Warwick Castle, Warwick

Warwick Castle is an expensive day out (although vouchers are often available), but there is a lot more to do there than just the castle. If you take a packed lunch you can easily fill a day, especially if you visit during school holidays when there are special events on, although it can get very busy. If you are visiting with a pushchair, ask at the gate for the leaflet that they provide for wheelchair/pushchair users. This details the easiest way to enter the castle (when we visited, it was to head left as you go through the entrance). It's worth knowing that you do need to leave the pushchair outside when you go inside the castle. The activities at the castle are perhaps more suited to older children, although there is lots of space for little ones to run around and things for them to look at. Don't miss the peacocks in the gardens at the back of the castle. There is a new attraction called the Merlin Tower with a dragon which is quite scary for young children, and some of the other attractions can be quite dark and intense. There is a new play area, but that is aimed at older children and can get quite busy. If all your children are younger (toddlers/pre-school) then it's probably worth waiting until they are a bit older to get the most from the day.

We've been to Warwick Castle a few times now and always have a great time. It can be expensive to get in so it is always worth keeping an eye on offers locally or on their website. There are often 2-for-1 tickets out there! There is so much to do at the castle, some activities there is an extra charge. We avoided paying more to do the dungeons and the Merlin experience. The Dungeons is sold as being quite scary so advised that under 8's may not like it (over 8's like me probably wouldn't like it either to be fair!). There is plenty to do with out paying more. Do go to see the falconry and the shows - they're great! We loved the house party in the main castle. The costumed actors are hilarious and make the day one to remember. There are some free talks too - probably aimed at the grown up's a bit more than little ones but the guides are in costume so it is entertaining for all. Food is expensive so if you're trying to save £££ take a picnic and just buy an ice cream when you're there. The new play area is fantastic - make sure you make time for the kiddies to run about in there before you leave!

Warwick Castle is perfect if you have a child who loves the wonder of medieval history. A trip up the Ghost Tower is a must (but only suitable for older children) and watch then jump out of their skin as the actors put in an appearance! It IS a costly day out though and in my opinion there is little to offer preschoolers, perhaps worth saving your pennies until they are older and can really appreciate it. Set on the banks of the river, it enjoys wonderful views over the river to the old town and the grounds boast many peacocks who will appear as you wander around. Well worth a watch is the jousting which takes place throughout the year.

Warwick Castle is now part of the Tussauds Group and therefore aimed at kids, although a lot has been done to it to make it child friendly – such as displays which will appeal to children and play areas, I think it is still more suitable for older children who understand more about what the castle was used for and will appreciate the history of it more. I visited it with my son who is 4 and although he enjoyed walking around the top of the castle and having a go at the archery butts (which cost extra) he did get bored after a while and wasn’t that interested in looking at the displays.