Warwick Castle
Magnificent Warwick Castle is considered the finest Medieval Castle in England .
Set beside the River Avon and surrounded by the battlements of a 14th Century Curtain Wall, Warwick castle is a mix of aristocratic pomp and medieval fantasy, with tableaux of Madame Tussaud’s wax figures outlining the rich history of this magnificent moated castle.
Warwick Castle dates back to the time of William The Conqueror , originally built as a classic Norman motte and bailey and extended over the years as a mighty military fortress and mock medieval fantasy. For Centuries the castle was home to the Earls of Warwick, great feudal families the Beauchamps and Nevilles and during the English Civil War it was a parliamentarian headquarters holding prisoner a number of senior royalists.
A visit to Warwick Castle is a journey through medieval life, costumed characters show you around the castle, bringing to life the corridors and rooms, the spooky ghost tower, the eerie dungeon and torture chambers where prisoners were incarcerated, with the additional horror of an 'oubliette' - a tiny chamber in which prisoners were left to die, ignored by the guards.
The elegant 18th century Great Hall and State Rooms are home to the family treasures, the Cedar Drawing Room is a particular example of sheer opulence displaying wonderful Italian furniture. Here you will attend the Royal Weekend Party, a waxwork recreation of a visit by the Prince of Wales and a young Winston Churchill in 1898. While the 'Kingmaker' exhibition allows visitors to experience the sights and sounds of the medieval household in 1471.
A quick jaunt around its towers and fortifications provide magnificent views of the 60 acres of grounds designed by the famous Georgian landscape architect 'Capability' Brown and the Peacock Garden and the Victorian Rose Garden by Victorian gardener Robert Marnock.
Special medieval events throughout the year include exhibitions of Falconry, Knights in Combat and Jousting displays bring the whole medieval fantasy to life.
This attraction is included in the Great British Heritage Pass.
