War of the Roses show returns to Warwick Castle for 2018 with an Escape Room

Warwick Castle

We’ve visited Warwick Castle several times over the years (we’ve even stayed onsite in their Knight’s Village) and we always have a wonderful time. So when we were given the opportunity to pop along last week to celebrate the return of their summer jousting show we jumped at the opportunity. The War of the Roses show returns to Warwick Castle for 2018 with an Escape Room held in their Medieval dungeon.

We’ve never taken part in an escape room before so I had no idea how we’d fare but with two adults and three enthusiastic children we decided to give it a go. It was held in the Medieval jail (technically I think that should be written Gaol) which is located behind the courtyard shop, next to the KingMaker exhibit.

After arriving at the jail we were given the back story, the year is 14?? (I’ve forgotten the exact date) and your mission is to help the prisoner escape the Medieval jail before the guards return. You begin by walking down some dark and somewhat treacherous steps before being locked (with a big scary padlock) into your Medieval cell with 30 minutes to save yourself and rescue the prisoner or else face joining them in their captivity!Warwick Castle

The inmate is played by an actor locked up in a higher up cell who talks to you throughout the escape attempt. Across each wall are clues which may help (or hinder) you. There were locked boxes, family trees and chests, I must admit it took me a few minutes to take it all in (it’s also very dark). I won’t give too much away but basically there are several puzzles which you must solve in order to unlock various chests. These chests contain torches and further puzzles which if solved help you to unlock the final chest containing the keys to your (and the inmate’s) freedom.

Once we’d got our bearings we lept into action, running about the cell shouting dates and info to each other. I suspect we were actually doing rather well as the actor distracted my husband (our master code breaker) with various riddles and chatter. However, despite this we did escape the room with the fastest time that day! Cue big cheesy grins from everyone! In fact we would have completed it slightly faster if my daughter hadn’t insisted that one of our codes was wrong, when she was actually trying to open the lock the wrong way!Escape Room Warwick Castle

The adrenaline as the clock ticks away is replaced by a real sense of accomplishment when (or if) you escape and we had an amazing time. In fact it was so much fun that the kids are still talking about it now. The event was so professionally put together and the actors involved so convincing, that it felt like we’d taken part in a big production or a TV show. I’d thoroughly recommend you give it a try if there’s an opportunity, it might even be fun to be caught by the guards!War of the Roses

War of the Roses

We left the escape room (heads significantly larger and higher than before)  and walked straight over the bridge to watch the new War of the Roses show. Every year the show is impressive but this year it has really been taken up a notch with new stories and extra characters. The public is split into supporters of Lancaster and York with both being encouraged to cheer and boo the opposing sides.

War of the Roses

The skill of the actors handling the horses is really something to behold and this year the show even incorporated a messenger eagle, doves and celebratory streamers!

War of the Roses

I won’t give the plot away but the show depicts a poignant and well known period in the War of the Roses. The past can so often be presented in a dry, dull fashion that it’s rendered almost impossible to relate too but this show really brings history to life and inspires its audience. This was evidenced by the various children (including my youngest) who asked for further clarification on various parts of the story afterwards.

War of the Roses

My daughter filmed a few short clips of the show which just gives you a feel for how entertaining this production is.

After visiting several times you’d be forgiven for thinking that the attractions might have become somewhat stale for us but Warwick Castle is brilliant at updating and refreshing all of their attractions so there’s never any chance to be bored!

War of the Roses

We finished our day by visiting several of the other attractions Warwick has to offer, the Flight of the Eagles, Knights School, The Horrible History Maze etc. you can take a look at some of my previous posts if you’d like to learn about them in greater detail.Horrible History Maze

If you can, I definitely recommend you visit the show this summer. For further details and to book, pop over to Warwick Castle’s website.

 

Stay at Warwick Castle in their new Woodland Lodges in Knights Village

Warwick Castle Knight's Village Key VisualWarwick Castle always makes for a fabulous family day out but now you can extend the fun overnight and stay at Warwick Castle in their new Woodland Lodges in Knights Village. Just imagine waking up in a tranquil woodland glade close to the River Avon and right on the doorstep of the castle! It sounds like such an exciting new development and we can’t wait to go and stay once they open from 1 July 2016. Read on to find out just what’s available and then take up my fabulous reader offer to save on your stay!

Built to complement the Tower Suites and seasonal Glamping the brand new Woodland Lodges (and banqueting hall where you take breakfast) feature wonderful Medieval style touches, such as lofty ceilings, wooden beams, stonework and green oak wood-styled exteriors. Everything, right down to the door handles and light fittings has been designed to create a magical ambiance. Find yourself whisked away to times gone by or let your imagination run riot with dreams of Wizards and Dragons!Warwick Castle (1)

The semi-detached Woodland lodges can sleep up to five guests in two bedrooms, or for larger families there’s the Knight’s Lodges which can accommodate up to seven guests over two storeys, including a mezzanine level with grand galleried master bedroom. Each Woodland Lodge has been themed to an authentic medieval occupation: Archer or Falconer. You can learn about both (and watch during some amazing displays) in the Castle during your stay.IMG_7545

The lodges are bound to appeal to families as well as groups of friends seeking fantasy and adventure in their private accommodation including wooden deck, living and dining area and there’s plenty of storage for all your gowns and chainmail (or regular clothes if you prefer!)Warwick Castle

Geoff Spooner, General Manager at Warwick Castle, said: “This is a new chapter for Warwick Castle as from 1 July we’ll offer guests year-round lodge-style accommodation to complement the Castle’s two sumptuous Tower Suites, set within the fourteenth century Caesar’s Tower, and our superb seasonal Mediaeval Glamping Village.”

He added: “With the 400th anniversary of the death of Warwickshire’s very own William Shakespeare being marked globally in 2016, Warwick Castle – just twenty minutes from Stratford upon Avon – is the ideal place to stay to discover over 1,100 years of English history. We’re also very proud of our links to Capability Brown, who designed parts of our grounds in the eighteenth century and whose genius will be celebrated nationwide throughout 2016.”IMG_7519

Warwick Castle’s captivating daily shows and attractions include birds of prey displays, have-a-go archery, live actor experiences such as The Castle Dungeon and The Princess Tower, Trebuchet Talk, The Great Hall and State Rooms, Kingmaker and Time Tower. Have a look through some of my previous posts to see some of our faves.IMG_7502

All the lodges offer great facilities including an en-suite, wet room, TV, fridge, coffee maker and central heating. Breakfast is provided in the banqueting hall and a buffet style feast in the evening can be added to your stay for £18.95 per adult, or £9.95 per child.

Prices for sleepovers from 1 July 2016 start from £203 per lodge per night including breakfast and two day Castle entry. But I have a fantastic reader offer for you all where you can save 10% if you book before the end of March.

Reader Offer

WARWICK CASTLE – KNIGHTS VILLAGE – EXCLUSIVE EARLY BOOK OFFER – SAVE 10%

Book a short break in your very own mediaeval themed Lodge or Glamping Tent in Warwick Castle’s brand new Knight’s Village before the end of March 2016 and receive 10% off flexible bed and breakfast rates for being a reader of the Angel Eden Blog.

Exclusive Spring Offer – Save 10%: >www.Warwick-Castle.com/SpringOffer

Discover more information about Knight’s Village at: >www.Warwick-Castle.com/Sleepovers

T&C’s:
Valid for bookings made before the end of March 2016. Only valid for stays between 1st July 2016 – 31st December 2016. Only valid on Glamping Tents and Knight’s Village Lodges. Offer excludes Tower Suites. 10% discount applies to flexible bed and breakfast rates only. Discount does not apply to castle tickets, dinner or any other aspect of the booking. The offer may be withdrawn at any time. Only valid on bookings made online via the dedicated promotional link >www.Warwick-Castle.com/SpringOffer.
Deposit Policy:
All reservations require credit card deposit of 100% of stay due at time of booking.
Cancellation Policy:
Full refund for cancellation up to 7 days in advance. 50% Refund for cancellation between 7 – 1 day in advance. Room fully charged if cancelled on the day.
To take advantage of the offer visit: >www.Warwick-Castle.com/SpringOffer

 

What is there at Drayton Manor if you don’t like rides?

PanoramaDraytonTheme Parks are great if you love the thrill of white knuckle rides but if a park doesn’t offer anything for people less keen to scream, then it can make for a disappointing day out. Standing on the side-lines or even worse acting as some kind of human coat-stand while your friends ride the rails of terror is absolutely no fun! Luckily I am an ambassador for my favourite theme park so I’m pretty familiar with all they have to offer. Today I’m talking to those chaps and chapettes who likes their days out to contain less g-force. So what is there at Drayton Manor if you don’t like rides? Absolutely loads! Plus you never have to step foot on a ride if you don’t want too.carouseldrayton

In the Main Park

The Carousel – Probably my personal favourite, ok it’s still a ride but it’s a pretty sedate one and it’s an awful lot of fun for big kids like myself.

Polperro Express – a cute little steam engine that drives around the lake. Watch the swans, ducks (or herons if you’re lucky) and relax safe in the knowledge that you’re not on Stormforce 10 (a water ride) that drips from above.

Drayton Queen Boat – take a leisurely boat trip across the lake aboard the Drayton Queen.

The 4D Cinema – Currently showing Yogi Bear in wondrous 4D! The cinema is so much fun for all ages and is bound to get you laughing.

Bryan’s Works Machines – Take some pennies and play on the old penny slot machines.

The Chairlift – Depending on your sensitivity to height then this one might be out, but these chairs take a gentle pace as they glide into the air so you can view the park from above.

Big Wheel – Another one not for the height sensitive, the big wheel is a relaxing ride of fun.

Various Games Stalls & the Arcade – these do come with associated costs, but hook-a-duck and basketball are always pretty easy going and lots of fun.

LizardThe Zoo

The zoo is full to bursting with all kinds of wonderful animals, including Lynx, Tigers, Monkeys, parrots and much more! If you watch my video at the end of this post you can see a few of my favourites.

RheaThe Farm Park

The farm park has quite a few more animals including Flamingo, Ostriches, Reindeer and more. Plus there’s the wonderful Discover Thomas exhibition where all the adults can reminisce watching the original Thomas the Tank engine ride around the track (he’s animated these days).

Video

My kids and I made a little video to show some of our favourite non-ride fun 🙂

Events

Drayton Manor hosts wonderful events all year round and they are bound to excite even the most ride resistant visitor. The next event is the epic War of the Worlds Firework spectacular!DraytonFireworks

The event takes place Friday 30th October, to Sunday 1st November. The fireworks begin at 7pm (last admission is 6pm), and a whole host of rides will remain open until 9pm. Plus there will be the amazing Firework display set to the War of the Worlds soundtrack.

Plus…

There’s Thomas Land for the smaller visitors with plenty of gentle rides or you can take a walk through the Dinosaur Trail and learn some new facts about your favourite dino friends.

Finally it would be remiss of me to mention the nature trail at Drayton. I must admit I haven’t managed to do this one myself as there is so much on offer at the park there just hasn’t been time… yet!

For more information pop over to the Drayton Manor website.