Warwick Castle

While I stayed in London, I did a day trip to Warwick Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Oxford University. I went to Warwick Castle 15 years ago and loved it so much that I wanted to go back.

The first castle on the site where Warwick Castle currently stands was wooden and was built by William the Conqueror in 1068. Over the centuries, the castle was rebuilt in stone by various Earls of Warwick. In 1978, Madame Tussaud’s bought the castle and restored it. Madame Tussaud’s did a magnificent job. They added wax figures and voice recordings in some of the rooms of Warwick Castle. As I walked through the castle, I felt as though I was walking through an episode of Downton Abbey.

Another view of Warwick Castle

A lot changed since I was there 15 years ago in that it has become more commercialized. They now have a dungeon that is not included with the regular admission, various shows, and a princess tower. Despite these changes, I still enjoyed my time at Warwick Castle.

One of the rooms in the castle

Stratford-upon-Avon

Of course, a trip to Warwickshire isn’t complete without a stop at Stratford-upon-Avon. It is a picturesque town on the River Avon. It is also the birthplace of William Shakespeare. I saw the house where he was born. It’s not large, but would have been for its time. Unfortunately, New Place, the house Shakespeare lived in during his retirement, was demolished in 1759 by Reverend Francis Gastrell. Only the foundations and gardens of New Place remain. While I went because I’m a Shakespeare fan, the town itself is too pretty to pass up even if you don’t like Shakespeare.

Oxford

My last stop that day was Oxford University. I admit I went more for the city than the university. I enjoyed walking the grounds of Oxford University, but I love the City of Oxford, especially the Covered Market, which has a wide variety of shops, cafes, bakeries, and restaurants.

Oxford

Have you visited any of these sights?

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