Our family day out at Warwick Castle
If you’re looking for a magical day out that blends history, excitement, and kid-friendly fun then Warwick Castle ticks all the boxes. Honestly, it’s like stepping into a real-life fairytale with dragons, dungeons, and even princesses. I took the kids there recently and we packed so much into the day, all without breaking the bank. Here’s everything we did (and some helpful tips) to help you plan your own visit.
Ticket tips to save money
Before you head there, here are some ticketing tips that can save a lot:
Never pay gate prices as they’re almost double the online price!
Warwick Castle is included if you’re a Merlin Pass holder, but even if you're paying separately, booking online can save around £15 per person.
Parent and toddler tickets are available on quieter weekdays so perfect for preschoolers.
Under 2s go free all year round!
Right now (July 2025), Merlin is offering up to 46% off if you bundle Warwick Castle with another attraction. Two days of fun for less than one gate-price ticket!
Must see shows
These are not your average shows! Warwick Castle really knows how to put on a performance!
The Falconer’s Quest
This was hands-down the best bird of prey show we’ve seen. Giant birds swooped inches above our heads, it even had the grown-ups gasping! Arrive early to grab a good seat.
The Trebuchet Show
This show demo’d a real working medieval catapult and lots of fun, historical learning was snuck in whilst the kids were gawping at the catapult! The kids were glued to it. Totally worth making the time for.
The War of the Roses LIVE
The jousting show felt like something straight out of a Netflix show! They get you to choose a side to sit on before the show begins and it’s a really good way to get the kids involved throughout the entire performance as it’s a battle of which side will win! There were sword fights, fire, horses, and a proper theatrical story to follow along. The kids were utterly transfixed with this one.
Top Tip: Check showtimes as soon as you arrive so you don’t miss any of them—they’re spread out through the day.
Other highlights
There’s lots of other fairytale fun and family activities to participate in:
The Princess Tower - perfect for under 10s, this is a short, interactive story-led experience where kids help solve a magical riddle. Pure fairytale magic!
Zog Playground and Activity Trail - this area is amazing for burning off energy. Slides, climbing frames, dragons, and a stamp-collecting trail that combines learning with fun.
Horrible Histories Maze - wander through different time periods in this cleverly themed maze. It breaks down big historical eras into manageable chunks of kid-friendly, fun experiences.
Castle Highlights
State rooms - don’t miss these! Even the kids enjoyed walking through all the grand rooms (and I was in my element).
Castle walls walk - if you’ve got older kids and good walking shoes, the views are worth it. But it’s a steep climb with tight spiral staircases, so we gave it a miss this time.
The Dungeons - we skipped the dungeons as it was for kids aged 11+. Definitely a scarier experience but I’ve heard it’s amazing.
Other tips
Food – there are cafés and kiosks, but to save money, I recommend bringing a packed lunch. Loads of outdoor seating is available within the grounds.
Gift shop – there’s plenty of swords, wands, and dragons for the kids! The temptation is real, so brace yourself (or set a budget in advance).
Accommodation – Warwick Castle offers glamping tents and themed lodges, but they’re not cheap. If you’re staying overnight, you could consider one of the local budget hotels nearby.
Final thoughts
It was hands down one of the best days out we’ve had recently! We've got the Discovery Merlin Pass, so we’re trying to tick off as many attractions as we can and Warwick Castle is definitely one we’ll be coming back to. It's the perfect mix of education and entertainment, and the kids genuinely didn’t stop smiling all day.
If you’ve visited Warwick Castle recently, share any tips in the comments below!
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