Warwick Castle

Eleven centuries of history, one unforgettable day

Rising over the River Avon, Warwick Castle mixes genuinely great medieval architecture with big set-piece entertainment — the trebuchet firing, birds-of-prey displays, the Kingmaker experience and the (older kids only) Castle Dungeon.

Allow a full day: ramparts and towers in the morning before crowds build, riverside picnic at lunch, shows through the afternoon. The gardens by Capability Brown are quietly the best bit.