Bucket list experience:
Warwick Castle sets out to prove that history doesn’t have to be dry and dull – and with jousting knights, fire-breathing dragons, spooky dungeons and wild royal parties, it succeeds rather well.
The castle has 1,000 years of history to plunder, and each area has a different theme and time period, from the Kingmaker, a walk-through experience giving an insight into preparations for battle in medieval England – to the Castle Dungeon, where a torturer and judge will decide every visitor’s fate.
Outside, the Horrible Histories maze brings together the Vicious Vikings and the Vile Victorians, surrounded by 64 acres of landscaped gardens to explore.
If a day doesn’t feel long enough, the Castle now offers accommodation in the Knight’s Village.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >It takes about 2 hours to drive to Warwick Castle from London. Trains from London Paddington take just under 2 hours to Warwick station, which is one mile from the castle.
All tickets must be booked online in advance. There are special themed events held throughout the year (e.g. a ‘haunted’ castle special at Halloween), so check the website for what’s on.
The castle is open all year round, seven days a week.
The Castle stays open till 6pm in summer, but many families leave mid-afternoon. The later you stay, the quieter it gets. In bad weather, parts of the castle and outdoor play areas are closed – try to avoid rainy days if possible.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
London
£69 | Rating 4.25 / 5 [1685 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
London
£69 | Rating 4.28 / 5 [316 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
London
£99 | Rating 4.36 / 5 [192 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
London
£121 | Rating 4.02 / 5 [368 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire , United Kingdom (UK)[12.8 miles]
Stratford’s oldest hostelry, dating back to the 16th century, with contemporary rooms and a cosy restaurant.
Official star rating:
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom (UK)[13 miles]
Literary history and contemporary style come together beautifully at this chic boutique hotel.
Official star rating:
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom (UK)[13 miles]
A slick boutique hotel with a buzzy bistro, and a charming courtyard terrace away from the crowds.
Official star rating:
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom (UK)[13 miles]
Age and style combine in this chic townhouse hotel, right in the heart of town.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Warwickshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Picturesque Stratford-upon-Avon combines theatre, museums and architecture to give a unique insight into Shakespeare’s life.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom (UK)[12.8 miles]
The world’s pre-eminent Shakespearian theatre, with world-class actors bringing new life to the Bard’s words, alongside works by other renowned playwrights.
Best for ages: 13+ | £30 | 2-3 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom (UK)[12.6 miles]
Glide along the river Avon as the sunsets, on a dinner cruise that takes in the lush countryside surrounding Stratford.
Best for ages: 18+ | £36 | 2-3 hours
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom (UK)[12.7 miles]
This daily two-hour guided walk delves into the history of both the town and its most famous son. Tours run Monday to Wednesday at 11am, Thursday to Sunday at 2pm. Meet at the Swan fountain, no pre-booking required.
Best for ages: 13+ | £10 | 2 hours
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom (UK)[12.7 miles]
The UK’s only permanent museum dedicated to mechanical art, the halls are filled with complex moving installations, kinetic sculpture and contraptions straight out of Wallace & Gromit.
Best for ages: 13+ | £8
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom (UK)[12.7 miles]
The UK’s largest butterfly collection, hundreds of brightly-coloured butterflies live freely in an exotic environment of lush foliage and tropical blossom, housed in large greenhouses.
Best for ages: 4+ | £7 | 1-2 hours
