Warwick Castle with Kids: Top Activities with Young Children

Castles alone are enough to enliven a child’s imagination but Warwick Castle goes a step further. It brings to life the legends and history which surround the castle. I was amazed at its range of activities geared towards children. From learning archery and sword fighting to a Horrible Histories maze and a thrilling War of the Roses show featuring jousting and fire tricks – there’s plenty to do and see. You can even stay overnight in the castle grounds – which we did in a Medieval-inspired glamping tent.

It was William the Conqueror who ordered Warwick Castle to be built in 1068 following his victory at the Battle of Hastings. Originally a Motte and Bailey castle, it was extended and remade with stone during King Henry II’s reign in the 1400s.

Warwick Castle was used as a fortress until 1604 when it was given to the politician and poet Sir Fulke Greville by James I. The Greville family owned it until 1978 when it was sold to Merlin Entertainments. It has since become one of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions.

We visited the castle for two days staying overnight in the grounds. I was with my two daughters (aged two and five) and my friend, Gen, who was visiting from Singapore. On the first day, we also met up with another friend and her daughters aged 2 years and 8 months old. Here’s what we did at Warwick Castle during our visit.

Horrible Histories Maze

Who doesn’t love a maze? This is perfect for all ages whether you’re familiar with the Terry Deary books or not. You’ll get lost, yes, but it isn’t just about finding your way out. The maze takes you on a journey through history from Vicious Vikings and Stormin’ Normans to Slimy Stuarts and the Frightful First World War.

Mrs T explored it with her friend (2). In the maze, you can experience the trenches, get put in the stocks and take a glimpse at what Guy Fawkes’ plot.

When you go in, you get a time passport to fill with stamps as you explore the six interactive historical zones. Once you’ve collected all your stamps, take your passport to one of the gift shops to claim your reward. We forgot so no idea what you get!

State Rooms

The Great Hall and State rooms certainly have the wow factor. Knights’ armour, swords and a huge table in the banqueting hall show off its regal grandeur.

Go upstairs and you can experience Warwick Castle’s Royal Weekend Party. Join high society at a lavish party in 1898 attended by the likes of Winston Churchill and the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII).

It was hosted by Frances Countess of Warwick, known as Daisy, and rumoured to be one of the King’s mistresses. She was the inspiration behind the famous Daisy Bell song. Each room stands still in time as you are transported back to the late 19th century.

My two girls enjoyed taking a look at the rooms – even spotting a baby in the nursery room of the display. They didn’t give me too much time to linger though.

Princess Tower

No castle is complete without a princess, right? For the Princess Tower experience, we were taken up to a room in one of the castle towers. A Princess greeted us and told us about a riddle she had been trying to solve. We were taken on a magical journey with participation in working out the mystery.

Mrs T was transfixed by the princess sad solving the mystery. She claimed it was the highlight of her Warwick Castle visit. Book your slot with one of the princesses standing outside. Pushchairs need to be left at the bottom as there are several flights of stairs.

William the Conqueror Hill

I almost didn’t go up to this historic site as it isn’t buggy friendly but my friend persuaded me to take a look while she watched my youngest.

I’m so glad we did. The winding pathway upwards gives a brief history of the Norman Conquest and once you’re at the top, the views are incredible! You can look over the castle and its courtyard.

You can see for miles over the Warwickshire countryside as well as spot the castle’s giant trebuchet and War of the Roses arena. This was the site of the first Motte and Bailey castle which was built on the highest point. There’s also a telescope where you can look further afield.

War of the Roses

This live action spectacle was captivating. With actors, horses and stunt riders, it tells the story of the 30-year War of Roses between the House of Lancaster and House of York between 1455 and 1485.

Before going into the arena, you can choose to sit on the York or Lancaster side. In honour of my husband’s Yorkshire roots, we went on the white side. I was persuaded to buy Mrs T a foam finger to show our support.

As each side took turns in winning battles and the Crown flitted from one to the other, we were drawn into the story as horses thundered past and knights conjured up support. The jousting battles and fire tricks provided a thrilling 20 minute show which kept everyone spellbound.

We came away knowing more about the period in history and thoroughly entertained.

The War of the Roses show is performed twice daily during the summer holidays.

Trebuchet

As we entered the castle on our second day, groups of people had gathered on the hill by the river. Something was going on. We looked and saw there was some activity at the giant trebuchet.

A trebuchet was a medieval catapult used by enemies to attack a castle. The replica of the man-powered siege machine at Warwick Castle is 18 metres tall and takes eight people to work.

I found the explanation of what would have been thrown into the castle fascinating: from fireballs to faeces and dead farm animals – it was a gruesome insight into warfare.

The build-up was a little long for younger spectators (and my friend) but eventually the giant catapult released a cannonball. It hurtled up into the air and forward, around 250 metres, across the War of Roses arena. Impressive stuff! Check out my video to see it in action.

Birds of Prey

The castle puts on twice daily Bird of Prey shows but you can also view the magnificent birds as they shelter in their outside homes. We came across them on our first morning walking through the grounds of the castle.

Verdict

Warwick castle is far more than just a castle (if that wasn’t enough), it is more of an historical theme park. We only did a few of the activities on offer during our two-day visit. You can also walk along the battlements, go down into the dungeons (for older children), experience the Time Tower and try your hand at archery (for an extra fee). Mrs T did it as part of our Knights Village experience as we glamped in the grounds.

If you are looking at a truly authentic stay, try the on-site glamping tents or lodges. Read more about our experience here.

Need to know

Eating and drinking

If it’s a nice day, I’d recommend taking a picnic to eat on the lawn. There are food vans selling burgers, pulled pork sandwiches and ice creams but queues get long and it can get pricey. There is also a buffet restaurant serving pizza, chips and pasta and also a posh looking tea room.

Take a look at my film of our trip to get a taster of a day out at Warwick Castle.

Opening hours and prices

Warwick castle is open from 10am. Check the website for times of the daily shows and seasonal opening dates.

Day tickets range from £15 bought online and in advance – to £27 on the day. All shows are included in the cost of the tickets.

Warwick Castle has a range of accommodation packages to stay in its Knights Village.

It is located in central England close to Birmingham off the M40 at junction 15 in Warwickshire.

Read more about the our glamping experience staying overnight at Warwick Castle

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* I was given complimentary entry to Warwick Castle and a stay in its glamping tents in return for an honest review