Travel test

WHAT: Knight’s Village, Warwick Castle. Avenue of Kings premium glamping tents from €296 a night, standard glamping from €159, lodges from €182. warwick-castle.com

WHERE: Less than two miles from the M40 J15, providing easy access from London and Birmingham.

EXPERIENCE: A medieval fortress dating back 1,100 years, it boasts a surprising array of activities. An impressive trebuchet (catapult) show in which the largest working siege machine in the world recreates a battlefield scene, birds of prey swooping from the castle walls into the crowds as part of the Flight of the Eagles display, and a Knight’s School are all brilliant for younger kids.

Teens will enjoy a scary walk through the dungeons as live actors bring gruesome tales to life.

For those more interested in the castle history, there are tours of the majestic Great Hall and State Rooms and you can climb the 530 steps to the top of the towers.

A highlight for the whole family is the Wars of the Roses Live Show where the Houses of Lancaster and York clash in an arena.

We stayed in one of the luxury tents in the Knight’s Village. It included two days’ entry to the Castle, parking, a buffet breakfast, one night’s accommodation and entertainment. Dinner is additional (£18.95 adults, £9.95 kids).

The novelty of sleeping under the stars made the trip even better. The luxury, medieval-style tent was clean and big enough for a double four-poster bed and two comfy singles for the kids.

The toilet and shower block was only 100 yards away which wasn’t too bad. The only downside was the campsite was so close to the river we found ourselves having to bat off midges.

From August 3, the new Dragon Slayer show launches. It’s the first evening experience designed exclusively for Warwick Castle.

QUIBBLES: Viewing platforms at the War of the Roses show are too low for small children to get a good view when over-enthusiastic adults stand right in front of them.

VERDICT: Something different for the whole family. 8/10