Warwick and Kenilworth Castles Tour

This eight-hour tour visits two major English castles: Warwick, built in 1068 and still partly lived in, and Kenilworth, a 12th-century fortress with elaborate ruins. Both castles have medieval features, museums, and interactive exhibits. Warwick features a daily falconry display at 2pm using live birds of prey. Best for history enthusiasts and families with older children. This is a easy activity lasting 8 hours. Group size: max 35. You meet at Leicester railway station main entrance. Key highlights: Warwick Castle's medieval keep and 14th-century towers still inhabited, Daily falconry display with live hawks and handling demonstrations, Costumed interpreters recreating medieval daily life and combat.

Price: £52

Duration: 8 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: max 35

Minimum age: 7+

Best for: history enthusiasts and families with older children

Best time: April to October for open-air tours and weather. May–September offers peak falconry displays daily. July–August is busiest; consider shoulder months for fewer crowds.

Meeting point: Leicester railway station main entrance

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

8:30am Meet at Leicester railway station main entrance - Coach departs for Warwick (18 miles, approximately 35-minute drive).

9:15am–12:00pm Warwick Castle tour with costumed interpreters - Explore the medieval keep, defensive walls, and state rooms; meet costumed performers demonstrating medieval weapons and armor.

12:00pm–1:00pm Lunch break at Warwick town centre or castle grounds - Independent meal; cafes and pubs within 10-minute walk of castle.

1:00pm–2:00pm Travel to Kenilworth Castle - Coach journey (8 miles, 20-minute drive); guide provides history of Robert Dudley and Elizabeth I connection.

2:00pm–3:30pm Kenilworth Castle self-guided tour - Explore the Norman keep, ruined halls, and medieval gardens; audio guide explains 900 years of history.

3:45pm–4:45pm Return journey to Leicester - Coach departs Kenilworth; arrive Leicester approximately 5:15pm–5:45pm.

The whole experience takes 8 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Leicester railway station main entrance.

• Warwick Castle's medieval keep and 14th-century towers still inhabited
• Daily falconry display with live hawks and handling demonstrations
• Costumed interpreters recreating medieval daily life and combat
• Kenilworth Castle's Norman ruins and connection to Elizabeth I
• Medieval siege weapons and historical exhibits at both castles
• Accessibility: Warwick Castle has wheelchair-accessible ground level; many upper floors require stairs. Kenilworth Castle is largely open-air ruins with uneven grass and gravel; partially wheelchair-accessible via paved pathways. Moderate walking required (approximately 1.5 miles total across both sites).

What is included: Return coach transport from Leicester, Entrance fee to Warwick Castle, Entrance fee to Kenilworth Castle, Professional guide for the entire day, Falconry display viewing (if timing permits).

Not included: Lunch and drinks, Souvenir shop purchases, Optional activities like archery or sword handling (additional cost at Warwick). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, Waterproof jacket, Water bottle and snacks, Camera, Spending money for lunch, Sunscreen and hat for outdoor walking, Small backpack for personal items. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: April to October for open-air tours and weather. May–September offers peak falconry displays daily. July–August is busiest; consider shoulder months for fewer crowds..

Tip: Castle entrance fees included

Tip: Falconry display at 2pm in Warwick

Accessibility: Warwick Castle has wheelchair-accessible ground level; many upper floors require stairs. Kenilworth Castle is largely open-air ruins with uneven grass and gravel; partially wheelchair-accessible via paved pathways. Moderate walking required (approximately 1.5 miles total across both sites)..

Operator: Castle Tours Midlands

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• King Richard III Visitor Centre (Not applicable - 20 miles away walk)

This activity is run by Castle Tours Midlands.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 5 days before departure; £8 fee if cancelled 2–5 days before; non-refundable within 2 days.

Accessibility: Warwick Castle has wheelchair-accessible ground level; many upper floors require stairs. Kenilworth Castle is largely open-air ruins with uneven grass and gravel; partially wheelchair-accessible via paved pathways. Moderate walking required (approximately 1.5 miles total across both sites)..

Best time to go: April to October for open-air tours and weather. May–September offers peak falconry displays daily. July–August is busiest; consider shoulder months for fewer crowds..

What time is the falconry display?

Warwick Castle's falconry demonstration runs at 2:00pm daily during peak season (March–October) and selected dates in winter. The tour schedule is designed to allow viewing. Weather can affect displays; indoor alternatives are offered in heavy rain. The display lasts 20–30 minutes.

Which castle is more impressive?

Warwick is larger, still inhabited, and features medieval costumed interpreters and live demonstrations. Kenilworth is more historically dramatic - its ruins evoke 900 years of occupation and famous guests including Elizabeth I. Warwick suits families; Kenilworth suits history enthusiasts seeking authentic medieval atmosphere.

Is there time for shopping at either castle?

Yes. Both castles have gift shops open during your visit. Warwick's shop is larger with more merchandise. You have 15–20 minutes at each castle for browsing, though this cuts into exploration time. Consider purchasing one memorable item per castle rather than extensive shopping.