Warwick Castle Discount Codes April 2024

Warwick Castle

Top Attractions and Activities to do at Warwick Castle

You can enjoy these top attractions with your Warwick Castle code:

• Discover Historic Warwick Castle: Explore the history and beauty of Warwick Castle itself.
• Explore Old Town Warwick: Take a walk through the historic streets of Old Town Warwick.
• Visit Medieval Lord Leycester Hospital: Visit this historic group of timber-framed buildings on Warwick High Street.
• Take a Stroll through St. Nicholas’ Park: Enjoy a leisurely walk through this beautiful park.
• Visit Historic Hill Close Gardens: Explore these unique Victorian detached gardens.
• Climb the Tower of the Collegiate Church of St. Mary: Climb to the top of this historic tower for stunning views of Warwick.
• Explore the Past at the Warwickshire Museum
• Market Hall: Learn about the history of Warwickshire at this museum located in Market Hall.
• Visit St. John’s House Museum: Visit this Jacobean mansion that now houses a museum.
• You can also discover live shows, entertainment and immersive attractions before you arrive at Warwick Castle. Your ticket to the castle includes access to all of their daily shows.

Tips to Enjoy Your Visit to Warwick Castle

• Get there early to make the most out of your day.
• Take waterproofs as many of the attractions are outside.
• Take a picnic lunch and water bottles if you want to save money on food and drink.
• Strollers are not suitable for many of the activities but there are buggy parks available.
• Pre-book your tickets so you don’t need to queue twice; once for tickets and another through the security checkpoint.
• Look out for special offers to save money on food, drinks, and activities.

Does Warwick Castle Offer a Rainy Day Guarantee?

Yes, Warwick Castle offers visitors a Rainy Day Guarantee. This means that if it rains for more than one hour of your visit, you can return absolutely free within 60 days. You will however need those tickets in order to claim your Rainy Day Guarantee.

3 Ways to Save Money at Warwick Castle

1. Look for discount codes: You can get up to 33% off select castle tickets and day tickets, and save up to £13 per adult on one-day entry by using discount codes from websites such as LatestDeals.co.uk.
2. Take advantage of 2-for-1 offers: If you register with Days Out Guide and buy a National Rail ticket, you can get 2-for-1 entry to over 80 UK attractions, including Warwick Castle. You must pre-book the attraction tickets and present them alongside a valid train ticket dated for the same day.
3. Book your tickets in advance: You can save over 30% per person when you book your day tickets in advance through the official Warwick Castle website.

What's the Story Behind Warwick Castle?

The story of Warwick Castle began in 1068 when William the Conqueror ordered its construction as a wooden fort. The castle was strategically important in safeguarding the Midlands against rebellion. Over time, the original wooden motte-and-bailey castle was rebuilt in stone during the 12th century.

Throughout its history, Warwick Castle has played a prominent role in British history. It has been the home of the Earls of Warwick, most notably the Greville family who were given the Castle and the title by James I in the early 1600s and eventually became Earls of Warwick and the caretakers of the Castle until it was purchased by the Tussaud Group and Merlin Entertainments in the late 1970s.

The castle has survived war, attack, and fire but nonetheless, it has survived. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in over 1100 years of jaw-dropping history at this Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument.

5 Historical Facts About Warwick Castle

1. Warwick Castle was initially built as a wooden military fortification in 914 AD by King Alfred the Great’s daughter, Æthelflæd, to defend against Danish invaders.
2. It was later upgraded to a stone fortress under William the Conqueror in 1068.
3. During the Hundred Years War, it was refortified and became one of the most recognizable examples of 14th-century military architecture.
4. It served as a stronghold until the early 17th century, when it was converted into a country house by Sir Fulke Greville.
5. The castle has been inhabited continuously since the Middle Ages and has played an important role in British history, including being a vital stronghold in the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War.

Little Known & Interesting Facts About Warwick Castle

• Warwick Castle was built in 1068 by William the Conqueror on the banks of the River Avon to monitor the Midlands against rebellion.
• The castle has been home to the Earls of Warwick since 1088 when Henry de Beaumont was made the first Earl of Warwick.
• In 1153, the second Earl of Warwick’s wife was tricked by Henry II’s officers into handing over the castle. She mistakenly handed over the castle after being told that her husband, the Earl, was dead.
• In June 2005, Warwick became home to the world’s most powerful working trebuchet. It has a weight of 24 short tons and can throw a 29-pound projectile over 800 feet.
• Warwick Castle was once owned by two children under the age of five. After Henry de Beauchamp, the first Duke of Warwick died without a male heir in 1446, he left the castle to his two-year-old daughter, Anne. After Anne died at the age of five, a three-year-old boy took ownership of the castle.

Key Transport Links to Warwick Castle

• Bus: Stagecoach Bus routes serve Warwick Castle Resort.
• Train: Direct trains to Warwick station from London Marylebone take around 1 hour 45 minutes. For most visitors in the west and the north, the best option is to change at Birmingham Snow Hill for direct trains to Warwick.
• The castle is about a mile from Warwick station, so it is well within walking distance. There are also taxis available from the station forecourt.

Warwick Castle Review by Rick Steves

Rick Steves describes the castle as an immersive blend of entertainment and history, making it a major hit among families.

The castle, originally built in 1068, currently stands as a 15th-century fortified shell enveloping a 19th-century noble residence. Visitors are invited to explore various parts of the castle, including climbing towers, rambling the ramparts, and stepping into the cavernous Great Hall adorned with 16th-century weaponry and stunning armours.

Adding a touch of historical realism, the elegant state rooms are populated with wax figures, creating scenes from a royal weekend gala in 1898. Visitors are given a chance to "party like it's 1898" in the company of notable figures like the Countess of Warwick and a young Winston Churchill.

The castle also brings the Middle Ages to life through various demonstrations. An archer at the moat demonstrates the use of the longbow while a large catapult-like weapon, a trebuchet, is shown in operation down by the river. This medieval siege weapon, built from 13th-century drawings, is capable of hurling a boulder 200 yards.

The video concludes by stating that the arrival of this machine, some 800 years ago, would have spelled a very bad day for anyone inside a besieged castle.

Accessibility Options for Warwick Castle

Visitors with disabilities are always welcome to Warwick Castle and they operate a free carer ticket for all their disabled guests. There are a limited number of parking spaces, close to the castle entrance and reserved for blue badge holders, in both their Stratford Road and Stables car parks. Please note standard parking charges apply. They also offer a drop off area, close to the main castle entrance.

There are a limited number of wheelchairs available for the use by their guests. Should you wish to use a Warwick Castle wheelchair please ask any member of staff who will be happy to assist you. Please note wheelchairs are only available on a first come first served basis and cannot be booked in advance of your visit.