Travel: Warwickshire
It’s off to enchanting Warwick for castles, jousting – and some magnificent birds of prey
TRAVEL SNAPSHOT
If it’s lashings of historic charm you’re after, a weekend break in Warwick, from where you can explore the surrounding county of Warwickshire (including Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon), won’t disappoint. There’s the spectacular castle, for one – steeped in history and offering mediaeval re-enactments, a scary dungeon and jousting lessons. In the old town, marvel at the many gorgeous 17th-century cottages still standing. If you’re here on a Saturday, check out the always bustling market in Market Square – it has been on this same spot for the past 500 years.
INSIDER’S GUIDE
Take a break from all the exploring, and stop off to rest your legs and enjoy a very scenic picnic in Warwick Castle’s 64 acres of grounds – perhaps at the pretty Peacock Gardens, with its ornate fountain and 20 roaming peacocks wandering among the pretty topiary versions of themselves, all ready to show off their colourful plumage to enchanted visitors.
If it’s lashings of charm you’re after, Warwick won’t disappoint for a weekend break
DON’T MISS
An exciting, action-packed spectacle, set in a stunning riverside location, The Falconer’s Quest – the UK’s biggest birds of prey show – has just launched at Warwick Castle. Here, you can follow the Falconer in an epic quest of discovery to find the finest birds in the land. Just watch your head, as an impressive array of birds – from owls to peregrine falcons and eagles – will swoop right past your ears in stunning displays of aerial acrobatics. Part of the thrill is that these impressive birds fly so close, but don’t worry, it’s all perfectly safe! Shows run daily in castle grounds until 3 November (price included in Castle admission). Castle entry until 31 October (including shows but excluding Castle Dungeon), from £19 per person when booked online at least five days in advance, or £28 on the day. See warwick-castle.com
FOOD AND DRINK
No overnight stay at the Knight’s Village is complete without dinner at the Mediaeval Dinner Hall. Offering hearty fayre eaten while mediaeval music plays, there’s space in the middle for kids to play with fellow knights in shining armour – while the grown-ups can relax. An all-you-can-eat Mediaeval Dinner is £18.95 per adult, £9.95 per child. See warwick-castle. com/knights-village for more info.
GETTING THERE:
Warwick Castle is easily accessible from Junction 15 of the M40 and is just 40 minutes from Birmingham and 1 hour 40 minutes from London – or you can easily jump on a train from London Marylebone and be there, enjoying the lush scenery, in just 86 minutes.
STAYING THERE:
Nestled next to the River Avon within the Warwick Castle grounds, cosy wooden Knight’s Village Lodges, decked with coats of arms and other wonderfully authentic touches inside, are perfect for a short break (prices from £43 per person based on a family of four sharing a Woodland Lodge). When the weather warms up, try glamping in one of the luxurious Mediaeval Tents (prices from £43 per person per night, based on a family of four sharing a Warwick Tent). Evening activities include Have-A-Go Archery for adults and children and the Knight’s and Jester’s School. All in all, it’s a picture-postcard location for families (some early morning fencing practise by the river, anyone?) and history-loving couples alike.