Warwick Castle is a full day out with more than 1,100 years of jaw-dropping history. The attraction features dazzling shows and attractions, heaps of gruesome history and awesome birds of prey. Warwick Castle is set in 64 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens.

History of Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle has survived the ever-changing fortunes of history. The Castle was attacked in 1264, besieged in 1642 and damage by fire in 1871. Warwick Castle remained under the stewardship of the Earls of Warwick and later the Greville Family as a private home until 1978. The property was then taken over by The Tussauds Group, which later became Merlin Entertainments Group in 2007 and remains under their guardianship today.

Major developments in the Castle’s History

914

The initial Earthen Rampart was Constructed

1068

William the Conqueror builds a Motte and Bailey Fort. The Fort consisted of a large earth mound with a timber stockade around both the top and base.

1260

Stone replaced wood in the Castle Construction

1350

Caesar’s Tower and Dungeon constructed

1395

Guy’s Tower is completed, reaching a height of 39m

1450

Gatehouse and Barbican are completed

1540

Enhancements are made to the Castle. These improvements include a new roof for the kitchens, reinforcement of the south front, the building of Spy Tower and an extension to the State Rooms in preparation for a visit from Queen Elizabeth I.

1750

Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown is commissioned to landscape the Castle gardens

1763

State dining room completed by leading English craftsmen

1786

Conservatory built by local mason, William Eborall

1871

Fire damaged the Castle’s Great Hall

1890

The island was used to keep a selection of animals. The animals included Japanese deer, a flock of Chinese geese, an emu, assorted racoons, an ant bear and a baby elephant. The Mill was converted to an electricity generating plant, providing electric lighting for the castle.

1978

In November 1978, Warwick Castle was sold to The Tussaud’s Group

1982

The Tussaud’s Group introduce their first attraction within the Castle – The Royal Weekend Party

1986

The Victorian Rose Garden is opened by HRH The Princess of Wales after being restored back to its original design

1994

The Tussaud’s Group introduce the multi-million pound Kingmaker attraction, in the mediaeval undercroft

2000

To mark the Millennium, The Armoury is refurbished and the ‘Death or Glory’ attraction opens. This attraction tells the stories of battles over the centuries, as well as hosting events including Jousting Knights and Christmas Festivals.

2001

Special Events are introduced, including Jousting Nights and The Christmas Festival

2002

Following extensive renovation, The Castle Mill & Engine House are opened

2004

Using a mix of live actors and atmospheric sound, visual and light effects the story of Sir Fulke Greville’s tragic murder is recreated. Warwick Castle’s famously haunted Ghost Tower gets a terrifying fear infusion with Warwick Ghosts – Alive!

2005

The World’s largest trebuchet arrived at Warwick Castle, measuring 18 metres high and weighing in at 22 tonnes

2007

The Dream of Battle attraction opens

2009

The Castle Dungeon opens and is a truly horrific experience detailing the darkest, scariest and bloodiest times throughout the Castle’s history

2010

The Princess Tower opens in its new location

2011

The Arthurian legend is brought to life with the opening of Merlin: The Dragon Tower

2013

Four never-before-seen rooms are opened for the first time as part of Warwick Castle Unlocked. The ancient rooms shed light on the defining chapters in Warwick Castle’s past to reveal tales of battle, siege, murder, power struggles and hauntings

Things to do at Warwick Castle

There are lots to do for all the family at Warwick Castle including:

* The Time Tower immersive multimedia experience
* Birds of prey, jousting and archery demonstrations
* The UK’s first Horrible Histories Maze
* Incredible panoramic views from the top of the tallest tower
* Experience preparations for battle
* Get a soldier’s eye view from beneath a battle helmet
* A visit to the lavishly decorated State Rooms
* Watch as a household prepares for a Victorian party
* Discover how electricity was generated over 100 years ago to light up the Castle
* Warwick Castle tickets also include entry to the Castle’s 64 acres of beautiful grounds

Pre-book your tickets using the Attractiontix website.

Coach House Family Restaurant

The newly refurbished Georgian Coach House Restaurant is situated within the Stables Courtyard. The Family-friendly restaurant offers a great selection of food and drink. If you’re really hungry, start your day with a Knight’s breakfast, alternatively enjoy a Costa coffee with eggs benedict. Lunch offerings include traditional fish and chips, a roasted chicken quarter or a hearty burger.

The Castle Dungeon

For an additional price on the day, you can visit The Castle Dungeon. Featuring a spine-chilling set of live actors, shows and spectacular special effects. This 50-minute experience is so scary, it’s strictly over-10s only.

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Admission Prices and Offers

Warwick Castle is part of the Merlin Entertainments group of attractions, meaning that vouchers are regularly available offering 2 for 1 entry. Merlin Annual pass holders get free entry to Warwick Castle in addition to a number of other Merlin attractions. Buy tickets directly from the official Warwick Castle website for some of the best prices online.

Travelling to Warwick Castle

Situated in Warwickshire, the Midlands, the town of Warwick lies at the heart of Britain’s motorway network, with easy access from London and Birmingham. Warwick Castle is well signposted, and less than two miles from junction 15 of the M40. There are a number of ways you can get to the attraction. There is also lots of accommodation available nearby.

Travelling by Train

Warwick Station is approximately one mile from the Castle. A direct service into London Marylebone (1 hour 45 minutes) or Birmingham Snow Hill is available. Search for your train tickets using Raileasy.

Nearby Accommodation

There are lots of places to stay in Warwickshire. Warwick Castle offer on-site accommodation, visit the official website for details.  If you only planning on visiting the attraction for one day and would like to explore some of the other attractions in the area then take a look at the self-catering cottages near Warwick Castle available from Snaptrip.

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