Warwick Castle - Friday 6 July

Whilst Lazy Bones Anne was dragging herself out of bed I went and collected the rental car. We packed up whilst speaking to Ma and Gilly who had phoned to see how Anne was getting on in the UK/Europe.

Another road trip - YAY!

We did a very quick drive through Windsor with a quick glimpse of the castle as we drove by...

Although not a weekend day, Warwick Castle was very busy, filled with screaming childen, an inappropriate band and lots of Americans.

Exploring Warwick Castle

We started by visiting 'The Kingmaker' attraction which recreates the mid fifteenth century world of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, Kingmaker. Pretty naff, highlighted by the fact that they put real people in as models which was quite startling and my favourite bit was the moving cat's tail which squeaked alarmingly.

We watched 'Winged Warriors', the birds of prey performance which had a wide selection of birds such as eagles, vultures, owls and hawks.

We also saw the dungeon, which interesting tourture equipment, followed by 'The Royal Weekend Party. In 1898, Daisy, Countess of Warwick hosted a weekend party at which the principle guest was the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, which is reenacted in a style (Versace overblown style that is). Rather wonderful in a very tacky way...

Next we scrambled up Guy’s Tower which was built in the 14th century. It is twelve-sided, stands 39 metres high and has five storeys and our thighes felt it for many days afterwards!

Next up was 'Dream of Battle' where you can experience the drama, noise and adrenaline-charged terror of mediaeval battle through the dreams of William, a 12 year old squire, as he sleeps the night before setting off to fight for the Earl of Warwick in the most decisive battle of the Castle’s history. You may have guessed that I pulled that explanation straight off the website...

Next up was the Chapel, Great Hall and State Rooms. The Great Hall is the largest room in the castle and throughout history has been its heart and is truely magnificent and looks like the brainchild of the NRA.



The Hall was first constructed in the 14th century. It was rebuilt in the 17th century and then restored in 1871 after it had been badly damaged by a fire which swept through part of the castle.

Sir Fulke Greville, the first Lord Brooke, authorised the building of the small chapel in the early 1600s. It may be on the site of another chapel founded as long ago as 1119.

Retaining portions of the mediaeval Castle of the 14th Century, the State Rooms have been extended, altered and embellished during virtually every century since to lavishly entertain the noblest of guests, and to display the family's most prestigious possessions.

Again, very gaudy and wonderfully OTT.



We checked out the pump house and gardens on our way out as well as stopping off to have a quick chat to the guy that manages the birds of prey. I found the pump house history very interesting, amazing how we take electricty for granted.

We drove back to Streatham in preparation for the second leg of the road trip.