Eight miles upstream on the same River Avon, Warwick Castle is the best half-day trip from Stratford and the surest way to win over anyone in your party who has had enough of Tudor furniture. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1068 and rebuilt in stone across the following centuries, it was the seat of the Earls of Warwick — including Richard Neville, the Kingmaker of the Wars of the Roses — before becoming a Victorian country house famous for its parties.
Today it is run as a full-day attraction, and it does both halves well: genuine medieval fabric — the gatehouse, Caesar's Tower, the ramparts, the state rooms — alongside falconry displays, the world's largest working trebuchet, a dungeon experience and grounds landscaped by Capability Brown. It is the strongest family day out in Warwickshire by a distance.
Top things to do at Warwick Castle
Walk the ramparts and towers
Guy's Tower and Caesar's Tower are climbable, and the wall walk between them gives huge views over the Avon and the town. Steep spiral stairs — sensible shoes required.
See the birds of prey and the trebuchet
The daily falconry display in the river meadow and the firing of the giant trebuchet are the two set-pieces worth planning your day around.
Tour the state rooms
The Great Hall, the state dining room and the Victorian house party rooms show the castle in its second life as one of the grandest homes in England.
Explore the grounds
Capability Brown laid out the park, and the peacock garden, conservatory and riverside island are free to wander once you are inside.
How to get to Warwick Castle
- By train: Stratford-upon-Avon to Warwick takes about 30 minutes, then a 15-minute walk to the castle.
- By car: 25 minutes via the A46 and A429, with large paid car parks by the castle.
- By tour: several day trips from Stratford and from London include castle entry.
Insider tips
- Book online — gate prices are noticeably higher than advance tickets.
- Arrive at opening; the castle fills steadily and the ramparts get slow by lunchtime.
- Check the show timings on arrival and build the day around falconry and the trebuchet.
- Allow a full day with children, or four hours if you skip the shows.
