Warwick Castle

We recently had some friends move to Warwick, England to attend medical school there. We took the opportunity to drive up and visit them a couple of weeks ago and we all spent the day at Warwick castle together.

Warwick Castle (pronounced /ˈwɒrɪk/ ( listen) WORR-ik) is a medieval castle in Warwick, the county town of Warwickshire, England. It sits on a bend on the River Avon. The castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1068 within or adjacent to the Anglo-Saxon burh of Warwick. It was used as a fortification until the early 17th century, when Sir Fulke Greville converted it to a country house. It was owned by the Greville family, who became earls of Warwick in 1759, until 1978.

The views were gorgeous and the castle was very interesting in the fact that it is still so complete and intact. They have really turned it into quite a tourist attraction and at times we felt more like we were in a theme park then a medieval castle.

They hold lots of shows and demonstrations throughout the castle grounds at different times during the day. This was the jousting show! Aside from the jousting, they also put on quite a show of horse riding and combat. Can you see the man standing upside down on the horse as he rode past?

Can you see the man blowing fire?

I captured this picture at the exact moment of impact!

Arthur and I sitting on a grassy knoll watching the jousting commence.

Arthur really loved the shows! ( And the ice cream popsicles!)

This show was all about birds. This man raises and trains birds so that he can fly them here at the castle. It was quite amazing to see the birds up close and watch them fly back and forth from his arm.

My favorite was when he wanted the birds to take flight he would literally just throw them into the air to get them going off their comfy perch on his arm.

This is a baby bald eagle that he has raised.

One of the birds swooping over our heads.

This was his first bird- a bald eagle.

More views of the castle walls.

Part of the interior of the castle was done up in 'traditional' castle style with sitting rooms and very ornate furnishings. Most of the pictures from inside were too dark, but you can get an idea of how rich and lavish everything looked!

They had lots of armor and swords on display, some original and some replicas, I loved the tiny toddler sized suit of armor hanging in the middle:

Cute! (Can you say that about armor?) Just imagine trying to dress them in that...

Views from inside the castle walls. The gardens were beautiful!

At one point Eve, Jos, and Arthur were all holding hands and being led around by Eve!

My prisoners!

We had a great time! Thanks again Levi and Anabelle for hosting us!