Ice skating at Warwick Castle

[gmarkj]

There was a competition recently on the Priority app to win tickets to ice skating at Warwick Castle.

Going against history, I actually won some tickets (although judging by the number of people with the Priority cards wandering around there were a large number of us!)

We decided that we would make a day of it and arrived at the castle just after 10am.

Getting in was easy. Once you were in the right queue anyway – there was a little sign I walked past to get to the right ticket window…

On entering the main grounds, the first thing you see if the main buildings which look fantastic. They have been rebuilt several times over the years but they really look the part.

Wandering around the grounds are several peacocks, who hold no fear of man.

In fact, they tend to hang around near one of the food vendors hoping to pick up some treats!

Walking in to the main hall you immediately find a rather large Christmas tree – Warwick is decorated for the season!

There are lots of decorations as you go around in the different rooms, including a sleigh that was ordered by one of the previous owners of the castle.

There are lots of different areas as you walk round showing off some of the history.

The Time Tower is really good - it goes through some of the highlights of the castle through time.

The other main one is the King Maker. It shows how some of the owners have been involved in the succession of the throne - you also get to try on some armor!

There is a walkway round some of the ramparts that offer great views of the inside and the surrounding areas. There are a lot of stairs to go up and down on though, so not for the faint hearted!

Getting back down is actually harder than getting up - the stairs are in one of the towers!

The main event of the day, and the prize, was ice skating in the grounds.

The castle got all dressed up for the evening...

The ice skating itself was great fun, even if I (and most others) were clinging on to the sides for dear life!

There is the option of hiring out a "helper" - a little plastic penguin - but we decided to be brave and try on our own.

We had a great time at the castle, but it was a long day – we left home at 8:30am and got back after 14,000 steps at 7:30pm!

The castle is a great place for a day out whatever time of year, but is best enjoyed when it is not raining (lots to do outside) but be prepared to cover some distance!

[welshsteve76]

I live in Leamington Spa which is attached to Warwick pretty much.  The castle is only about 2.5 miles from my house.  I've lived here for 20 years and only been once or twice.

As for Ice Skating, I'd break something if I went.  I've always been useless at that sort of thing.  Was terrible on roller skates and even skateboards when I was younger.