Things to do at Warwick Castle

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We have had quite a few days out at Warwick Castle over the years and it’s always seemed to be such a lovely place to spend time with the kids at all ages. From toddlers to teens, there’s something for everyone at Warwick Castle and it’s always a full, fun day out with plenty of memories made.

So I thought I would share all of the things to do at Warwick Castle so you can see what would keep your little ones or, like us, teenagers entertained on your next day out. I just wish Warwick Castle had longer opening hours so you could cram more into your day – but, you can always stay over at the castle and carry on the fun on day two!

We have invested in Merlin Annual Passes for the year so are lucky to be able to go to Warwick Castle as often as we like. You can find current Merlin Annual Pass deals and promotions here.

The Great Hall and State Rooms

One of the first things we always do on any visit to Warwick Castle is take a look inside – and there is just so much to see and so much history to learn about. The rooms inside the castle chronicle the castle’s history from the 16th century right up until 1978.

The Great Hall

The Great Hall is the largest room in the castle, and the first one you see as you enter. It is steeped in six centuries of history. Constructed in the 14th century, the Great Hall has had many different uses since. Full of suits of armour and horses to admire – part of the Earl’s renowned armour collection, as well as Oliver Cromwell’s death mask on display, the Great Hall is a wonder to behold and, if you follow the route through the castle, you get to admire the room from above as well.

The State Rooms

There are many rooms to explore within Warwick Castle and each has an individual style as well as many artefacts and portraits that all help to tell the story of the castle’s ownership through time.

The Royal Weekend Party

Some of the rooms have been set to help you get a feel of what life was like in the castle in Victorian times. It’s 25th June 1898 and Francis and Daisy Greville, the 5th Earl and Countess of Warwick have organised a very special house party. This recreation of a lavish social event features exquisite furniture and fittings on display from the period, with lifelike waxwork models depicting authentic scenes.

Grounds, Gardens and Castle

A big part of a trip to Warwick Castle is also exploring the outside of the castle, the walls, the views and the green spaces too.

Towers and Ramparts

There are two different towers at Warwick Castle – Guy’s Tower is 29 metres high and was built in the 14th century and Caesar’s Tower which is 40 metres high. This is one of only two Quatrefoil towers in the country and beautifully showcases 14th century Anglo-French architecture. Caesar’s Tower would have been used for accommodation and to house noble prisoners captured in battle until their ransom was paid.

You can also walk along and peer over the battlements, climbing up and down the steps where knights once stood and fought. There are arrow holes to look through and incredible views to admire.

The Conquerers Fortress

The Mound is the oldest surviving part of the castle, still standing from when the castle was built in 1068 by William the Conqueror. This was where the stronghold originally stood – a motte and bailey castle. Climbing to the top of the Mound gives spectacular views of Warwick town – the vantage point that led William the Conquerer to build Warwick Castle on this site in the first place.

The Peacock Garden

One of the highlights of the Warwick Castle grounds is The Peacock Gardens, named after the birds that you can find roaming there. Designed by Robert Marnock in the mid to late 19th century, the gardens are full of sculptured topiaries, manicured hedges and a fountain centerpiece but also give stunning views across the Pageant Fields.

Pageant Field

The Pageant Field stretches out along the riverside, providing sweeping views of the Castle and landscaped by the famous Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the field was created so you can enjoy a stroll through picturesque grounds.

River Island

The River Island is now home to a full-scale replica Trebuchet but it was once used as a menagerie by Daisy Greville. The zoo featured many exotic animals but stopped being used in 1903. However, the Warwick Castle birds of prey keep the original zoo licence active, continuing Daisy’s legacy over 100 years later.

The Gaol

The Gaol is the true dungeon at Warwick Castle and has been in place for as long as the great tower above it. Prisoners in the goal would have had to deal with the cold, the dark, little food and often torture and beatings from the jailers.

Mill and Engine House

Following a huge restoration project, the Mill and Engine House have now been opened to the public for the first time. The original mill was used to grind corn all the way through to the modern-day.

The Horrible Histories Maze

The Warwick Castle maze has been entertaining visitors for generations and it now has a Horrible Histories theme. Get lost within the maze and rediscover the Vicious Vikings, Stormin’ Normans and more, with many interactive games and challenges to help you to become a part of history.

Zog Playland

One of the newest parts of Warwick Castle, designed especially for Zog superfans – slide into Zog Playland! Fly like a dragon on a winged zip rope and explore the turrets of Princess Pearl’s Tower. Jam packed with both sensory and physical play, as well as accessible activities, the kids are bound to love it.

