Steeped in over 1000 years of history, Warwick Castle bring theatre, drama and lots of great experiences for an action packed family day out. There’s something for everyone from history buffs to toddlers and teens.
With a medieval castle, 64 acres of grounds and Zog in residency, Warwick Castle is one of those big days out you plan ahead for. Not only that but they have interweave brilliant theatrical style performances through the day with live jousting, the UK’s largest bird of prey display, a trebuchet in action. There are also regular special events throughout the year.
Zog at Warwick Castle
Let’s start with Zog as he has such appeal for the littles one and there are lots of opportunities to immerse yourself with this friendly dragon. I first visited a few years ago with my youngest as a last term time adventure before he started school and the Zog activities were his favourite.
- Zog Playland – the adventure playground is tailored to younger ones with slides, swings, zip wire, tunnels and more.
- Zog Activity Trail – a great way to keep your little ones on the move with training challenges along the way until they’re a fully fledged dragon.
- Zog Meet & Greets – want to meet the dragon himself? Zog makes appearances at regular intervals throughout the day. Check the Warwick Castle website in advance outside of school holidays.
- Zog Knight School – join Sir Gadabout’s school for knights and brush up on those sword skills.
For the bigger kids there’s a Horrible Histories maze with activities along the way. We really enjoyed it last time we visited but ran of time on our most recent visit. So much to do, so little time!
Exploring Warwick Castle
Step inside Warwick Castle to the Great Hall & State Rooms and it’s like going back in time. Constructed in the 14th century, The Great Hall is the largest room in Warwick Castle home to an amazing array of armour, swords and pistols
Each of the state rooms you can visit are quite different in style and you can wander freely through or go on a tour. Many have been set up with very life like models in period costume.
Underneath the castle there are a series of rooms all set up to take you on a journey in 1471 with Richard Neville, commonly known as “Warwick the Kingmaker” preparing his army for battle. The walk-through experience is really atmospheric and my youngest who is now 7 was a little scared. I think it might have been the horses tail swishing as we entered the first room!
Restored in 2022, the mill and engine house is worth visiting too. You can make your way through the engine room and hear the water rushing through and then outside to wonderful views along the River Avon.
There’s lots more to explore inside Warwick Castle too and if you have a head for heights take it all in from a different perspective by climbing the tower.
Warwick Castle sits in extensive grounds and there’s plenty of space to spread out and find some quiet time too on a busy day.
Warwick Castle Shows & Attractions
Falconer’s Quest – The birds of prey display is like no other I’ve ever seen before. They have 60 stunning birds including The Andean Condor, The Steller’s Sea Eagle, The Bearded Vulture and The Bald Eagle. The display is breathtaking with the birds swooping low and a lot of gasps of wonder.
Live Jousting – We really enjoyed this, it’s like a whole theatrical production and story blended with the jousting and a lot of cheering from the audience.
Legend of the Trebuchet – not just a medieval siege machine to oggle at but this is a full on working machine and the star of the show. We found ourself a sunny spot on the grass adn the theatre show unfolds across the water. There are loud speakers so you can hear everything and some great special effects too.
The Castle Dungeon – this is an optional add on and no suitable for children under the age of 10 so we didn’t make it this time. However, my eldest has been before on a school trip and says it’s AMAZING. Totally immersive and not for the faint-hearted!
Keep an eye out for other other activities and shows running sesonally. When we visited there was have a go archery (payable) and there are often season events at Halloween and Christmas.
There’s so much to see and do you that you could easily extend your visit with a second day and stay over on a family short break at Warwick Castle Hotel, glambing or woodland lodges.
