Looking for a day out that the whole family will love? That will inspire and excite even the most unimpressed toddler? A day out which is bursting with activities, history and children excitedly swinging wooden swords?
Well, look no further, as hot on Mother&Baby's family days out guide is Warwick Castle - a treat for mums and dads, as well as over-imaginative little ones.
This summer there’s a brand new interactive 3D activity trail with Zog the dragon from Julia Donaldson’s popular children’s book, which will teach little ones all the skills they need to become a fully-fledged dragon, as well as an outdoor cinema that will screen Zog’s story in the beautiful Pageant Field.
Planning a family day out to Warwick Castle? Here's everything you need to know:
Overview
Warwick Castle has an impressive, 1,100 years of history, with the area originally being settled by Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great and used to defend against the invading Danes. The castle is now open to guests, with families across the UK flocking to Warwick for a truly magical day out. From epic bird shows to history museums to a Medieval dining experience - there is lots of fun to be had at for the whole family!
Location
Warwick Castle is, of course, tucked away in Warwick and is just 40 minutes from Birmingham and 1 hour 40 minutes from London. Very near Stratford-upon-Avon and worth having a nose around if you get the chance!
What's there to do?
Zog and the Quest for the Golden Star: If your little one is mad about dragons then they’ll love this exciting new interactive 3D trail which will teach them all the skills they need to become a fully fledged dragon. There will be lots of different tasks to complete, including learning how to fly, roar and even capture a princess, before getting to meet Zog himself, who will be handing out golden stars to those who master the art of the dragon. And if you loved Julia Donaldson’s story about Zog, there will even be a daytime screening of the Emmy award winning animation in the castle’s beautiful Pageant Field. Both of these events will run until 5 September 2021. Dragon enthusiasts are not going to want to miss out on this.
The Falconer's Quest: Join the Falconer in an epic quest of discovery to find the most beautiful and bold birds in the land of Warwickshire. The riverside show will leave little ones gasping with delight, excitedly wondering which magnificent bird will swoop past next! The Falconer’s Quest is the UK’s new biggest birds of prey show, launching from 6 April until 3 November 2019 showing daily at the Castle. The Falconer’s Quest show is included in the general Castle admission price. A must-see treat for the whole family.
The Castle Dungeon: If you fancy being scared by an immersive experience and special effects (honestly, it's scary even for adults!) then book tickets for The Castle Dungeon. The brilliantly crafted set includes convincingly ghoulish actors, live 360 sets and 50 minutes of fun and screams. This attraction is not suitable for children under the age of 10 years old. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 18 years or older.
Food
Those visiting for the day have the choice of The Undercroft Restaurant, which serves delicious pizza and pasta dishes, as well as unlimited salad and soft drinks. It's also the perfect place to bring your own picnic, especially if the weather is warm!
Breakfast is included with every stay at Warwick Castle, with a cracking selection of either Continental or Cooked Traditional. There are plenty of vegetarian options, too.
Guests can also enjoy an Evening All-You-Can-Eat Mediaeval Dinner in the Knight’s Village Banquet Hall for an additional £18.95 per Adult; £9.95 per child.
Staying over
For those who really want to feel like royalty, there is an option to stay overnight at Warwick Castle. All accommodation at the Castle includes two-day Castle entry, breakfast and car parking.
Knight’s Village Lodges
Nestled next to the River Avon within the Castle grounds, cosy wooden Lodges are the perfect base for a fun short break at the Castle.
Glamping
Perfect when the weather is a little warmer, luxurious Glamping Tents make for a truly unique sleepover.
Tower Suites
For a luxurious night spent like royalty, the two beautiful Tower Suites can’t be beaten. Decked out in plush fabrics and ornate furnishings with luxurious four-posted beds, The Rose Suite and Peacock Suite will leave visitors feeling like king or queen of the Castle.
What ages is Warwick Castle suitable for?
It's suitable for the entire family! Anyone 3+ years requires an Entry Ticket.
Warwick Castle ticket prices
Overnight stays start from £43 per person based on a family of four staying in a Woodland Lodge or Warwick glamping tent.
Day prices start from £19 per person when booked online at least 5 days in advance.
For more information or how to book, visit the Warwick Castle website.
Warwick Castle opening times
Warwick Castle is currently open from 10AM to 5PM Monday to Sunday, however these are subject to change depending on the day and season.
You can check the castle’s opening hours for your chosen day here.