Review: Warwick Castle lodges in the Knight’s Village
I am not a big fan of camping. I have tried – I camped around Europe during university, and on occasion since, each time reminding me just what I don’t enjoy. Then glamping came along and I’ve stayed in a few swish and swanky yurts and canvas homes (no mere tents) since.
Honestly though, I don’t enjoy stumbling around in the dark with a head torch looking for the toilet block. So while I was hugely tempted by the idea of staying in Warwick Castle’s grounds when they launched their Mediaeval glamping, I still found myself umming and aaaahing.
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And then three weeks ago, they launched the new woodland lodges in the same area. So – getting to stay in the castle’s grounds, getting our own private entry to the castle itself, and having a proper bed/bathroom? How soon could I visit?
The answer… last weekend, when the wooden buildings were still unused enough to have that new lodge smell. This is what we thought…
To find out more about what’s changed at Warwick Castle, check out my review of the Zog trail at Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle Lodges: Vital statistics
There are 28 lodges in the Knight’s Village, sitting next to the glamping tents and in the woodland alongside the river bank. The Woodland lodges sleep five, the larger Knight’s Lodges sleep up to seven and have their own little lounge on a separate level.
You can’t quite see the castle from your lodge, but even staying in one of the furthest flung cabins, it was only about a five minute walk to the VIP guest entrance and then another five to 10 minutes before you reach the castle itself.
There’s also entertainment in the evening – all very family-friendly, with a chance to try archery, have a go at being a jester or learn a few sword moves when we stayed.
Breakfast (in the Banqueting Hall, ie the restaurant behind reception) is included and you can also book for the evening Mediaeval Dinner Feast buffet, from £15.95 for adults and £9.95 for children. There’s also 24-hour bottle and food warming facilities for babies.
There’s a separate area for parking, which is close to reception, with a token so it’s free to stay. The gates are locked overnight. There’s also wifi, although as you’ll see from the little video I took, not quite strong enough to manage Facebook Live.
Warwick Castle Lodges review: The good
The Lodge
They may be brand new but they’re rather nicely designed to look much older. The classic wooden lodges are split in two, with wrap around decks and a chair outside.
Inside, you walk straight in to the main bedroom, then there’s a kids’ bedroom with bunk beds and an extra pull-out, plus the sleek bathroom/wet room (nothing medieval here, thankfully) with its shower and toilet.
Simple but stylish with lots of lovely little touches…
The little details
Those little touches are everywhere: our falconry-themed lodge had bits of falconry paraphernalia hanging up, there were shields on the walls, and a rather fantastic mural on the wall of the children’s bedroom (just the right side of bloodthirsty with loads to spot).
There were also Elemis toiletries in the bathroom, some very nice biscuits with the kettle and a fantastically soft fluffy cushion on the bed.
The setting
Forget the castle (if you can), this is a lovely secluded woodland spot by the river, with the lodges spread out enough that it was peaceful all night.
I’m sure I heard sheep baaaing faintly as my daughter went to bed. Plus you’re staying in a castle! (nearly)
The entertainment
Honestly, evening entertainment always strikes slight fear into my heart but this was fantastic. I discovered my daughter was a natural archer, hitting the central yellow section on the target at her first attempt.
With a bit of help admittedly, but not half bad for a four-year-old.
She also enthusiastically joined in the sword practice, slashing bloodthirstily at an imaginary barbarian and pulling scary faces.
And the jester even remembered her from the castle earlier in the day. I suspect we could have stayed out waaaay after her bedtime (except we had more exploring to do the next day in the castle).
The VIP entry gate
Because who doesn’t love VIP entry? When we stayed, it included tickets for two days which was a big bonus in itself – overnight stays now include single day entry to the castle, either before your stay or the day after, but it still means you can make the most of every minute.
There’s also a separate staffed gate to walk through which is a lot quieter – we didn’t get close to the main gate until the end of our visit.
