We started our day with great anticipation of visiting Warwick Castle – Britain’s ultimate medieval fortress first built by William the Conqueror in 1068. As our coach wound through the countryside, we caught glimpses of the castle’s soaring towers in the distance before crossing the River Avon and pulling into the visitor center. In this post we talk about our Day 6 (Warwick Castle & Hidcote Garden).
Entering the castle grounds, we opted for a guided tour to maximize our time inside. Our vivacious guide immediately captivated us with the tales of warring kingdoms, political intrigue and famous historical figures who walked these halls. We learned that the stronghold withstood sieges throughout the Wars of the Roses between the Houses of Lancaster and York in the 15th century – passing back and forth between kings until the Tudor period brought longer stability under Henry VII.
Climbing the stone steps up towers and along curtain walls brought us eye-level with rows of notches for archers and see the Castle’s ingenious defenses from a defender’s perspective. Warwick Castle’s mighty walls, portcullis gates, arrow loops and towers protected the valuable route over the River Avon linking major medieval centers. Over time it evolved from fearsome fortress to a lavish palace and country house hosting Royal events for English nobility.
After covering Warwick Castle’s vast history, we descended below grounds for a tour through the dungeons. Walking down shadowy stone steps lined with torches I could almost hear ghostly prisoners clanking in chains. The dark holding cells and torture chamber filled us all with relief that we wouldn’t linger long in the creepy underbelly of the Castle!
Back in daylight, we walked through Warwick Castle’s princely state rooms from the 17th to 19th centuries. Portraits of long-dead earls judgingly watched us admire their plush velvet seats, four-poster beds, weapon collections, and ornaments from voyages abroad. We marveled at the Great Hall’s 20 meter high hammer-beam ceiling and Flemish tapestries before our guide led us up the tower for panoramic views of the Avon and countryside from the battlements.
After catching our breath, we opted for lunch at Warwick Castle’s Conservatory Restaurant. Biting into fresh sandwiches and salads on the terrace, we had front-row seats to knights on horseback demonstrating jousting techniques they used to entertain nobles through the ages. Watching their lances make thunderous contact, I gained even greater respect for the Medieval knights who charged each other in earnest combat.
Our last castle stop was Kingmaker – Warwick’s new immersive show dramatizing the Wars of the Roses battle to crown the next king. Donning 3D glasses, we stood in the middle of the action as arrows whizzed by and swords swung inches from our noses. With vivid CGI animation, lifelike characters and real-time special effects surrounding us in 360 degrees – we all left convinced those traumatic war chapters came to life before our eyes!
After an entire day stepping back to the Middle Ages, we continued our history-packed road trip to Hidcote Manor Garden owned by the National Trust. Rolling through quintessentially English villages of honey-colored Cotswold stone houses with roses climbing their walls, I knew more garden magic awaited at Hidcote.
This Arts & Crafts garden pioneered by Lawrence Johnston in the early 1900s looked just as resplendent as during its heyday. We followed winding gravel paths past meticulously planned ‘garden rooms’ themed by color or design. Immense yew hedges form outdoor enclosures filled with geometric flower beds, water features, vines trailing up stone walls and surprising sculptures hidden around bends.
I marveled at Hidcote’s horticultural artistry and attention to texture and form in addition to color. Johnston gathered an eclectic plant collection from his well-connected circle of politicians, plant hunters and fellow garden creators. Thanks to this web of contacts spanning continents, he cultivated exotic species rarely seen in early 20th century England alongside native plants.
Delicate alpines, fluffy pampas grasses, elegant irises, vibrant dahlias and bushes with bark contorted like woodcarvings all thrive together at Hidcote. As a gardener myself, I gained deep respect for the visionaries who toiled year after year nurturing this living horticultural masterpiece through wars and economic strife of the modern era.
My favorite view was an avenue flanked by towering hornbeam hedges opening up to Kiftsgate Court country house on the hillside beyond. I felt like Alice falling down the rabbit hole into a magical garden world that transports all visitors far from the stress of normal life. Following gravel paths through tunnels in the hedgerows past hidden garden rooms, nooks and animal topiaries, we all slowed our pace to let the serenity seep into our souls.
Our long day exploring British castles and countryside gardens left me feeling mentally recharged. Discussing the day’s highlights over a hearty pub dinner with my travel companions, I realized places like Warwick Castle and Hidcote Garden capture defining moments in Britain’s history. Without these grand feudal citadels solidifyingnobles’ power or iconic gardens advancing nature as an artform, Britain would have an altered landscape and national identity today. I went to bed reflecting on how travel reveals insightful cultural connections spanning centuries and leaves curious visitors forever transformed. I hope you enjoyed this Day 6 (Warwick Castle & Hidcote Garden) post.