Castles - Windsor or Warwick?

[BuntingintheSunshine]

We're visiting family in the UK in May/June (we're currently living overseas) and want to make the most of the opportunities to see some "old stuff". I was thinking of staying somewhere central for a few days to see Warwick Castle, Stratford and the National Space Centre at Leicester (have a geeky DS, 12), but DH reckons Warwick isn't a real castle, we should be going to Windsor.

Now DS won't do all the roleplay/dress up, shooting arrows type stuff, and I can see that Warwick is pretty interactive in this way, an we all hate massive crowds, although we would be there just after UK half term so it shouldn't be too busy (maybe??). But Windsor looks rather snoreworthy from its website...

Can anyone help? Which should I choose? Or suggest other places as well, although I'll probably start a new thread about that!

I haven't been to Windsor, but I did visit Warwick (outside school holidays). I did find it much more of an attraction, though because it wasn't the holidays, lots of the activities weren't on offer.

I'd have a look for somewhere else!

Warwick is very interactive but it is still a lovely castle and shouldn't be too busy outside of the school holidays.

If you want to stay in the Midlands then Tamworth castle is supposed to be very good and more of a traditional castle attraction.

I live near to Warwick Castle and took my kids to visit last year just before Christmas. It was during the week so it was very quiet. We loved it, the castle is still amazing (I used to go as a child). Madame Tussauds are quite prominent outside in the grounds and there are waxworks in all the rooms inside the Castle which are fantastic. My two were transfixed by them. Then we watched a wild bird of prey display outside which was very good. We didn't pay to visit the dungeon as my kids were 8 at the time and a bit scared to even look at the displays outside the dungeons. We had a lovely day followed by lunch in pizza express on the high street in Warwick :)

I haven't been to Windsor but Warwick is great. Proper castle, battlements, armour, trebuchet etc. plus lots of exhibitions. I think warwick is a lovely place too. Lots of tudor artefacts. Personally I loved the Daisy exhibition too, and the dungeon type experience as well! I'm not a great crowds person, and it wasn't too busy when I was there, I guess you have to choose your times.