Travel review: Warwick Castle, Diane Davies

Freezing nights, an uncomfortable night’s sleep and the dreaded late night trek to the toilet block in the dark, torch in hand.

But the rise of glamping has relegated such ‘back to basics’ adventures to the budding Bear Grylls and now families (and mums who like their creature comforts) can enjoy the great outdoors on their own terms. And my terms when it came to a planned camping trip during the school holidays, was to live like a queen!

So after a long day sight-seeing, some indulgent dining and a pleasant evening watching the wildlife and the sunset over our river vista I crawled into the four-poster bed and slept like a log – despite being under canvas. With power to charge our phones (and wi-fi) heating and luxury beds in our incredibly large tent it wasn’t exactly ‘roughing it’ but this is definitely the best way to camp.

Literally treated like royalty we were staying in a tent on the Avenue of Kings in the Knight’s Village within Warwick Castle.

If you still don’t fancy a tent – the Kings tents being new this year – you can opt instead for one of the comfortable woodland lodges. The shower and toilet facilities for both are a cut above and the tranquil setting within the Warwick Castle grounds is fantastic.

There is also entertainment provided for families staying over in the Knight’s Village including archery sessions.

A large buffet breakfast and dinner is served in the Banquet Hall next to the accommodation although with the castle being within the heart of historic Warwick there are many bars and restaurants on offer nearby.

Families, however, will no doubt prefer to stay on site with the resident knights on hand to entertain over the dinner table. In the evenings, the Kingmaker Family Feast is brought to your table with turkey drumsticks, sliced bacon loin, potatoes and vegetables to share.

Starters include a Dragon’s Tartlet, Castle Cook’s vegetable broth and Groundsman’s gala pork pie. While desserts include rustic spiced apple and sultana crumble, Jester’s frozen yoghurt and Little Warrior’s sponge swords.

When you are ready there is a ‘priority entrance’ to the castle which lets you slip into the main grounds through a side gate. We arrived early to make the most of two full days at the Castle which has a busy itinerary during the school holidays.

Among the entertainment lined up during our visit was the Flight of the Eagles at the birds of prey arena where we watched huge eagles, owls (including the European Eagle Owl originally from Wolverhampton) and kites flying from the castle ramparts with interesting commentary from their keepers.

In the Riverside Arena you can see the 18m high and 22-tonne Mighty Trebuchet, said to be the largest working siege machine in the world, launch a projectile over 150m.

Next to that, on River Island, is where the War of the Roses Live takes place. Visitors are invited to choose which side to take – York or Lancaster – and show their allegiance in an epic battle for the throne. Jousting, sword fights and horse stunts are including in the exciting show which really rallies the crowd. Other entertainment includes the knight school for children, Princess Tower story-telling experience and the new Conqueror’s Fortress interactive exhibition.

On selected nights throughout August a completely new and innovative experience is coming to the castle – the Dragon Slayer. This ‘captivating, immersive live show for the whole family’ includes stunts, fire jousting, projection light shows, mysthical monsters and dazzling pyrotechnics.

Of course, this is a medieval castle initially built by William the Conqueror which has played a key role in history for centuries and has managed to survive the many wars and armies to offer a fascinating and impressive attraction.

Warwick has been the home of kings, home to political giants and a ‘kingmaker’ and then a regular haunt of aristocracy and high society in the Victorian era and early 20th century.

Much of the lavish décor and artefacts of the time, then occupied by the Greville family, remain today and the Great Hall, State Rooms and Chapel are a fascinating visit.

Now owned by Merlin Entertainments, restoration continues to maintain this historic building with some £6m spent during their 10 years ownership and work continuing today on protecting the structure.

The courageous or foolhardy can pay a little extra to brave a walk through the castle dungeon with live actors bringing some gruesome scenes and tales to life. Not one for young families!

Other attractions include the Time Tower, Horrible Histories Maze, mill and engine house, gaol and more.

With so much taking place it was nice to have two days to see everything without rushing through.

And to enjoy a refreshing sleep in our comfy four-poster bed of course.

Sadly Warwick Castle can’t promise a sunny camping trip – but there is plenty to do inside if it is a little wet.

As far as I’m concerned this is the ONLY way to camp and the best way to visit Warwick Castle – make a real ‘knight’ of it.