Warwick Castle And The Knight’s Village

If you are looking to visit a castle this Summer, then you really need to take a trip to Warwick. Without doubt, Warwick Castle is one of the finest examples of an habitable castle in Britain, with beautiful state rooms, rising towers and battlements that you can climb and enjoy, and expansive grounds which, this summer, are housing a War of the Roses jousting arena and  a Horrible History play. Warwick Castle is a magical, mystical place that has over a 1000 years of history attached, and is a wonder for adults and children alike. And, what is even more exciting is that you can now stay in the Knight’s Village and expand your castle experience into an overnight stay.

The Knight’s Village

The Knight’s Village is set in the grounds of Warwick on the bank’s of the river Avon. The village is made up of Knight’s Lodges and glamping tents, and has it’s own car parking area and reception. The village also has a banqueting hall where you eat breakfast, and can also book in for dinner if you decide you want to eat onsite, although Warwick town is only a short walk away (around 10 minutes) and the helpful staff will recommend places to eat in the town.

The whole Village is wonderfully landscaped, with lodges all clearly numbered and easy to get to. Each lodge is warm and cosy, with central heating for days when the weather is not so good. We stayed in lodge 127, which had a double bedroom and a room with bunk beds, plus an extra pull out bed for the children. The lodges also have a bathroom/wetroom with a shower. Toiletries from Elemis are provided, as well as plenty of soft clean towels. The feel of the lodges is that they have been built to a high spec, and feel luxurious. There are tea and coffee making facilities in each room, as well as gorgeous ginger and chocolate cookies and shortbread – a really lovely touch.

What I really loved about the lodge was the little touches that added to the medieval experience. Above the double bed was a shield and ornamental swords that just fascinated the children. In the children’s bedroom was a Bayeaux style tapestry that virtually covered one wall. There were also objects of Hunter’s regalia and coats of arms in the room, giving the lodge an authentic feel.

In addition to the decor of the lodge, the grounds are just so idyllic and beautiful, with acres of grass giving a safe place for children to play games. Each lodge also has a terrace area where you can sit and relax, watching the sun going down on the River Avon.

But it is not all about peace and quiet. Each evening there are displays and entertainment along the banks of the river. Knight’s fighting duels with swords and axes, Princess school where you can learn about deportment and curtseying, and old fashioned toys and games to practice. There are archery lessons and lots of photo opportunities with the dashing knight’s. It is old fashioned fun and we loved it.

To find out more about a stay at the Knight’s Village, click here.

Warwick Castle Summer Fun

There is just so much to do with Warwick Castle. The inside of the castle is full of history and stories of the famous owners and inhabitants, from Warwick the KIngmakes, Fulke Greville and Henry the VIII. The Great Hall is truly magnificent, with suits of armour that delight young children. The Time Tower is a great way to learn about the history of the castle, from it’s early beginnings as a Fort belonging to Ethelfleda, the Lady of the Mercians, to modern times under the ownership of the Tussauds group.  For younger children, the Princess Tower lets children solve a puzzle, this is perfect for the under 8s.

Horrible History

One of the most popular areas with children is the Horrible History maze. You collect a book in order to collect the stamps at each different section of history. Each area has a reminder of horrible history, from a Viking ship, to Tudor stocks, right up to the trenches of World War one. Once you have collected the stamps you can then collect your reward from the Courtyard Shop.

The Horrible History theme continues with the Horrible History show, an hilarious look at the life and times of Warwick with appearances from Louis Walsh and Keith Lemon, along with rap, dance and very funny sketches.

The War of the Roses Jousting

A definite highlight this Summer is the War of the Roses joust which takes place in a specially built arena. You chose your side, from the Yorkists and Lancastrians, and then learn all about the key battles and characters of the Wars, from Richard III to Margaret of Anjou, from Henry Tudor to Elizabeth of York, all the time watching the exhilarating jousts which feature real feats of bravery, from flaming jousts, to riders who hang from their horses just attached by their stirrups. The joust is amazing entertainment, and a glorious history lesson all in one.

Food

The grounds are perfect if the day is sunny and you want to take a picnic, but if not the pizza and pasta restaurant is great. Set within the castle itself, the restaurant is self service buffet style, and hot and soft drinks are also included in the price. The staff are friendly and helpful, and were more than happy to provide plain pasta for my niece when we requested this.

Warwick Castle is the perfect family fun day out, with so much to do and learn. Definitely a one to visit this Summer.

To find out about admissions, opening times and events at Warwick Castle this summer, click here.

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