Exploring ruins at Kenilworth Castle
I couldn’t remember if I’d ever been to Kenilworth Castle as a child, but when something prompted me about it, I decided it would be a great place for N and I to visit. He’s not really seen ruins, so for a 3 year old, I thought they might be more interesting than actually seeing a castle all in one piece and set up for exhibiting.
Despite the weather forecast being showery, we went for the bank holiday. With it being half term, they were running Medieval activities over the weekend. Although the standard price went up a couple of pounds for this, if you stayed the whole day to see all the activities, you’d definitely have got a good deal.
We park and rode from a car park in the town. Took us ages and several circuits before finding the right car park – annoyingly, on a bank holiday you had to pay. On site, there was a bit of parking, but it would filll up quickly – I think there was overflow parking as well though. The machines were covered up, so although the bus itself was free, having free parking on site does help (it looked like the machines were broke or just turned off for the bank holiday. It looked like it was rarely used, although maybe it is used more in the warmer weather.
N spent ages climbing and walking on the ruins
He was also keen to lead the exploration around the ruins, moving from room to room, up and down stairs, leading to dark spaces and the light. I was surprised at how fearless he was striding on ahead of me and wanting to lead the way.
He quite enjoyed standing in the kitchen oven area, and wanted me to stand in there too.
The gardens were lovely there, with a smaller second garden area in front of the Leicester Tower where all the old ‘museum’ pieces are kept. No photos allowed in there, but with a toddler, you don’t get much chance to read or find out much about what’s in there.
Every half hour there were medieval focused activities – talks, demos, chances to take part. We watched some of the minstrel’s show (from under an umbrella as it started to rain then). Good fun, and both children and adults seemed to enjoy it, although I couldn’t stop looking at a certain part of his costume…was it just me!?
We also took a quick look at the archery area, where you could pay to have a go. The actual demos were later on, but it was certainly popular.
Kenilworth Castle’s a lovely place, and not too crowded. For half term, I’m presuming it’s because the weather wasn’t great. Plenty of space for a picnic (we’d taken food with us), and a few seats outside the stables where the cafe area is.
The only issue with the visit was the rain. It meant that everyone wanted to get inside and have hot drinks and eat, rather than eat outside, so people were struggling to get seats. The food was more snacky and light bites, so if you want more for your meal, you’d probably need to find somewhere in the town.
N loved the freedom to explore, climb and play on the ruins.
Have you ever been to Kenilworth Castle?
What a great castle to explore. Your little guy looks like he loved the ruins. Thanks for sharing your fun day!
He loved it. Anywhere that’s got grassy hills, and things to climb on, he’s in his element. Thanks for stopping by
What a gorgeous castle! I would love to see that one day.
I love visiting Ruins and also I love watching films which has the same scene. Your boy is so cute and I hope he had a great time exploring the ruins.
Thanks. Of course I’d agree about him being cute, but then I’m biased!
This looks like it was a lot of fun, I’ve always wanted to check out a castle, let alone walk through one!
This must have been amazing for the lil one. I would so love to visit here some day Thanks for sharing.
The walls of the ruins shows much history and elegance. It would be fun trying out archery too.
I quite fancy the archery as well. Not done it since I had a go as a kid.
It looks like so much fun exploring the ruins. I reminds me of when I was a kid and we went exploring Indian ruins in the southwest. It was very interesting to me even at the young age I was. I’m sure he enjoyed it!
Wow, indian ruins would be something different again, sounds interesting.
I would love to visit this place someday and see the medieval castle. Ha ha you are right, something is weird looking on his costume.
Jealous, hat a beautiful place. That’s one of the biggest perks of Europe most countries has so much history, ruins, etc to explore and learn.
Definitely good even if you’re not into history, there’ just some great views and places to explore.
I love ruins! This place looks epic and your little guy looked as though he enjoyed it too. x #countrykids
Thanks for stopping by Debs. It was definitely a good place for all ages, given what everyone else was enjoying as well.
What a beautiful place! The pictures are excelent and your son is so cute!
I’ve always wanted to visit some ruins that was very adventurous of you to take the kids along looks like they had fun
We’re lucky, there’s so many castles and ruins around in the UK. Great for children to explore. N loved it
The ruins seem like a perfect place to do a fashion photoshoot! 😀
You’re probably right. Obviously N was set on his catalogue pose!
He looks so at ease at that place! Must be a comfortable place to go to for kids. This place is so famous and I know why cuz its just the prettiest ever =) #countrykids
It is lovely, he tends to make himself at home in most places. This one he spent a lot of time just running down hills. He loved it.
WOW Beautiful Castle My Kids Would Love To Go See This Amazing!1
First of all you got a great spokes-model! Super cute. The place looks fun. I would like the little shows every half an hour.
Thanks Paula. The length of the shows are just right. I know some places have them for 1 hour each but that’s too short for little ones to sit still for.
That looks like an amazing place to visit. Great pictures!
Thanks, and thanks for stopping by. It is a pretty beautiful place to visit and explore.
Oh my goodness! I love this! I would love to explore these ruins. Actually, I am a bit obsessed with old castles and would love to visit any one of them! Here in the States, I like to visit Ghost Towns and historic towns. I like to close my eyes and pretend I am back in time. These pictures are gorgeous!
We’re overrun by castles here, and ruins, although not so many round centrally where we live. I’m not so sure about ghost towns myself, I think I’d get the chills. But definitely great foe a bit of imagination
Great photos and based on what you wrote, it seemed like an awesome experience.
It is great. I forget all the places around us that we went to as kids, so making up for it now I have one of my own!
Shame about the rain but it does sound like a great day out with all the extra activities. I see what you mean about the costume too! Lovely photos and N looked like he was in his element exploring the ruins. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
We didn’t even stay long, but if you had older children it would definitely be a good full day out. Not all the activities put on were young enough – many were talks, story telling, and historical Q&A type of things. Plus they put the children specific activities later in the day – we always do mornings so we have afternoons free and get back in time for tea.
It really does look like a great place to explore x
Love exploring ruins – ours loved Corfe Castle. We tend to stick to NT properties etc as we are members but may have to venture up to here sometime. Lovely pics 🙂
We’re NT members too, but think it was your Corfe post that inspired me to check this place out.
The second Kenilworth post I’ve read! It really does look beautiful and your photos are lovely. Sounds like N had a good time, love the picture of him in the oven 🙂 #CountryKids
I noticed that. Obviously the place to be! Thanks for stopping by
It looks like a fun day out. Lovely to be there for the special events. We love visiting castles too. I don’t think we’ve been to this one. Adding it to our list. #CountryKids
There is something special about castles, isn’t there? So much more exciting for children compared with stately homes.
What stunning photography. Anna from In the Playroom went there too. It must be THE place to go at the mo. I can see why.
Liska xx