Live Shows and Demonstrations

As well as the castle and grounds, Warwick Castle has a lot of live shows to keep you entertained – and you’re given performance times when you arrive, and you can also access them on the Warwick Castle app.

Zog Live Show

Perfect for Zog fans of all ages, this 25 minute show includes live puppetry, interactive routines and special effects! All set within a secluded woodland at the castle.

Zog and the Flying Doctors Live Show

If you want even more Zog action, watch this show to join Zog, Princess Pearl, and Sir Gadabout as they encounter fantastic new friends – a mermaid, a lion, and a unicorn – all set against the stunning backdrop of Warwick Castle’s historic grounds.

Viking Raiders

Viking Raiders is a live stunt spectacular bringing the age of Saxons and Vikings to life for the very first time at Warwick Castle and brand new for this year. It tells the story of Æthelflæd, daughter of Alfred the Great, in an epic tale of invasion, battle and bravery.

The Falconers Quest

The UK’s largest bird of prey show, set in a bespoke arena set upon the river Avon. The Falconers Quest show features 60 stunning birds from all corners of the world. This includes The Andean Condor, The Steller’s Sea Eagle, The Bearded Vulture, The Bald Eagle and lots more.

The Mighty Trebuchet

Britain’s largest working siege machine is brought to life in this interactive and educational demonstration. Set on the banks of the River Avon, watch as this incredible medieval trebuchet is winded, loaded and fired!

The Castle Dungeon

Available at an extra cost, the Castle Dungeon is a thrilling attraction that is not for the faint-hearted. Get transported back in time to the days of the putrefying Plague as you see, hear, feel, and smell the castle’s resident creatures and succumb to over 300 years of Warwick’s most gruesome and grizzly history!

History Team Talks and Tours

Warwick Castle also offer informative and educational history tours and talks throughout the castle if you fancy doing something different with your time at Warwick.

Ultimate castle tour: Learn the entire history of Warwick Castle from 1068 to the present day. Nearly 1000 years of history in just 30 minutes!

Stately Splendour: Take a tour of the magnificent Great hall and staterooms, home of the Greville family for nearly 400 years.

Armour talk: Learn about a matchless collection of armour. Learn the myths surrounding armour and why armour is more than just used for protection.

Ghost tour: Haunting or hoax? Discover the terrifying truth about why ghosts may reside within the castle walls.

Archery

Available at an extra cost, give archery a try and aim to master this incredible skill! Set your sights on the target and unleash your potential. This is available to complete beginners both children and adults and is a great way to try out Archery.

Stay the night

And if you feel like extending the fun, or just fancy a night away, stay at Warwick Castle! The Warwick Castle hotel has Caesar’s Tower Suites, the Warwick Castle hotel rooms and glamping in Glamping Tents or Forest Lodges. There’s a space suitable for everyone! You can read our review of the Warwick Castle Hotel here and of staying in the Forest Lodges here.

Eating at Warwick Castle

There are so many options of places to eat at Warwick Castle and we made use of the Courtyard Refreshments food stands within the castle grounds to get pizza and nachos for lunch. But, there’s also fish and chips and afternoon tea at the Conservatory Tea House as well as The Undercroft Café.

For even more dining options, the Warwick Castle Hotel and glamping area also have restaurants – the Knight’s Table Restaurant which has a buffet service for both breakfast and dinner, and the Knight’s Tavern which has a table service menu where we dined on our last stay. It’s quick, affordable and just a stone’s throw from the accomodation options.

Getting to Warwick Castle

We have always driven to Warwick Castle and there is plenty of parking available on site. However, Warwick Castle is in Warwick town making it accessible by public transport too. You can get a train to Warwick Castle, stopping at Warwick train station which is about a mile from the castle. And Evan Evans and Golden Tours both offer coach tours from London to Warwick Castle as well.

Parking at Warwick Castle

Parking at Warwick Castle is free for overnight guests staying at the onsite accomodation. If you’re just visiting for the day there’s a parking charge starting at £7.50 per day. However, there are also places to be dropped off if you get a lift, a taxi or park somewhere off site.

I hope that’s given you some inspiration for your next trip to Warwick Castle. We’ve now visited with teenagers, young children and toddlers and have always had a fantastic time. We can’t wait to go again!

You can find out more about Warwick Castle over on their website and for reference the castle address is: Warwick CV34 6AU

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Things to do at Warwick Castle