Warwick Castle

Despite its upgrades into theme park country, Warwick Castle still held he magic for me.

We visited the merlin tower, which might have been a bit more special had we seen any of the show I guess. Lots of props from the show. Despite this, it was a great interactive show. 

The birds of prey show was amazing, huge eagles swooping scant inches from our heads. The best thing about going today was that it was midweek plus overcast.. And thus few people.

The long bowman was excellent.

Though the highlight was watching the siege   engine at work.. And throwing a flaming cannon ball. COOL!!

Lilly and Morgan both had hoes with archery and loved it.

She's a witch!

Warwick Castle sure has changed since we last came. Perhaps not for the better either. However, its a bustling lively place and for all its glitz, has the ability to bring history alive- which I guess is the whole point.

We visited the dungeons, which has had the madam taussaudes over haul. Very clever scripting, lighting and special effects. Even though they have delivered their lines a hundred times, each managed to keep it fresh and authentic. 

Lilly was in tears and beside herself by the first room, but to her credit, kept it together until we left.. Then burst into tears. 

I was picked out of the crowd to stand trial and was charged as a witch.

The torturers and executioners rooms were gruesome and graphic, as was the black plague sick rooms. 

Loved the mirror maze in the dungeon, especially the blackout fronts which terrified passerbys ( a seemingly 

Mirror wall turned a light on revealing an actor poised to scare the living bejesus out of you.

Princess Lilly

Of course the opportunity to visit the Princess tower to learn how to be princess could not be missed. 

Our first job was to write and sign a wish in the magic book.

Unfortunately, as with all parts of the castle, we couldn't take photos.  However, it was all very cute, with the princesses in training being asked to choose dresses and accessories for a royal wedding. They brought in a lot of fairy tale references coupling it with technology. Lilly - and the rest of  the little girls were enthralled.