Warwick Castle - In the Summer

As mentioned previously in our first post about being Merlin pass holder we decided to head back to Warwick Castle in the Summer hopefully getting more opportunity to explore the grounds of the castle.  Each year, during the summer months, Warwick bring back their live show ' War of the Roses' and being Merlin pass holders we were luck to acquire tickets for the preview show.

So we headed off the Warwick castle.  Knowing that we would be spending most of the day there we left a little later than normal, so when we arrived we had to park on the over flow car park which is about 20 minutes walk from the Castle.

Warwick castle has lots to offer including The dungeons, The Princess Tower, The Castle itself,  A maze, Archery (payable), Knights school and then the Bird show, the Bowman and the trebuchet.  The shows are allocated times throughout the day with most having at least 2 slots.

This time we were keen to watch both Birds shows, as they use different birds, the War of the roses and the trebuchet - as we had not seen this last time.

We queued up for the War of the Roses show and shortly were escorted towards the Jousting Arena where we had to choose red or white ( York or Lancaster).

We chose to support the Red and took our places in the Arena. From the start through to the end it was amazing.  The performance was truly memorable. Titch didn't move or speak for the whole show which is an achievement and must have meant that he was enjoying it.  The actors tell the tale of the War of the Roses with gusto and the audience were encouraged to be involved - especially with the booing!

The show was full of action, heroes and villains and was a great way to learn a bit of history.

After a walk around the gardens taking a few snaps we sat on the grass in the sun and watched The Might Trebuchet.  A great way to end the day.

Once again this visit to Warwick castle did not disappoint us. And, although we have now been twice, we will definitely be going again.

Our Merlin Adventures begin... Warwick in Winter

Being extremely eager to start our Merlin adventures we decided that the first place we would visit would be Warwick Castle.  I had seen it advertise on TV the previous year and was quite excited to final have the opportunity to visit.  So we packed up a lunch and drove down to Warwickshire.  

As soon as we arrived we realised how cold  and windy it was going to be, but decided as always just make the most of the day out.  From the start I was mesmerised by the castle.  It is so beautiful even on a winters day.  

As we had Premium Passes we were also entitled to go into the Dungeons for free.  I was a little apprehensive as I had read that the actors like to get you involved and being a tad shy this did worry me.  However, there was nothing to worry about. The actors were brilliant. the were engaging and not too pushy. Titch loves gory and horror so this was right up his street; however, I can understand why some children would be scared inside there.  

Inside the castle itself there is plenty to see and learn about. Titch loves learning about the Tudors so was happy to see and read about Henry VIII and his wife.  We also spent time in the towers learning about the History of the castle and the grounds.  Considering it was a cold day, the castle was bust with visitors, but this did not spoil the experience as it is so vast that it never feels too busy.  

As it was Winter some activities were not on but the shows for the Birds of prey and the Bowman luckily were.  

The Birds of Prey show was fab.  The falconer was informative and engaging.  He explained as much as he could about each bird that he brought out and they were all truly spectacular.  

There is also a Horrible Histories Maze to complete and you can join the Knight school to learn how to use a sword. 

It was cold and windy, but a fab day we did have... we can't wait to come back though when it is a bit warmer.