Warwick Castle

The basics

Warwick Castle tours typically include access to the castle’s armory, State Rooms, and Great Hall, as well as the towers, ramparts, and landscaped gardens. For a more in-depth experience, opt for a Castle Dungeon Experience or tuck into the Warwick Castle Conservatory Tea House for a traditional cream tea. First-time visitors may also want to combine a Warwick Castle, Oxford and Stratford, Cotswolds Day trip from London and see William Shakespeare’s birthplace (Stratford).

Things to know before you go

• Warwick Castle is a must-see for history, architecture, and castle buffs.

• Visitor facilities include luggage lockers, ATMs, restaurants, gift shops, and car parking (fees apply).

• Audio guides are available in eight different languages.

• If you want more than a day tour, you can stay overnight at the castle in one of the luxury Caesar Tower Suites, a lodge, or a glamping tent in the Knight’s Village.

• Save money on Warwick Castle tickets by booking online, in advance; if you purchase tickets day-of, you may end up paying £17 more per ticket.

• Some parts of the castle are accessible to wheelchair users but strollers are not allowed inside the castle; however, free stroller storage is available.

How to get there

Warwick Castle is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) southeast of Birmingham, about a 40-minute drive; from central London, it’s a 2-hour drive along the M40. Direct trains run from London’s Marylebone station to Warwick Station. From there, it’s not a long walk (about a mile) to the castle; however, you’ll find cabs and Ubers who can drive you there Or, save yourself the hassle and opt for a private tour with transportation included.

When to get there

Warwick Castle is open daily throughout the year, but the most popular times to visit are during the summer months of July and August, and during school holidays. Although visiting outside of these times is advisable if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds, many of the castle’s shows and activities close down or offer limited availability in low season. The most atmospheric times to visit include Christmas and Easter, when the castle hosts special seasonal events and festivities.

Things to Do at Warwick Castle

There’s no shortage of things to see and do at Warwick Castle. Watch one of the world’s largest working catapults launch a flaming fireball, learn about the castle’s history at the Time Tower multimedia exhibition, attend a medieval banquet, or watch the spectacular “Dragon Slayer” show.

Kids will also love following the Horrible Histories adventure maze, dressing up in period costumes, and watching displays of medieval jousting, archery, and falconry. Be sure to check out Warwick Castle events when planning your trip for add ons like themed dinners, dances in the Great Hall, and holiday specific events.

Ways to explore

Warwick Castle isn’t your typical castle—a packed entertainment program makes it an ideal family day out. Your admission ticket includes a daily castle tour, which covers highlights and 1,000 years of history in 30 minutes, plus a 40-minute Stately Splendour tour of the Great Hall and state rooms. Between spring and fall, the castle hosts two live events included with entry: the UK’s largest bird of prey display and the Legend of the Trebuchet live-action show. Upgrade for access to the exhilarating Castle Dungeon experience. Some day trips from London combine Warwick Castle with visits to Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds.

Accessibility

Most of Warwick Castle is accessible, and there are accessible parking spaces and restrooms. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Free carer tickets are available. Service animals are welcome, although they currently can’t enter some areas.

Age limits

None, although the Castle Dungeon experience is recommended for kids over 10 years old.

What to pack

Water bottle, umbrella, binoculars for the bird of prey show

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers

Not allowed

Smoking, vaping, drones, alcohol, glass bottles

Amenities

Cafés, restaurants, restrooms, Wi-Fi

Address

Warwick Castle is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) southeast of Birmingham—a good place to base yourself if exploring the West Midlands. From central London, it’s a 2-hour drive along the M40.

Driving

From Birmingham city centre, head southeast on the A38(M) Aston Expressway, merge onto M6 following signs for M6 South/Coventry, take the exit toward M42 South, before joining the M40 South toward London/Warwick. Then, take the A429 exit toward Warwick; the castle is well signposted from the motorway.

Public transportation

Direct trains run from London’s Marylebone station to Warwick station. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the castle or take a cab or rideshare service. Many tours include transportation.

Best times to visit

Arrive as early as possible after opening (the typical peak season opening time is 10am), as there’s so much to see and do at Warwick Castle.

Best days to visit

For the quietest experience, come in the middle of the week during UK school term time. The Easter holidays in March or April are often busiest.

Best months to visit

From April through November, when the full range of live entertainment takes place. The castle typically closes in January for maintenance.

Special events

The castle hosts ghost tours and other spooky experiences, such as mazes and shows at Halloween. At Christmas, there is a pantomime, an ice rink, special dining events in the Great Hall, and a winter market. The castle looks particularly lovely when covered in festive lights.