A day away at Warwick Castle

After a few weeks in London we were ready to explore a bit further out.  On Friday night, however, I was feeling pretty ill and both James and Abby seemed a bit under the weather.  Nothing like our first week in London, just minor cold symptoms.  We went to bed unsure who would be making the day trip to Warwick.   In the morning Matt decided he would take the older two, and at the last minute I decided the rest of us would go as well, sickness or not.  A long day at home alone with two mildly sick littles didn't sound very fun. Matt packed picnic breakfast and lunches for us and we were in the car on our way by 8:20.

In a fun reversal of roles, I drove the 2 hours.  I've been driving here more often and feel a bit more comfortable on the roads than Matt, plus I did not have the energy level to pass out food and calm needy children while traveling.  Matt kept everyone happy and I remembered to stay on the left side of the road.  My only driving hiccup was when we arrived at the largest roundabout we've seen yet. I made it out OK, but on the wrong road. . . . eventually we got back on track.

Despite a foggy morning, we enjoyed being outside the city and seeing fields of sheep and hillsides and quainter villages.  Eventually we arrived at Warwick Castle and had a fun day exploring.  The morning was chilly, but we did a maze, watched a show with one of the largest trebuchet's in the world, and saw a birds of prey show with different varieties of eagles.

Outside the maze in front of the castle.  A thief and a drunkard.

Huge trebuchet in the background.  It was impressive to learn the history and see it launch a huge ball.

In the afternoon we explored the interior of the castle.  Not surprisingly Danny was most impressed by all the weaponry - quite a collection.  Kaylee liked the fancy gowns on the wax figures and the interesting decorations.  Later we split up.  Matt and Danny climbed the walls of the castles and were able to watch a Bowman show from an interesting perspective.  The clouds cleared a bit making it a beautiful day with some excellent views.  

Atop the castle walls

Beautiful views

A church tower in the town of Warwick

 The girls (and James) and I went to a princess tower for a special performance.  It was Disney-esque with a set-up where the children had to help rescue a prince who was trapped in a painting.  Sort of silly, and certainly not historically accurate, but the girls had a fun time and both were able to participate in special ways.

Kaylee winding the clock to midnight to free Guy Warwick from the painting.

 In the end, we were glad we all went together.  The kids used allowance money to buy souvenirs.  Danny - a book and stuffed dragon.  Kaylee - a longbow & plastic arrows.  Abby - a foam sword. On the drive home the weather stayed clear and we enjoyed even more views of the countryside before making it back into the city.  We made it home in time for dinner and baths.  Which still makes me pinch myself - our whole family can go spend the entire day exploring a castle that is over 1,000 years old and still be home for bedtime.  Love it!