Pictures of Warwick Castle

a Castle in the county of Warwickshire

About Warwick Castle

The first military encampment was built on the banks of the river Avon in Warwickshire by Ethelfleda, sister of Edward the Elder, who ordered the building of a 'burh' in 914 AD to protect the small hill top settlement of Warwick from Danish invaders who were a constant threat to the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia.

Later, in 1068, one of England's most famous invaders of all, William the Conquerer built the first true castle at Warwick. The castle consisted of no more than a timber stockade around the top and base of a large earth mound. It was built to secure the Norman supply line to the north of England and as a Norman stronghold near the midlands. Inside the stockade was a square timber tower with wooden buildings lining the inside of the palisade.

It was in 1260 that stone began to replace the timber structure, and so began what stands today, and hundreds of years of facinating history as the earls and Kings of England ruled, fought, seized, kidnapped, murdered, lived and prospered over the centuries, each adding their own bit of interesting history to what can be found in and around the magnificent Warwick Castle.

Warwick Castle is a breathtaking sight on the banks of the River Avon, just a few miles from Shakespeare’s home of Stratford upon Avon. The truly magnificent English castle draws you in from the moment you see it's walls and turrets on your approach. As you cross the drawbridge be prepared to travel back in time as the castle comes to life and begins to reveal a thousand years of secrets, stories, myths and legends. Witness castle life at first hand, visit the torture chamber in the depths of the dungeons with it's pits and racks and grisly torture devises that were once used on it's many unfortunate guests. Visit the Ghost tower where you'll hear the story of Sir Fulke Greville who's restless spirit haunts the castle to this very day after he was murdered there. Feel the weight of swords in the castles armoury, try on a helmet or practise your longbow skills. Warwick castle also has some beautifully landscaped gardens created by Capability Brown in the mid 1700's. These gardens are well worth setting aside more time for and exploring. In the summertime they are covered in a blanket of yellow as around 90,000 flowers come into bloom. These beautiful gardens were once home to the Countess of Warwick's menagerie which included Japanese deer, racoons, geese, an ant bear, a baby elephant, and an emu that became famous for chasing a frightened bishop through the castle grounds. There is so much more to discover and enjoy at Warwick Castle that you'll find it a trully memorable day out for all the family.

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Nearby travel help

Warwick Station

Warwick Parkway Station

M40 Junction 14

M40 Junction 15

Birmingham International Airport

East Midlands Airport

Hotels near Warwick Castle

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