Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle blends genuine medieval history, more than 1,100 years of it, with theme-park showmanship, which makes it an easy sell for families who want a day that is both fun and educational. Children can climb the towers and ramparts, tackle the Horrible Histories Maze, and watch The Falconer's Quest, a large-scale birds-of-prey display, plus seasonal jousting and knight tournaments in the grounds. One of the world's largest siege machines, the castle's trebuchet, sits on display by the river. The Castle Dungeon is a separate, scarier paid add-on better suited to older kids, and other attractions can be charged individually, so decide what you want before you arrive. Booking online in advance is notably cheaper than buying at the gate. Allow most of a day, wear sturdy shoes for the steep spiral staircases, and check the events calendar, as programming varies by season.