wilees

I am spending Christmas with some friends near Birmingham and driving up from London. I thought I would like to take the opportunity to see a little bit of the sights in the area. I have already visited Oxford and Stratford-Upon-Avon. I thought Warwick Castle might be an option. There will be 3 mid-twenties people - 2 guys, 1 girl visiting. We really enjoy history but have visited many many castles in Europe.

Do you think Warwick Castle is kisch and best visted by kids??
Has anybody been there at Christmas time before?
Would you recommend this as a stop over??

My friend who is with us for Xmas is only in England for a few months working so I am trying to make the best of his days off!

bellini

We take lots of visitors to Warwick Castle and they always really enjoy the day. There's lots to see and do (inside too if the weather isn't great). As with most places the sunshine helps but I am sure you'll all have fun.

audere_est_facere

I enjoyed it - it's a proper castle, and although it's owned by Tussauds (which is the mark of cain) it's not a touristy nightmare

where2

I was at the Warwick Castle last year on maybe 2-January and I thought it was a good castle. I did have my 2 small children, but I would have enjoyed it otherwise. As I recall they had a large ice skating rink. They also had people dressed up in period outfits doing tours.

There were a lot of kids' groups (it seemed like groups from perhaps other countries on a tour with high school kids) but it wasn't overly crowded. We did have to wait to get in - maybe 45 minutes or so. Again, probably because of the time of year with tourists and kids on holiday from school.

You may also want to stop off at the Cotswolds or Blenheim Palace. Have fun.

fun4all4

We were there last year during the week between Christmas and New Year's and thought it was a blast. Sure, it was a bit crowded, but we thought it was well done. They had the "Frost Fair" going on which included an ice rink and other special stuff for the holidays. However, we had not been to any/many castles around Europe so it was new and fresh for us. Also, it is a bit kischy, but it wasn't lame.

Hope that helps. Have fun!

ben_haines

Warwick has other fine buildings, up near the market square. I am thinking of the churches, and of Lord Leycester’s Hospital. If you ask Google for Warwick tourist information you see http://www.warwick-uk.co.uk/tourist-...ion-centre.asp, with photos and links to several places that I like.

Ben Haines, London
[email protected]

janisj

Warwick is one of the best medieval castles in England - there are a couple of kitchy bits but most is just really first rate.

And the added feature of the Edwardian house party in the family apartments only adds to the experience.

As Ben says - be sure to venture beyond the castle walls and walk into the town. St Mary's church and the Lord Leycester Hospital are especially worth visiting.

wilees

Thanks for the advice. I think I may go visit then!!

I did really want to visit Blenheim Palace but it is closed until Feb. However, a drive through the Cotswolds is a very good idea for the trip back to London?? Any suggestions for a route?

I knew my Fodors friends would be able to help!

where2

We have driven through the Cotswolds a few times, but unfortunately I don't drive, my husband does. And I am horrid with directions and maps. We like the towns of Upper and Lower Slaughter, Bourton on the Water, Broadway, Burford - that area. If you post a separate question I am sure people will help you with a driving route.

flanneruk

There's really no scenic route for the first 40 miles from Brum.

Head for Evesham, A44 to Broadway, meander up to Chipping Campden, down to Moreton, then Stow, Bourton on the Water and Burford. Take the back road parallel to the A40 through Swinbrook till you see a sign for Witney, then hit the A40 and belt home.

Spend as much time out of the car as you can. Blenheim being closed is no loss, except to Mr Marlborough's more than ample wallet. Use the time you've saved by not having to expose yourself to Vanburgh's lack of taste by exploring, above all, Chipping Campden, Burford and Swinbrook churches. At Swinbrook, follow the path to Widford and meander off it.

JulieG

Have fun at Warwick Castle. The only truly kitschy part is the exhibit about the medieval king. The Edwardian house party exhibit is lovely and historically interesting. You can also walk the castle walls, which my husband enjoyed. I would say its one of those tourist attractions which is popular for a good reason.

unicornfl

The castle is quite good, I'd recommend visiting if you have the time, and like others have mentioned the town has some other things that are worth seeing as well. I love it as an adult and it's great fun at Christmas time!

The castle has Carols at the Castle this year, though you'd probably want to call them to find out when they're being held & how much they cost. They also have an ice rink & an ice slide that you can get on, though they do cost extra. The ice rink is £6/adult for an hour, including skate hire and the slide is £2/person/slide. There's a huge tree at the castle with gorgeous decorations, so very in keeping with the season.

Margo_Chester

We (4 adults) went to Warwick in September. Because of some previous comments here I thought it might be too cutesy-overdone but it wasn't, Julie's comments above addressing that are right on the mark. There was a lot to see and we really enjoyed it.

Ackislander

Kenilworth Castle, on or near your route, is a ruin but well worth visiting on the way to or from. Lots of history, very romantic ruin.

Kate

The great thing about Warwick Castle is that, unlike most castles in England, it has never been derelect or a ruin - it was on Cromwell's side during the English Civil War and so escaped the cannons that Royalist strongholds suffered from. The result is that you get to see a castle as it was meant to be - with furnishings and furbishings all still on place. Don't miss the dungeons - the best bit IMO.

Slatters

I would agree with flanneruk's suggested route. If going to Stow and Bourton-on-the-Water take a slight detour on the way through to Lower Slaughter - a really picturesque village.

Have a a great time.