Warwick Castle (avoid embarrassment by pronouncing it correctly: "War-ick"), the largest castle in England still in one piece, is a grand piece of architecture and history! The Earls of Warwick, who lived at this castle, have historically been some of the most powerful nobles in English history, at times even more powerful than the king himself!
Warwick castle was a private residence for centuries, famous in the Victorian era for extravagant parties and being the center of aristocratic gossip and scandal. Now it is open to the the public, furnished as it was in its Victorian heyday, and you (yes, you!) can wander the grounds, the house, the guard towers, the torture chamber, with your imagination (and costumed re-enactors) conjuring up a dramatic past. Warwick castle is one of the most popular tourist sites outside of London, and it actually deserves it. So cool!
Warwick, the town around the castle, is also very historic and has managed to preserve its Medieval flavor nicely. Wandering around Warwick is like stepping back in time. Plenty of museums, parks, horse races, antique shops, and--of course--ghost tours await you. Our first visit to Warwick is what actually inspired us to move to Warwickshire later. You'll love it!
Extras:
The Mill Garden. There's a gorgeous garden along the river below the castle, with a great view. Escape the crowd and take an extra hour there to unwind, reflect and soak up the English countryside.
For an extra awesome view of the castle rent a rowboat from St. Nicholas Park upstream of the castle and row practically right up to the castle walls.
There's a good ghost tour that runs a few nights a week. Coordinate your timing if you're into it!
Extras:
The Mill Garden. There's a gorgeous garden along the river below the castle, with a great view. Escape the crowd and take an extra hour there to unwind, reflect and soak up the English countryside.
For an extra awesome view of the castle rent a rowboat from St. Nicholas Park upstream of the castle and row practically right up to the castle walls.
There's a good ghost tour that runs a few nights a week. Coordinate your timing if you're into it!
Recommended Reading:
Terry Deary's Horrible Histories: Stratford-upon-Avon (fun kid's history book that actually talks a lot about Warwick)
About the legend of Guy of Warwick, here.
1 comment:
We ordered and read the Horrible History of Stratford. My children really enjoyed reading it. Thanks for the great suggestion. Because of that recommendation, we ordered many more Horrible History books.
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