Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle which includes views, a castle and heritage architecture
Warwick Castle featuring château or palace, a river or creek and heritage architecture
Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle which includes a castle, interior views and heritage architecture
Warwick Castle featuring château or palace and interior views


This 10th-century castle has been home to kings and queens, prisoners and witches, and is now a fascinating interactive museum.

Warwick Castle began life as a Danish fortress, built in 914 to protect the city of Warwick. It was captured and expanded by William the Conqueror in 1068, and was inhabited by British nobility for the next 900 years. In 1978 it was converted into a museum and is now one of most popular tourist attractions in the region.

As you approach the castle, admire its impressive medieval architecture. Take in the defensive 14th-century towers and ramparts, especially the imposing Caesar's Tower, which measures an impressive 44.8 metres.

Inside, the contrast between the different living quarters is striking. It's easy to picture Queen Victoria and Prince Albert taking supper in the opulence of the State Dining Room. Then head down to the gloomy Gaol, where you'll find graffiti left by the castle's prisoners.

Visits to the interactive exhibits are not included in the general admission price, but these experiences are certainly worth the extra cost. Learn about the famous wizard and his quest to protect King Arthur at Merlin: The Dragon Tower. Or visit the Castle Dungeon for an immersive trip back in time. The dungeons are home to the castle's ghosts, including the famous witch Moll Bloxham, so be prepared to meet a few spooky characters.

Warwick Castle's daily events bring the castle to life be sure to catch the raising of the portcullis and the bird of prey display featuring vultures and eagles. Even better, visit when there's a jousting competition, evening dinner or summer concert scheduled.

When you've explored the castle fully, enjoy a relaxing wander in the 26-hectare grounds. Take the kids to explore the swings and slides at the Pageant Playground mini-castle, or admire the splendour of the rose garden and the resident peacocks.

You'll find Warwick Castle just outside the city of Warwick. The best-value option is to catch a direct train from Snow Hill station in Birmingham to Warwick station from here it's just 1.6 kilometres to the castle. Otherwise it's a 40-minute drive from Birmingham town centre. Parking is available and the castle is open every day except Christmas Day.

Last admission to Warwick Castle is half an hour before closing, but opening hours vary, so check the official website before you go. The website is also the best place to find out about the different ticket options and prices, and for information about daily and seasonal events.

Reviews of Warwick Castle

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
158
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
97
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
26
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
6
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A beautiful castle & grounds for all ages to enjoy.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

One day is definitely not enough to do it all! What an absolutely amazing experience for the whole family not only are the grounds and the exhibits beautifully maintained the staff were all fantastic, energetic and polite throughout our entire day. We will definitely be returning

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Birmingham shopping centre

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Dont miss the bird display

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

A bit pricey, doaes not include all the attractions.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Incredibly expensive. £28 per adult, just for a basic ticket, excluding certain parts of the castle (dungeons & certain special events). Plus another £6 for car parking. I have certainly seen much better castles for less money.

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Things to do near Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle offers an array of engaging activities, including captivating live entertainment, fascinating theatrical performances, and scenic golf courses nearby. Visitors can immerse themselves in history while enjoying the beautiful surroundings, making it a perfect destination for a memorable day out. With its rich heritage and varied attractions, Warwick Castle promises a delightful experience for all who venture there.

Shopping

For shopping near Warwick Castle, West Orchards Shopping is your best bet at 14.5km, offering a mix of family-friendly entertainment and shops. If you're up for a drive, Resorts World Birmingham and The National Herb Centre, both 13 and 22.5km away respectively, provide more extensive shopping experiences.

Recreation

Experience soothing wellness at the Royal Leamington Spa Bowling Club, where relaxation meets recreation just 3.2km from Warwick Castle. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Leamington & County Golf Club offers a serene golfing experience amidst nature, located 4.8km away, perfect for rejuvenation.

Adventure

The River Avon Trail, located 12.9km from Warwick Castle, offers a picturesque hiking experience amidst stunning scenery. For a thrilling day out, Delta Force Paintball Birmingham, situated 17.7km away, provides an exhilarating paintball adventure. Additionally, the Shakespeare County Raceway, 19.3km from the castle, promises exciting motor racing activities.

Nightlife

In Warwick, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre offers a romantic cultural experience just 12.9km away, while Tenpin, only 3.2km away, promises fun-filled entertainment. For adventure seekers, Henrys Castle Play Barn, located 11.3km away, provides an exciting arcade atmosphere for all ages.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle offers a delightful mix of attractions for every kind of visitor, including urban parks, historic houses, and modern colleges. Whether you seek cultural experiences, urban exploration, or the great outdoors, the local points of interest promise to enrich your stay. Enjoy the charm of the castle while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere that surrounds this iconic landmark.

  • St Nicholas Park: A charming urban park located 644m from Warwick Castle, St Nicholas Park offers a family-friendly atmosphere with beautiful green spaces, playgrounds, and scenic walking paths, perfect for a leisurely day out amidst nature.
  • University of Warwick: Situated 11.3km away, the University of Warwick is a modern educational institution known for its striking architecture and vibrant campus life. It’s an excellent spot to experience a dynamic atmosphere and enjoy the surrounding gardens.
  • Hatton Country World: Located 4.8km from Warwick Castle, this delightful farm features friendly locals and a variety of activities, including petting zoos and adventure play areas, making it an enjoyable and budget-friendly family destination.

Best time to go to Warwick Castle

The best time to visit Warwick Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Warwick Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Warwick Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.1°F (4.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.8°F (8.2°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July61.9°F (16.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
September57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
October52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
December41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Warwick Castle

To save money on your visit to Warwick Castle, consider travelling during the cheaper months of August or December to January, with Sundays being the least expensive days for accommodation. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and location for the best deals, arranging results from lowest to highest price. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for instant savings. Exploring the area on foot or using local public transport can also help keep costs down while enjoying the sights.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Warwick Castle are August and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June, September and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Warwick Castle is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Warwick Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you wish to stay in. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Warwick Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.