Warwick Castle

Several Sundays ago (I’m a bit behind on the blog!) we took a drive to Warwick Castle – known as England’s finest medieval castle and the 2^nd most visited castle (behind Windsor) in the country.  Upon entering, it felt a little more like Disney World than a 1,000 year old fortress housing one of Europe’s most important collections of medieval armor and weaponry.  There were guides directing traffic, turnstiles at the entrance, and gimmicky kiosks selling access to additional parts of the castle (like the “meeting the dragon at the Merlin Tower”).  After viewing the staterooms, however, it became evident that this truly was an impressive place.  Built by William the Conqueror in 1068 as a fort, it later became a residential home to multiple Earls, Countesses, and Dukes. 

Doug and Kate at the castle entrance

Stateroom in the Castle

Even the Queen made an appearance!

Inside the castle

The highlight of the day, however, was centered around the Falconry Show that took place in the castle gardens.  Doug, Kate, and I found a nice grassy spot away from the crowd so that Kate could run around a bit and chase the local peacocks.  We were enjoying a relaxing picnic of theme-park-priced hamburgers and “chips” (French fries) when a spatially challenged giant bald eagle came swooping down over the crowd and clipped the top of my head with his wing.  It didn’t hurt, but surprised the heck out of me!    



This is the little bugger that clipped me

All in all, the castle was pretty interesting.  Had Kate been a few years older, I think she would have really enjoyed all the actors and actresses playing the parts of medieval prisoners and knights.  While it wasn’t really suited for her age, it would be a great way for older kids to get excited about history.