WHEN I informed family and friends I used to be spending the weekend at Warwick Fort, I used to be met with pleasure, which is completely comprehensible for my part.
And that is as a result of earlier this 12 months, the West Midlands-based fort was named one was named probably the greatest castles within the UK by Time Out — and it is simple to see why.
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As a part of our new Better of British journey sequence, we’re visiting a few of the nation’s top-rated points of interest – and showcasing a few of the greatest they’ve to supply.
This week we’re in Warwick, a market city that additionally occurs to be dwelling to Warwick Fort.
It takes only one hour and half-hour to succeed in Warwick on a direct practice from London Marylebone, and it is even nearer to the likes of Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham.
Since Merlin Entertainments took over administration in 2007, Warwick Fort has gone from strength-to-strength, opening a wave of latest points of interest in recent times, together with its Zog Playground.
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This sprawling medieval fort has lots to maintain all the household entertained, together with its Horrible Histories Maze and Peacock Backyard.
Households ought to make a beeline to the banks of the River Avon the place you can watch three spectacular reside exhibits.
Watch a large trebuchet defend the fort from an enemy invasion throughout the Legend of the Trebuchet or witness a real-life jousting battle happen earlier than your very eyes.
The Wars of the Roses reside packs a complete lot of historical past into simply half-hour, and it is full of jaw-dropping stunts and impressive pyro-techniques besides.
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However my favorite present needed to be The Falconer’s Quest, watching birds of prey like falcons, owls and eagles swoop low over the heads of the crowds was heart-stopping.
I used to be each terrified and amazed when an enormous black Condor flew simply centimetres above my head.Â
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Any historical past buffs will need to head to the Nice Corridor the place they’ll be taught extra in regards to the historical past of the fort.
And when you’re decided to get your each day step rely in, climb the tower ramparts and the motte and Bailey for epic views overlooking Warwickshire.
For a quieter afternoon, away from the crowds, head to the peacock backyard the place you can spot the colorful birds and luxuriate in a stroll on the identical time.
For those who actually need to calm down, then you definitely would possibly need to spend an evening on the newly-opened Warwick Fort Resort, the place historical past, literature, myths and legends all seamlessly collide to create a fun-filled family-friendly in a single day keep.Â
Coming into the foyer, we’re met by an enormous and mighty animatronic knight on horseback towering over us.
Immediately, the seemingly strange photos mounted onto the encircling partitions burst into life, firmly instructing us to try to drag the sword from the stone that lays on the knight’s toes.
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It’s Arthurian folklore with a contact of Harry Potter thrown in – and it paves the way in which for a very magical keep from the second we arrive.
Set inside the 64-acre fortress grounds, the brand new lodge has 60 rooms, designed particularly for households that carry historical past to life (actually).
Medieval motifs, like a coat of arms, a pair of crossed swords and tapestry-inspired paintings enhance the partitions.
Every room comes geared up with a comfortable double mattress, a set of bunk beds and a small journey cot with loads of family-friendly touches, together with ample room for pushchairs within the entryway and heaps of space for storing.
Different sensible options embody a desk space with an arrogance mirror, USB and USB-C charging factors subsequent to the plug sockets, a tea and occasional station and a wall-mounted telly.
The fort theme runs all through each aspect, even within the en-suite lavatory the place tapestry-like photos cowl the partitions.
And out of doors of the bedrooms, much more fantasy and thriller awaits.Down by the river, there’s a complete host of actions for little ones to get caught into together with a tiny coaching camp for knights the place they’ll be taught tactical defence abilities with a sword.
I used to be delighted once I bagged a bullseye on the archery station on my first go – though the arrows went flying previous on my following makes an attempt.
Whereas the leisure is essentially geared in direction of youthful friends, adults are nonetheless catered for on the outside Warwick Barrel Bar, serving lagers and IPA on draft in addition to canned Pimms and G&Ts or comfortable drinks.
While you’ve labored up a night urge for food, lodge friends can head to the Knight’s Village, a medieval banquet corridor with a carvery buffet station – there’s additionally pots of pasta and hash brown bites, for pickier eaters.
Continental breakfast is served to in a single day friends right here too, with a alternative of pastries, an English fry-up, fruit and cereal.
Make certain to fill your boots. In spite of everything, a budding knight must be correctly fuelled earlier than they go into battle.
In a single day stays at Warwick Fort Resort begin from £159 for a household of 4, together with breakfast.
Three different castles to go to within the UK
THE UK is dwelling to some superb castles – listed here are a few of the greatest:
Bamburgh Fort
This medieval fortress is constructed overlooking the gorgeous Northumberland coast, providing a splendidly picturesque place to discover a few of England’s historical past.
The fort itself is extremely nicely preserved and dates all the way in which again to the eleventh century.
Kenilworth Fort
Brits can discover out about sieges and royal scandals at Kenilworth Fort, one of the vital well-known forts within the nation.
The medieval fort has had an interesting historical past and was even remodeled into an Elizabethan palace.
Right now its maintain, its Tudor towers and Elizabethan backyard are among the many websites individuals can discover.
Edinburgh Fort
Dominating the skyline of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Fort has been dubbed “defender of the nation” by locals.
Right now, the fort remains to be an lively army base, with the Royal Edinburgh Army Tattoo remaining a spotlight amongst guests.
It is also dwelling to Scotland’s Crown Jewels in addition to different nationwide treasures.
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