Last weekend we decided to take a trip to Kenilworth Castle. It was the first time we had been. There was actually an event happening on the day, which we didn’t know until we got there! So as well as exploring the castle we could see people dressed up in the medieval costumes and doing some displays and shows.
Kenilworth castle is a ruined castle not an in tact castle, which we prefer really as it’s more fun for the kids to run around freely and explore. Kenilworth castle is pretty large and seemed to be bigger than most of the other castle ruins we have seen so far. There are also some gardens to explore with beautiful flowers. I’ll share photos of these in a separate post.
The boys all love castles and we had a great family day out here.
You can see me down there at the bottom!
There are lots of different sections to explore and you could really spend a full day here especially with a special event on. We only arrived in the afternoon so didn’t get chance to watch as much of the shows as we otherwise would have, as the boys really wanted to look around and see as much of the castle as possible.
Places like this are the perfect day out for kids with lots of energy to use up. You get fresh air, lots of open spaces, and plenty of climbing.
This is an English Heritage property. We really should think about getting membership as we do visit their sites a lot, but because we also go to National Trust and sometimes even pop over to Wales and go to Cadw sites we are not sure what membership to get, as getting membership to everything would add up. If anyone has any thoughts or advice on this please do let me know in the comments!
The boys all enjoyed having ice cream from the ice cream van here. This site does seem to have more amenities and be busier than other ruins we have been to which are pretty quiet, so Kenilworth castle definitely had more of a full day out feel.
Then the boys ended their day by rolling down the hills before it was time to go back home!
Lots of fun!
Linking up to:
You might also like our other Castle and ruins posts:
More photos from Kenilworth Castle
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
What an amazing castle that is! It’s such a ‘proper’ castle – loads to explore and yor boys obviously had an amazing time.
I’d have been at the bottom too 😉
Jenny @ The Brick Castle recently posted…Another birthday….
Oh I love visiting places like this, and rolling down hills with children. Isn’t it great where they are somewhere when they CAN run around. It really makes it more relaxed for everyone.
What a fab place and what fab photos xx
Liska @NewMumOnline recently posted…The Great Outdoors. Bike rides with a 3 year old. Cycling to the Farm.
We were there on the bank holiday and I linked our post up too. But it was a tad wet when we were there which wasn’t so great. N really likex the ruined part… great for exploring
It was wet when we were there too, but my kids love puddles so they were happy with that – although I had to stop them from jumping into the huge ones!
Wow, it looks like a fantastic place to visit. I love that they rolled down the hill too! Beautiful photos as always x
Mummy Says recently posted…Digging holes and throwing stones
What an amazing looking castle, it is so big and truly impressive. I’m not surprised the boys were keen to explore. Always a bonus to arrive on a special events day. I think the dressing up brings a place like this to life. That is one big steep hill for rolling down too. Great photos of a lovely looking afternoon. Thank you for sharing on Country Kids
Coombemill recently posted…Country Kids from Coombe Mill
We love going to castles too. We have English Heritage membership and love it. Isn’t it fun taking photos in castles? So many ready-made frames for your photos. Your boys look like they are having lots of fun exploring and running around. #CountryKids
Cheryl recently posted…Enjoying nature
We love exploring old castles like this, looks like a wonderful day out. Gorgeous photos, what a beautiful day you had x #CountryKids
Sara (@mumturnedmom) recently posted…Country Kids: Fun at the Common
I so want to visit Kenilworth Castle – I love the history of it and thinking this is where Robert Dudley wooed Elizabeth I. Wonderful ruins now for children to play in and imagine days of yore. #countrykids
Kriss MacDonald recently posted…SOFO So much nature fun for kids
What a fantastic place for kids to explore! I love old castles- such s lot of imagination to be used with all those hints at a wealth of history and intrigue! In answer to your question- we have Nationsl Trust membership but buy Ebglish Heritage as we go as NT I find charge more individual entry but tend to offer more in terms of orgsnisation, kids stuff etc. That prob means English Heritage could use the month more though … ! #countrykids
Kate recently posted…Grubbing about in the garden
Castle ruins are amazing places for discovery and adventure! We must venture up to Kenilworth as some point as ours really enjoyed Corfe Castle a couple of summers ago. Lovely pictures!
76sunflowers recently posted…#CountryKids at Dyrham {National Trust}
What a beautiful castle, my girls would love it there. Looks lots of fun x
Ah I haven’t been to Kenilworth castle in a few years. Went a lot as a child, just living down the road in Coventry. And now we’re back in the area we’ll have to go with the kids, they’d love it like yours clearly did 🙂 #countrykids
Ruth’s all sorts recently posted…Southwold – #CountryKids
My boys love castles too, my oldest wants a castle from Santa this year.
I never even knew that was here, I will have to arrange a trip to see it x
Oh what a gorgeous place to explore! I haven’t even heard of this castle so I am off to google and plan a visit! x
Donna recently posted…Review: Little Miss Hug Book
We drove past Kenilworth Castle recently and thought it would be a nice place to visit – looks like we will be back to explore soon.
Lisa Ruggles recently posted…Mercedes Benz World – Team Ruggles
Nice place. Those hills are perfect for rollipollie! #countrykids
Merlinda Little (@pixiedusk) recently posted…Macro Shot
Great fun!
We love Kenilworth and visit often-such a fun place. My two also adore rolling down that steep hill 🙂
Iona@redpeffer recently posted…Our Kids enjoying the country of Coombe Mill
Wow it looks like a fantastic place to visit! 🙂
That looks like a brilliant place for exploring. My OH is always dragging us off to different castles and I know he would love it there.
I cannot tell you how much I love castle architecture! Fab photos and it looks like you guys had great fun! x #countrykids
Super Busy Mum recently posted…My Sunday Photo.
Looks like you had a wonderful day out – I know what you mean about ruined castles, in many ways they have more appeal! #countrykids
TwinsplusTwo recently posted…Today in photos – or The One where I recover my Sense of Humour
This castle looks fantastic! So much to explore, me and my husband love castles, we are just waiting for a baby twins to get a build older but we can’t wait to explore with them. I’m sure it used to be the case that if you had English Heritage membership you either got in free or with a discount for Cadw, maybe it was just a special offer but might be worthwhile checking x #point+shoot
Hayley @hayleyfromhome recently posted…Family {Point & Shoot}
We’ve been to Kenilworth and it is a lovely day out! You have shared some lovely pictures x #Point+Shoot
Wow – that’s a proper castle on a hill and everything. I wonder what tales it could tell from the years it has stood there.
Rosie @Eco-Gites of Lenault recently posted…Teurgoule – Normandy Rice Pudding
Waw that looks absolutely amazing! There are still so many things I should visit in the UK!
I love ruined castles, exploring them feels like a real adventure.
Thanks for joining in with Point + Shoot xx
Em @ snowingindoors recently posted…Plan Toys Croquet Review
That looks amazing…we haven’t taken our daughter to see a castle yet. We always loved walking around Old Wardour Castle in Wilstshire, so we’re planning to return one day over the summer. #countrykids
Pouch recently posted…Take me to the sea
Looks amazing there. I really must take my kids to a castle. lots of fun rolling down those hills too.
Thanks for linking #LetKidsBeKids
Karen Bell recently posted…Mummy’s little monsters plant pot craft
What a fabulous place to play x
#letkidsbekids
Does look like a fab place to visit! #CountryKids
Stacey Guilliatt recently posted…Project 365 – Week 23 (days 152 – 158)
That is a beautiful castle and your photos really bring it to life!
Kel MoolBoots recently posted…Sunday Photo