WITH spring in the air and Easter already upon us, it’s time to start looking for some fun days out for all the family.
And, if you want an impressive piece of history to visit on your doorstep, you don’t have to look very far.
Warwick Castle really does have something for everyone – from the very young to the more senior members of the family.
The castle, in its earliest form, dates back to William the Conqueror in 1068. From then a traditional motte-and-bailey structure was built before it became the impressive grand stone fortress, complete with defence towers and ramparts, gatehouse, gaol, dungeons and more, that we know today.
Unlike many other castles, the inside of Warwick is just as impressive as the outside – for some of its later history, it was used as a country home and this can be seen with the breath-taking décor of the grand hall, state rooms, drawing rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and even a water mill, engine room and a chapel. Not only have each of them been exquisitely decorated to appear as they would have looked, but there are also life-like mannequins depicting scenes from times gone by.
But it is not just the castle and its interior that has to be seen at Warwick – there are plenty of other daily shows and events which really bring history to life.
Among them are the Time Tower, which tells the history of the castle through video screens (including some very quirky talking picture frames), and a model of the castle.
And this year there are two exhibitions themed on the Horrible Histories which have proved so popular with young and older audiences alike for generations.
The Horrible Histories Maze sees you take a passport and follow the pathways to different time zones where you will learn about those various eras of British history. Among them are the Vicious Vikings, Stormin’ Normans, Measly Middle Ages, Terrifying Tudors, Slimy Stuarts and the Frightful First World War. At each stop you get your passport stamped and can exchange that at the shop at the end for an ‘I completed the Horrible Histories Maze’ badge – a great incentive for younger visitors.
There is also the comedic Wicked Warwick Horrible Histories stage show which sees two presenters tell the history of Warwick Castle using a variety of different costumes and spoof versions of popular songs and TV shows (including the Apprentice and Through the Keyhole). Their impressions of Keith Lemon and Alan Sugar were particularly humorous.
There are also archery and falconry displays daily, along with the chance to have a go at archery and, for younger visitors, Knight School where, with the help of a costumed re-enactor, you get to learn about swordmanship.
The Princess Tower provides a romantic storytime session and a riddle for children to solve and the impressive Trebuchet demonstration returns this year. That is the largest working siege machine in the World and never disappoints as those operating it talk the crowd through how it was used before projecting a fireball through the air.
And, if all that is not enough, for an extra £9, you can also explore the dastardly dungeons – because of the content, it is advised that it is suitable for those aged ten and over.
The main advice has to be though – if you are visiting Warwick Castle, ensure you get there as early as possible, plan carefully your time there and the order in which you want to see the exhibitions, displays and events. Because of the sheer volume of things to see and do, you will struggle to see it all in one day.
Visit www.warwick-castle.com for more on Warwick Castle and its attractions
