Warwick Castle: Day Trips and Tours from London
Warwick Castle is an important landmark of medieval history and has close ties to British nobility through the ages. While a day trip to Warwick Castle from London gives you the opportunity to discover its rich past, it also allows you to participate in exciting activities, such as sword fighting. From getting lost in a historic maze to learning how to use a bow and arrow, the whole family will enjoy a day spent at Warwick Castle.
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Warwick Castle is an important landmark of medieval history and has close ties to British nobility through the ages.
While a day trip to Warwick Castle from London gives you the opportunity to discover its rich past, it also allows you to participate in exciting activities, such as sword fighting.
From getting lost in a historic maze to learning how to use a bow and arrow, the whole family will enjoy a day spent at Warwick Castle.
Here's your guide to Warwick Castle, one of the best destinations for day trips from London.
Getting to Warwick Castle from London
Warwick Castle is located in the town of Warwick, just over 150 kilometers northwest of London.
- By car: The most direct route to Warwick Castle from London is via the M40, which takes about 2 hours.
- By train: Direct train services from London's Marylebone station take about 1.5 hours to reach Warwick station, which is a 15-minute walk away from Warwick Castle.
- Guided tour to Warwick Castle from London: Day tours to Warwick Castle start from a central meeting point in London. This is usually close to one of the city's easily-accessible underground rail stations. You'll begin between 8 AM and 9 AM. Most tours last between 9 and 10 hours, and return to London in the evening.
Warwick Castle ticket prices
- Adult: £22 to £39
- Children (2-15): £22 to £34
- Infants (under 2): Free
- Carer: Free
The prices of tickets for Warwick Castle fluctuate throughout the year, so book in advance to secure the best deal.
Warwick Castle opening hours
Warwick Castle is generally open every day, between 10 AM and 4 PM, however during the summer (July to September) - it is open from 10 AM to 5PM. The closing times may vary from week to week, so consult the official page when planning your trip.
Typical itinerary of day trips to Warwick Castle from London
Day trips to Warwick Castle usually travel by bus and stop at several locations en route. Journeying out of London, you'll pass through the enchanting villages and rolling hills that make up the Cotswolds.
Reaching Warwick Castle, you'll have the opportunity to participate in any of its medieval-themed activities or climb its tower for sweeping views over the English countryside. Leaving Warwick, your journey will take you to the birthplace of William Shakespeare and the market town of Stratford-upon-Avon.
The last destination on your Warwick Castle excursion is Oxford, known across the world for its esteemed university. After a guided walking tour of the university town, you'll return to London in the evening.
Best day tours to Warwick Castle from London
Self-guided Warwick Castle day trips from London
The most convenient - and budget-friendly - way of visiting Warwick Castle is by booking a self-guided day trip from London. You won't have to book train tickets and entry for Warwick Castle, as everything is included. As self-guided excursions, these allow you the flexibility to independently explore Warwick Castle and do some sightseeing in Warwick at your own pace.
Our pick: Warwick Castle & Return Train Tickets
- Includes: Roundtrip train tickets, Warwick Castle tickets
- Price: £7o for adults and £64 for children (3-11)
- Duration: 8 to 11 hours
Day tours to Warwick Castle plus Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford and the Cotswolds from London
This Warwick Castle day tour takes you on a scenic drive through the Cotswolds to discover several of England's most picturesque locations. You'll visit the medieval Warwick Castle before continuing to historic Stratford-upon-Avon and strolling through the streets that line England's most prestigious university in Oxford.
Our pick: Warwick Castle, Stratford, Oxford & Cotswolds Day Trip
- Includes: Roundtrip transfers, English-speaking guide, Oxford walking tour, optional tickets for Warwick Castle, Shakespeare’s birthplace, and the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin
- Price: From £79 (without tickets) and £110 (with tickets) per person
- Duration: 11 hours
Private tours to Warwick Castle from London
If you want to learn about the Norman castle in greater detail, you should consider participating in a private day trip to Warwick Castle.
You'll explore its Great Hall, discover the bedrooms where kings and queens slept, and climb its battlements, alongside a knowledgeable guide.
Our pick: Private Tour of Warwick Castle
- Includes: Roundtrip private transfers, multilingual tour guide, private tour, entry tickets
- Price: From £267 for adults and £137 for children (5-14)
- Duration: 7 hours
Boxing Day tours to Warwick Castle plus Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon from London
See Warwick Castle at its best — decked in fairy lights — in this tour that takes place on Boxing Day! You'll participate in walking tours of the frosty streets of both Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon, and take in the festive Christmas displays in both towns.
You'll also discover several noteworthy sites, as you amble along, including Christ Church and the Bodleian Library in Oxford.
Our pick: Boxing Day at Warwick Castle, Oxford & Stratford
- Includes: Roundtrip luxury bus transfers, professional guide, Warwick Castle tickets, Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford walking tours
- Price: £105 for adults, £100 for seniors (60+) and £95 for children (3-16)
- Duration: 10 hours
Cost of Warwick Castle day trips from London
Self-guided excursions to Warwick Castle from London generally cost £7o per person, with tickets and train fare covered.
Warwick Castle day trips that visit additional locations, such as Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon cost between £70 and £110, depending on whether tickets are included.
Boxing day visits to Warwick, Oxford and Stratford-Upon-Avon are priced at around £100 per traveler.
Prices for private tours to Warwick start at around £260 each and include a professional guide and roundtrip transfers.
Highlights at Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is a medieval castle that was built by William the Conqueror in 1068. It is located on the River Avon in the namesake town of Warwick. Over the centuries, it has been used as a palace by English royalty, including King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I.
The castle has a bloody past, as several of its owners died in battle, through murder or execution. Warwick Castle also served briefly as a prison for King Edward IV in 1469. Today, the 1,000-year-old castle serves as an interactive tourist destination, which combines important English history with a fun-filled day out.
Visitors can watch live jousting events — a popular sport in the Middle Ages. Other activities include puppet shows and themed parties. You can also discover the preparations needed for battle in medieval times, or try your hand at the ancient sport of archery.
Those who wish to extend their medieval experience can choose to partake in a short break on the castle grounds.
Best time to visit Warwick Castle
The best time to participate in a day trip to Warwick Castle is during the height of summer. During this time, there are plenty of activities and shows taking place on-site, and the weather is warm and reliable. Although this is undoubtedly the best time to visit the castle, you should be prepared for it to be busy.
Top tips
- Most Warwick Castle day trips incorporate walking tours of destinations, such as Oxford. For this reason, ensure you are wearing comfortable shoes.
- Visit Warwick Castle on a sunny day to make the most of the abundance of activities available.
- Consider taking a picnic with you to enjoy inside the castle grounds.