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JOUST THE JOB

Travel back in time with a trip to Warwick Castle and experience life in medieval England with live shows featuring horseback battles and jousting

Take a trip back to the War of the Roses for a spectacular live show at Warwick Castle

ONLY a court jester would be foolish enough to miss out on the opportunity to travel back in time to experience life in medieval England.

And this year Warwick Castle spectacularly brings to life the Wars of the Roses with a live show featuring a horseback battle in a specially-constructed riverside arena.

 Joust the job... Warwick Castle had plenty of action on show
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Joust the job... Warwick Castle had plenty of action on show

A quick recap for readers who, like me, probably should have listened closer in history class all those years ago.

In the Wars of the Roses, two sides of the same royal family battled, besieged and betrayed each other for three bloody decades of the 15th century and Warwick Castle was the stage for much of that drama.

And now you can completely immerse yourself in the historical fun with an overnight stay in Warwick Castle’s Knight’s Village.

 Children loved interacting with the dressed-up characters
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Children loved interacting with the dressed-up characters

My two little princesses, Issy, nine, and Lauren, six, were entranced with our cosy home but our first task on arrival was to choose a side to support — either the white rose of the House of York or the red rose of the House of Lancaster.

Issy chose York and, after a short walk from the peace of the Knight’s Village, we were lined up facing our new sworn enemies, The Lancastrians, in the battle arena.

To the roar of the crowds, the professional stunt actors told the story of the 30-year Wars of the Roses in a breathtaking 30-minute show filled with sword fights, jousting and incredible horse riding.

 For the crowds... Actors take you back to a land of medieval jousting
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For the crowds... Actors take you back to a land of medieval jousting

Equally impressive on our first day was the majestic birds of prey display and, believe me, nothing will quite prepare you for the sight of a bald eagle with a two-metre wingspan soaring down from the castle turrets to swoop inches above your head.

A good opportunity for dads to act the brave knight in front of their princesses.

 Warwick Castle is still in fine condition
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Warwick Castle is still in fine condition

And further bravery was called upon for the walkthrough experience that takes you deep into the original dungeon, dating back to 1345.

It’s dark, it’s claustrophobic and you never know where the live actors are hiding or how they will terrify you next.

Lauren was too young for this as it’s not recommended for under-tens but Issy was full of bravado and raring to go, right up until a boy several years older than her was led out in tears.

One thing that sets Warwick Castle apart from other attractions is the knowledge and friendliness of the staff.

Whether it was the cheeky countess or any of the knights we encountered in the grounds or at that evening’s medieval banquet, they all knew the history of the place and the period inside out and were happy to drop in fun facts.

At the end of an exhausting day it was great to return to the tranquility of the Knight’s Village and the beautiful wooden lodges.

Facilities here are far from medieval, with two comfortable bedrooms, a wet room, TV and free wifi. The lodges were added last year and still feel brand new.

 Stay over... The lodges are comfortable and have great facilities
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Stay over... The lodges are comfortable and have great facilities

Nestled alongside are glamping tents and, surrounded by trees on the banks of the gentle river Avon, you really could picture yourself transported back to a 15th century settlement.

In the morning we feasted on a hearty cooked buffet breakfast in the banqueting hall before Issy and Lauren joined Knight’s School and tried Have-A-Go-Archery.

 Back to the middle ages... The jousting was great fun to watch
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Back to the middle ages... The jousting was great fun to watch

These activities are included in the cost of your stay and run throughout the day so that you can drop in at your leisure.

Anyone thinking history is dull has never visited Warwick Castle — the drama and intrigue of the age was brought to life brilliantly.

We will definitely return!


GO: Warwick Castle

STAYING THERE: Wars Of The Roses Live short breaks start from just £63 per person, per night and include two days’ entrance to the castle, breakfast and activities.

Woodland lodges sleep five and Knight’s lodges sleep seven.

The glamping tents sleep five.

An all-you-can-eat Medieval Dinner Feast with live entertainment is from £18.95 per adult, £9.95 per child.

See or call 0845 330 1011.
MORE INFO: The Wars of the Roses Live will run twice daily on 50 dates this summer from July 22 to September 3.

Book online five days in advance for the best prices, from £18.40 per person.

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