Warwick Castle


In Warwickshire, on the banks of the River Avon, lies the finest medieval castle in England.


Castles fascinate me, the older and the grander the better. Our first stop, the 1100-year-old Warwick Castle, certainly fits the bill with its mighty stone walls and imposing towers, expansive grounds and regal state rooms. As soon as the castle came into view, it was quite a spectacular sight. It was every bit the majestic castle but it was also as touristy as they come. After a short orientation by our guide, we were given a map of the immense castle grounds and were told to start exploring.
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Map of Warwick Castle
Map of the Grounds



Warwick Castle Tower
A tower and some flowers.

Upon entering the central courtyard, I was immediately drawn to a very pretty hill surrounded by trees and shrubberies with purple blooms. The Mound was named after Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great, who was said to have built the first fortification of Warwick Castle. We went up its narrow and twisting stairs and were rewarded with stunning views of the castle grounds and the countryside.

Ethelfleda's Mound at Warwick Castle
Ethelfleda's Mound
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The Courtyard at Warwick Castle
The Courtyard

At the top of the mound and the world's biggest trebuchet at Warwick Castle.
At the top of the mound and the world's biggest trebuchet.


The surrounding countryside from the viewing deck of the Mound in Warwick Castle.
The surrounding countryside from the viewing deck.

The castle had an atmosphere reminiscent of a Renaissance Fair complete with actors in period costumes heartily re-enacting a piece of history. Medieval tents were spread out over the grounds for various events and exhibitions such as falconry, archery and jousting. Other attractions include Merlin: The Dragon Tower, the Princess Tower, the Ghost Tower and the Castle Dungeon tour. I really wanted to go inside the Princess Tower but the princesses kindly informed me that it was only for children so I had to settle for a photo. 
Falconry Exhibition at Warwick Castle
Falconry Exhibition


The Princess Tower at Warwick Castle
The Princess Tower

It was such a beautiful summer day that we didn't want to spend what little time we had indoors. Still, we took a quick peek inside the elegantly furnished state rooms and found displays of wax figures courtesy of Madame Tussauds.


The State Rooms at Warwick Castle
The State Rooms


Wax figures at Warwick Castle
Henry VIII and his six wives: Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.


As we were wandering around the pathways behind the castle walls, we came across the River Avon flowing gently along the east side of the castle. From that point, we had a glimpse of the Water Mill Garden which had overlooking views of the river. The Water Mill Garden is privately owned but open to the public.

The Water Mill Garden, Warwick Castle
The Water Mill Garden

The River Avon passing through what's left of the old bridge, Warwick Castle.
The River Avon passing through what's left of the old bridge.

There was also a Victorian rose garden tucked away in a secluded area. It was one of the few areas of the castle grounds that was not swarming with tourists - probably because it was easy to miss. Though the roses were not in full bloom, it was still very lovely and serene.

The Victorian Rose Garden at Warwick Castle.
The Victorian Rose Garden at Warwick Castle.







 The Victorian Rose Garden


Just a few minutes before we were due back on the coach, we stumbled upon the Conservatory and the formal garden, aptly named Peacock Garden. Peacocks were milling around the garden which had giant peacock topiaries. It was a shame that their tails were closed and we didn't have the time to wait for them to strut their brilliant plumage. As it was, we had to sprint back to the coach to make it on time.  

The Conservatory and Peacock Garden at Warwick Castle.
The Conservatory and Peacock Garden

 
 Next stop - Stratford-Upon-Avon!




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8 comments:

  1. Wow this a really original idea! You have a really fascinating writing style.

    Great blog :)

    -The Anon Blogger

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    1. Thanks for visiting my blog, Anon Blogger! :)

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  2. I love your pictures. They are so inspirational and magical.
    Found you through Blogaholic and I just started following you.
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    1. Hi Emily, thanks! I just checked out your blog and followed you back. :)

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  3. Love this post. There is something about castles and its rich history that make us aware of the life that had been for the people during their time.

    Also, so nice to see Henry VIII and his wives. Reminds me of the movie THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL. Haha! :)

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    1. True, I love exploring castles and hearing stories about people who lived there. And speaking of castles and Anne Boleyn, we also went to her childhood home, Hever Castle, and it was amazing. Will post about it soon. :)

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  4. Thank you. Will be looking forward to that. I also enjoyed your post on Stratford-upon-Avon. What is not to love anyway. Its really a dream worth visiting. Remarkable, magnificent and historic places. :)

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    1. The only thing I don't love is not having enough time to visit all these beautiful places! :) Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. :)

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