fire in 1871 and then after 374 years in the Greville family, the building was sold to The Tussauds Group for £1.3 million.
Inside the castle, which was largely rebuilt in the sixteenth Century, you’ll find grandeur and pageantry. Begin in the Great State rooms which gives an insight into the life of the successive lines of the Earls of Warwick. Their wealth is displayed throughout the building and not forget these aristocrats were richer than the Crown and the Kingdom combined. The Great Hall features weaponry fit for a king, with suits of armour and spears and swords once used by the great and the good.
Take a tour through the grand house exploring the State rooms, the red and green drawing rooms and a Library which is one of the finest examples of Renaissance revival architecture. Head upstairs to the famous Queen Anne bedroom, the blue boudoir and Daisy’s bedroom. Along the way you’ll encounter incredibly lifelike Tussaud’s wax works of Henry VIII and his six wives and Sir Winston Churchill who attended the 1898 weekend party exhibition hosted by Frances Countess of Warwick; attended by the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII. There’s also an impressive armoury passageway and a chapel. The castle was originally intended to be a fortress yet as over the years it has been transformed into a stately home.
There is so much to do at Warwick Castle for all ages. Children can really exert some energy at the fantastic Zog Playland and then continue in this theme as they go in search of the golden star with this loveable character in his own interactive trail around the park and even learn to fly like a dragon as they have their picture taken riding Zog against the backdrop of this amazing fort. Meanwhile, the Horrible Histories Maze is a chance for little ones to encounter the past as they interact with different periods.
Little ones can also enjoy a story with a princess in the tower, which is a magical experience. Another highlight of the day is the Falconers Quest, a spectacle where you can see an array of birds of prey perform in flight across the Lakeside arena, as the mighty birds a mix of incredible eagles and falcons soar overhead, the crowds are enthralled. It is a wonderful spot to enjoy the beauty and majesty of this occasion.
The tranquility of the grounds is simply wonderful and enhanced by the stunning maze-like structure of the Peacock Gardens complete with water features that are mesmerizing. The beautiful birds that live here and give it its name add an ethereal beauty strutting around and fanning out their magnificent blue and green tails.
You can sit on the deck of the Conservatory Tea House, looking out into this splendid scene. When you head inside, you’ll pass a replica of the Warwick Vase. It is a peaceful and elegant spot, tucked away within the castle grounds where one can spend a whole afternoon until sundown enjoying afternoon tea followed by prosecco in the gardens, entertained by period actors before the evening show.
The Legend of the Trebuchet live show features Britain’s largest siege machine and splendid actors and actresses. The audience is treated to an epic tale performed around the River Island arena. The year is 1470, Edward IV has been on the throne for nine years but he has fallen out with Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick.
Sam, the narrator introduces a rag-tag group of servants including minstrels, a cook and farmers. When the Yorkists start firing cannons towards the castle, the servants take it upon themselves to arm the trebuchet and fling a giant rock at the enemy.
These peasants rallies together to protect Warwick Castle from enemy invasion, unleashing the mighty power of the trebuchet, sending their boulders around 200m as they defend the fine castle. Warwick Castle’s trebuchet, built to 13th and 14th-century original designs, measuring 18-metres, weighing 22 tonnes and made from over 300 pieces of wood can launch projectiles around 200m. The show is ideal for children and adults alike with an interest in history. At various times of the year jousting also takes place forming a magnificent sight and you can also undertake archery
Sometimes, a day is not enough to see and do everything at a place like Warwick Castle, so arrange an overnight stay in the Knight’s Village which includes one-day castle tickets, evening activities and breakfast, so you can do it all again the next day. Relax like royalty and opt to stay in an exclusive Tower Suite, with VIP extras including champagne on arrival, concierge service and a private tour. Tucked away in a secluded woodland grove, with postcard-perfect views alongside the River Avon you are cocooned in total privacy. Choose from The Knights Village Lodges concealed between the trees and connected by wooden walkways that come complete with their own private terrace and medieval-inspired décor throughout. There’s also a Knights Village Glamping area and the whole complex is served by a medieval-themed restaurant in the centre.
