Knight's Village at Warwick Castle
ENTRY
from £22
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Warwick
What it’s like
A full castle day of jousting, mazes and a Zog trail, with a maze section that gets loud and dark for littler ones.
There's a lot packed into a Warwick Castle day and most of it is on your feet. Wars of the Roses LIVE! Jousting and the Birds of Prey display are the big outdoor draws, the sort of thing that gets a whole field of kids to go quiet for two minutes. The Horrible Histories Maze and the Zog and the Quest for the Golden Star trail are aimed squarely at younger ones, and the maze itself takes standard wheelchairs, though the obstacle run near the exit is a different story and there are alternate routes if you need them.
Save the Towers and Ramparts for last if you're doing them at all. It's 540 steps and the site is upfront that it's not for anyone with heart or breathing conditions, or for pregnant visitors, so it's one to think about before you commit the family to it. The Kingmaker Exhibition is dark with loud effects and has its own 33 steps, which is atmospheric if your kids are up for it and a bit much if they're not, though there's a quieter window between 2pm and 3pm daily if you want to dodge the drama.
Money-wise, a family of four is £86 for the day, or £22 each for a parent and toddler ticket on selected dates. That's before food, and there's no getting round the fact it's a pricey day out, though an annual pass at £49 makes more sense if you think you'll be back. Parking near the entrance is limited, with blue badge spaces reserved and a shuttle bus running from the field car park, except for an hour at lunchtime when it stops altogether.
If accessibility matters to your visit, there's a sensory space in the main courtyard and hearing loops in the shops and restaurants, and carers get in free with the right documentation booked in advance. The Castle Dungeon is one to weigh up carefully too, it's dark with a steep spiral staircase, though the last four rooms are fully accessible for wheelchair users and a carer.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- Limited spaces near entrance and reserved blue badge spaces
- Wheelchairs
- Limited wheelchairs available for hire, first-come first-served
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs welcome throughout castle except Towers and Ramparts and Castle Dungeon
- Hearing loops are fitted in the ticket office, shops and restaurants
- There's a sensory space in the main courtyard, just ask a staff member
- The shuttle bus doesn't run for an hour over lunch
- The Main Entrance accessible toilet is small and can be tricky for lateral transfers
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
One-day entry is £26, or £86 for a family of four. Parent and toddler tickets are £22 but only on selected dates.
Is there an annual pass?
Yes, £49 for the Warwick Annual Pass, which is worth it if you fancy more than one visit a year.
Is it OK for a toddler?
There are parent and toddler tickets on selected dates and Zog's trail is aimed at younger kids. The Kingmaker Exhibition is dark with loud effects, so that one's best saved for when they're a bit older.
What about the Towers and Ramparts?
It's 540 steps with no wheelchair access, and not recommended for anyone with heart or breathing conditions or who's pregnant.
Is the maze accessible?
Standard wheelchairs can get round the Horrible Histories Maze, though the obstacle run near the exit is trickier and there are alternate routes. Adult supervision is recommended for under-tens.
Can we bring the dog?
Assistance dogs are welcome everywhere except the Towers and Ramparts and the Castle Dungeon. Emotional support dogs are admitted too, but you'll need proof from a medical or mental health professional at entry.
What's parking like?
Spaces near the entrance are limited, with reserved blue badge parking and a drop-off area. A shuttle bus runs from the field car park, but it stops for an hour at lunchtime.
Do carers get in free?
One free carer ticket per visitor who needs one, but you have to book in advance and show proof like DLA or PIP on arrival.
Is the Castle Dungeon accessible?
The last four rooms are fully accessible and free for wheelchair users plus a carer, subject to availability. It's still a timed ticket and the rest of it is dark with a steep spiral staircase.
When's quietest?
January to March outside half term and November are the quieter months. Within a day, 10am to 11am and 3pm to 4pm are calmer, and the Kingmaker exhibition has its own quiet slot from 2pm to 3pm.
Is there anywhere to hire a wheelchair?
There are wheelchairs for hire but only a limited number, first-come first-served.
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