England

Fun at Warwick Castle

Last updated 8th June 2017

Why go?

For a truly gruesome day out head to Warwick Castle and the new Horrible Histories’ Foul Fayres which launched spring 2013. Each school holiday, the Vile Victorians, Stormin’ Normans, Measly Middle Ages, Terrible Tudors and the Vicious Vikings descend on William the Conquerer’s historic castle and bring gory British history to life.

Who is it good for? Children between the ages of four and seven are likely to have come across the Horrible Histories at school, making this day out all the more fun for them.

Activities

Play medieval Operation in the Measly Middle Ages; row a long boat with the Vicious Vikings or join the Stormin’ Normans; and wear a real chain mail vest and fight beastly battles with the Saxons.

The Foul Fayres are extremely interactive and hosted by a cast of charming characters who bring each era to life. The Vile Victorians are located in the old Mill House where children can dress up in costume and take part in a lesson led by a strict Victorian school mistress.

The Terrible Tudors are tucked away in the rose garden with a rather charming executioner, the inimitable Queen Elizabeth I and a larger than life King Henry VIII who struts around in all his regal outfits and glory.

Horrible Histories aside, there is plenty of action in the castle grounds from falconry, jousting during the summer months and sword fighting. The grand interiors of the state rooms and halls of the castle are brought to life by waxworks, sounds and moving images. The grand finale of the day is the firing of the trebuchet, watched from the banks of the river Avon.

The lowdown

Travel time: Trains from London to Warwick on thetrainline.com take 1 hour and 45 minutes, driving takes 1 hour and 40. Book your train journey on thetrainline.com.

How to get there: Chiltern Railways operate trains from London Marylebone to Warwick; from £27.50 return.

Best time to go: Visit warwick-castle.com/whats-on to find out what’s on during all the school holidays.