Warwick Castle

We visited the Warwick Castle 'Theme Park' the other day and I feel compelled to write a review to warn people about this place.

Firstly cost:
£130 for a family of five and they still want you to pay
£5 for your child to shoot some TOY arrows at a target.
£8 for your child to paint a cheap MDF shield
£10 to park!! Is it in central London???
£25 for a cheap and nasty knights outfit that was so obviously made in China for pennies.

They herd you through camera points at every opportunity and then try to sell you an overpriced photograph. Not just once, both the Merlin attraction and the Dungeon had this.

Secondly content:

This really is just a castle courtyard with some stalls thrown in. The Merlin attraction was just a walk through a few themed rooms in low light. Abysmal!
Toilet facilities are woefully inadequate.

Thirdly staff:
The staff (or maybe volunteers) dressed in period clothes are well meaning enough but ask them a simple question and they don't know anything. eg directions to the toilet

The staff on stalls are teenage and dead eyed. Probably paid peanuts and we all know what you get for that.

All in all Warwick Castle is a disgraceful place, geared to squeeze as much money as possible from their visitors but not giving back a worthwhile experience.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS

We go once or twice a year and my sons love all the knight related stuff. It can get pricey and I do recommend bringing a packed lunch. We pick and choose the add-ons. Plenty to see for three or four hours and then we're done. Birds of prey are a highlight for us.

It is a shame that they have decided to make such an interesting historical building into a theme park. My 5 year old daughter was asking questions about when the castle was built and what cetain parts of the castle where used for. We struggled to find any historical information about the castle and instead spent our time learning about sleeping with a pea under a mattress in the princess tower. Don't get me wrong, our daughter enjoyed herself and had a wonderful time but it rather depends on your reasons for going to the castle. If you are going because you have an interest in the castle and want to learn about it's history then don't bother paying the extortionate prices to get in. If you are looking for a Theme Park (which considering it is owned by Merlin, kind of makes sense) then this is the place for you.

I love Warwick Castle but it is an expensive day.

If found the food ok but picnics are generally possible.

The Princess Tower was a disappointment, even if your daughter is addicted to everyone wearing a crown I wouldn't bother.

The other different parts of the castle are a lot more fun.

A fantastic place for all the family. Even children who might normally be unenthusiastic about visiting castles will love this place. We called here as a half way stop on the way to Cornwall, staying overnight nearby. Highly recommended!

We used to love Warwick Castle - yes the food is shocking - but there are so many fab pic-nic areas that this can be forgiven. However, our last trip was a ruined by outrageous car-parking costs (and we had to park in the back of beyond) and the large amount of additional activities that require extra money. We have been there so many times in the past but after my last visit I wont be hurrying back.

Warwick Castle is the perfect day out!
The activities are endless - Jousting, Birds of Prey, Trebuchet, Princess Tower, Merlin Tower, The Dungeons as well as the Castle Walk (with hundreds of steps!) and an Archery Display and displays inside too (we met King Henry VIII on our last visit)

There is also a lovely wooden play area for children - castle themed obviously

Take your picnic with you ..... the food prices are shocking and you will have a super day to remember

A fantastic place to take the family! My children are both under ten and there's plenty of them to get involved in. I have visited the castle over four times and each time have had a brilliant experience and seen something new. In the school holidays they always have plenty of events on for family's or couples. I recommend Merlin's Dragon Tower - a new attraction, my eight year old watched the BBC series and loved the attraction! Also Warwick Castle website has continuous great offers if you book your tickets online!