Read our review of Warwick Castle’s new family-friendly hotel (Image: PA Wire/PA Images) It’s not every Saturday afternoon you’re greeted by a 14-foot knight in shining armour sitting on a giant horse. But this was no ordinary Saturday, as we were checking in to Warwick Castle’s new medieval-themed hotel. Opened in July 2024, Warwick Castle Hotel is set in the heart of the 11th-century castle’s 64-acre grounds. With 60 rooms, the hotel is the ideal overnight retreat for families and history fans looking for the royal treatment. What to do at Warwick Castle We started our day at the castle’s Zog area, where a playground for tots that’s home to friendly dragons kept my two happy for enough time for me to enjoy a quick coffee. It was then onto the Horrible Histories Maze – where we got lost for a bit longer than expected – but the kids loved trying to fill their passport with the stamps dotted around the maze.
There’s plenty for kids to explore in Warwick Castle’s grounds
(Image: Kirsty Thornley)
If you have a strong stomach, you can experience the smells and sounds of the torture chambers of days gone by in the castle’s dungeon and gaol, while at the Princess Tower little ones can get dressed up in their best gowns. We then headed over to the main arena where we watched wonderful jousting knights on horses fighting in an action-packed War of the Roses live event. It was brilliantly acted, and we all cheered on the Earl of Warwick. Next was The Falconer’s Quest show; the UK’s biggest birds of prey attraction, we watched birds from all over the world swoop above our heads.
The jousting show is a highlight of a visit to Warwick Castle
(Image: Kirsty Thornley)
The birds of prey show at Warwick Castle is the UK’s biggest
(Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)
The actual castle is very well preserved, and we certainly got our steps in climbing the stairs to the ramparts and towers, peeking through slits in the stone where arrows once flew and peering over where sewage was thrown onto attackers below. At the top, we were rewarded with stunning views over the surrounding lands. We also walked through the Great Hall and State Rooms, vast rooms of 17th and 18th-century splendour filled with weapons and armoury collections. The castle offers free history tours, which I would have gladly joined if my kids had not insisted upon getting ice creams instead (which, it has to be said, was very welcome after a long day of walking, climbing and jousting). Warwick Castle Hotel At the end of the day we headed back to the hotel, a short walk from the castle. Tying in well to the surroundings, the exterior of the hotel resembles a medieval hall, while in its reception we were greeted by talking portraits with eyes that followed us around the room and gave us a short history of the castle and its grounds. The hotel’s rooms give a nod to the Wars of the Roses, with rose motifs, chambers draped in rich coloured fabrics, wooden beams and shields on the walls. Designed for families, there are bunk beds, a pull-out bed for a third child, and a cot. The bathrooms have both a bath and a shower, and some lovely herbal toiletries.
The rooms at Warwick Castle Hotel
(Image: Warwick Castle Hotel)
The hotel’s restaurant resembles a banquet hall
(Image: Warwick Castle Hotel)
For food in the evening there’s the Knight’s Village Restaurant, held in a large hall; here you can enjoy a ‘medieval banquet’ buffet, similar to a Sunday carvery. We instead ate at a snack bar in the glamping area where the evening entertainment took place, including archery lessons and a knight-themed bedtime story. In between chomping on burgers the kids ran around making friends with other sword-wielding children, while we sat and enjoyed a drink amongst other slightly weary parents – but happy in the knowledge we were to end our evening in a lovely comfortable bed fit for any wannabe knight or princess. Breakfast the next morning (which is included for all guests) was a wonderfully noisy affair in the hall, offering a full English or pancakes alongside fruit, cereals and pastries. Make sure to book well in advance as otherwise you’ll struggle to get a good time slot. As we said goodbye to the Earl of Warwick atop his rearing horse and waved farewell to the talking portraits, we all agreed our trip to Warwick Castle was a day – and knight – to remember.
Warwick Castle’s imposing entrance
(Image: Kirsty Thornley)
How to book Rooms at Warwick Castle Hotel start from £159 for a family of four on a B&B basis, or from £199 for a family of four, which includes B&B and a one-day ticket. The hotel has 60 bedrooms so families can have a jam-packed summer exploring all Warwick Castle has to offer, then have a comfortable night’s sleep in one of the brand new medieval-inspired quarters. Day tickets for Merlin Entertainments attractions are currently half price for kids this summer at £19. Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnTravel
