WARWICK CASTLE 2007
ACTION, EXCITEMENT AND ADVENTURE
AT BRITAIN’S GREATEST MEDIAEVAL EXPERIENCE
Bursting to the towers with action and adventure including the world’s biggest siege machine, thrilling jousting tournaments, breathtaking birds of prey, daredevil knights, an entire castle-ful of colourful characters plus a NEW fully interactive and immersive attraction – “Dream of Battle”, Warwick Castle guarantees a mighty day of mediaeval fun in 2007.
FEBRUARY HALF TERM: BLOODY BATTLES AND WOEFUL WARS
10th – 18th February
This February half term Warwick Castle is re-living the bloody battles of the turbulent middle ages. Guests will be able to handle the mighty war hammers, maces, bows, arrows and swords wielded on the mediaeval battlefields and see them used to full effect as Warwick’s warrior knights battle it out in live-action demonstrations. The terrible impact of these powerful weapons is revealed inside the Surgeon’s tent, where the surgical instruments resemble implements of torture and the treatments (including live leeches) sound just as terrifying. Meanwhile, guests can see behind the scenes at a foot soldiers’ camp, participate in interactive storytelling sessions and wannabe warriors can earn their knightly spurs by joining a mediaeval military drill.
MARCH: WARWICK GHOSTS – ALIVE
31st March - 28th October
Warwick Castle’s infamous Ghost Tower, as featured on TV’s ‘Most Haunted’, is once more transformed into a chilling live-action spook experience as Warwick Ghosts – Alive reopens after a winter break. Using a mix of live actors, sound, visual and lighting effects it literally brings the true story of Warwick’s most famous ghost to life as the tale of Sir Fulke Greville’s murder is recreated.
Warwick Ghosts – Alive is screamingly good fun but visitors are advised that its scary content may make it unsuitable for children under eight or anyone of a nervous disposition. An additional charge applies and pre-booking is advised.
MARCH: FLIGHT OF THE EAGLES
31st March - 2nd September
Featuring a fantastic flock of eagles, vultures and owls, guests will marvel at this display of the ancient and noble art of falconry as these amazing birds swoop and dive over the castle turrets. Shows run twice daily, every day. Bird of Prey Experiences are also available by special arrangement.
EASTER: NEW – DREAM OF BATTLE
A fully interactive and immersive attraction, “Dream of Battle” transports guests back to 14th April 1471 and tells the story of Warwick Castle’s most fateful battle through the eyes of 12 year old page, William. Using a mix of audio and film effects, the experience relays William’s “Dream of Battle” as he sleeps before setting off to fight for the Earl of Warwick at the Battle of Barnet. The drama, noise, and adrenaline-charged terror of battle are recreated as William encounters a series of war-torn characters and prepares for the most decisive battle in the Castle’s history.
EASTER: SIEGE
RETURN OF THE TREBUCHET AND SIEGE RE-ENACTMENT WEEKEND - PLUS KNIGHT SCHOOL
31st March – 15th April with FULL SCALE SIEGE re-enactment over the Easter Weekend (6th – 9th April). Trebuchet show runs 31st March – 28th October.
The World’s biggest siege machine, a gargantuan 22 tonne, 18m tall trebuchet is the not-so-secret weapon in a full-scale siege pitching two massive armies against each other over the Easter weekend. The mighty mediaeval catapult will be shot twice daily from 31st March in a jaw-dropping spectacle, set against the stunning backdrop of the castle with a live-action commentary including siege stories from the Master of the Trebuchet. Over the Easter Weekend a real siege will be staged at the Castle as two hundred soldiers engage in a full-scale battle re-enactment. PLUS wannabe knights can get in to practice by attending a special Knight School throughout the Easter period. Trained knights will put squires through their paces, learning the fine points of sword play, hand-to-hand combat and all the skills required for successful mediaeval soldiering.
MAY DAY BANK HOLIDAY: MEDIAEVAL CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
5th – 7th May
Guests can take part in a mediaeval-style Crime Scene Investigation as they become sleuths and help uncover the evidence in a tricky murder enquiry. Embarking on a Crime Scene Investigation trail around the castle, guests are challenged to pick up vital clues and nuggets of information to help solve the crime. A variety of mediaeval crime experts – from The Castle Surgeon (forensics) to the Armourer (weapons/ballistics) – will be on hand to provide expert insight and help interpret the evidence to catch the deadly Warwick assassin.
MAY HALF TERM: JOUSTING AND JESTER ACADEMIES PLUS THE FIRST JOUST OF THE SEASON
26th May – 3rd June; Bank Holiday weekend 26th – 28th May
Wannabe knights and jokers can get in to practice by attending special jousting and jesting schools over the half term week. Trained knights will teach squires the noble art of the joust, as they take part in tricky exercises including the lancing of the rings and quintain. And experienced jesters will teach little jokers all the tricks of the mediaeval entertainment trade, such as plate spinning, juggling and stilt walking.
Plus - NOT TO BE MISSED - the first joust of the season over the Bank Holiday weekend. Continuing Warwick Castle’s history as an original jousting venue, the season’s first joust provides a taster for the daily jousting tournaments throughout the summer.
JULY: JOUSTING, ARCHERY, FALCONRY AND COMBAT SKILL
21st July – 2nd September
Warwick Castle has a full programme of activities every day throughout the summer including jousting, archery, falconry and combat shows daily. Be astounded as Warwick’s brave knights challenge each other to a contest of skill, agility and bravery, dazzling guests with a display of incredible equestrian prowess and pageantry on the jousting field.
OCTOBER: HORRIBLE HALLOWEEN
20th – 28th October
Warwick Castle is the perfect setting for a spooky Halloween. With haunted towers, turrets and ramparts inhabited by a host of ghouls, ghosts and un-earthly creatures the scene is set for a horrible half term full of chills, spills and spine-tingling stories.
DECEMBER: WARWICK CASTLE ICE RINK
1st December – 6th January
The breathtaking beauty of Warwick Castle provides a spectacular backdrop for one of the most unique and magical open-air ice rinks in the country.
PRICES AND OPENING
Warwick Castle is open all year round except Christmas Day. Prices start at £13.95 for an adult, £8.95 for a child and £38.00 for a great value family ticket (two adults and two children). All daytime entertainment is included except Warwick Ghosts - Alive, a live action experience in the Ghost Tower with a separate £2.75 entry charge. There is an additional charge for skating during the festive season. Tickets can be booked in advance on 0870 442 2000 or @
www.warwick-castle.com. Guests are advised to check opening times and the entertainment schedule in advance of their visit.