One of the things I’ve always struggled with at Warwick Castle before is that there’s simply so much to do, you need to plan carefully or end up rushing around to fit everything in.
This time, we had a leisurely wander around the walls, watched the joust, went to the Princess Tower and Time Tower, saw some Horrible Histories and eyed up the bird of prey on day one, then the interior of the castle, another bit of wall, collected stamps in the Horrible Histories maze, saw the play area and part of the birds of prey show on day two.
Plus stops for meals/ice cream. And we still ran out of time to do the kids’ tour of the castle rooms or revisit the Kingmaker or see the trebuchet fired.
The food
Buffets can sometimes be a bit hit and miss, but this definitely left me pleasantly surprised. There was a lot of choice, plus a separate kids’ menu and salads, the staff were ready to help with any questions and there were unlimited drinks thrown in.
Alcohol was extra at the little bar, but not badly priced at all. There are specific seatings, with 75 minutes each but that’s long enough to make a good dent in the buffet – we went at 5pm, around my daughter’s normal tea time, finishing in time for the start of the entertainment.
The atmosphere
Checking in for a night here is definitely an experience rather than simply a stay.
Minnie was one of the few kids not dressed up or wielding a sword (much to her dismay), we had knights appearing at dinner whose lesser known skills included getting a four-year-old to eat her pasta, while the Georgian lady at breakfast – aka former inhabitant Elizabeth Greville – was such a hit, Minnie kept trying to track her down throughout the day.
The staff
Who would have thought you’d have two groups of Winstons staying at the same time (well, one set of Winstons, one Winstones) which gave plenty of room for confusion, but the staff were always very helpful, friendly and quick to sort out any queries.
Warwick Castle Knight Village lodges: the not so good
The living space
The lodges are really designed for short stays and that’s apparent when it comes to any living space. There’s a bench outside and plenty of grass to lounge on if the weather’s good, but otherwise it’s the bed only.
Having said that, there’s still more space than you’d get in most hotel rooms.
No fridge
Understandably with wooden lodges/tents in the middle of the woods, there are no fires or cooking allowed. But while there’s a little kettle in the room, there’s no fridge or little minibar which would be nice when travelling with kids.
The food
The buffet is a lot of fun but not the cheapest option at over £50 for a family of four. And it is the only realistic option on site, unless you head into Warwick itself.
For one night, it’s a really fun part of the experience but it’s worth factoring the cost in.
Warwick Castle lodges review: The verdict
We loved it – I’ve visited Warwick Castle several times and this wasn’t just the most relaxed way to see it, it also had so many fun touches that we’d never have experienced without staying overnight.
The lodges are perfect too if, like me, you don’t fancy camping – incredibly comfy beds, all the facilities you really need for a short break and all very thoughtfully done.
I even sneaked a quick look inside a few of the tents before check-in and they did look pretty luxurious, although the portacabin-style showers and toilets made me enjoy our wet room even more.
Until I save up enough pennies to stay in the Tower Rooms inside the castle itself (one day!), the lodges are a firm favourite.
PIN FOR LATER: WARWICK CASTLE LODGES
Disclosure: My stay was courtesy of Warwick Castle. All opinions and decisions not to allow my four-year-old a sword are my own. This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission
Images copyright MummyTravels
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I have been past Wareick Castle a few time by never been inside it looks a lovely family day out 🙂
I also didn’t realise that you could stay over that’s amazing! #CityTripping X
It is a wonderful family day out – and for adults too, I’ve been quite a few times, but staying over made it something extra special.
Wow looks pretty cool! I know I was at Warwick Castle as a teen during a cold November and none of that was there, or we just missed it! I’d definitely like to go back to alllll of the castles I have visited in England since I was 14 because I hardly remember them anymore! Did you actually get to see a jousting show? #CityTripping
Being able to stay over is relatively new – I’m not sure exactly how long the tents have been there, but definitely not on your last visit. And we did get to see some proper jousting (albeit staged, with less risk of death! Very exciting though)
This looks like my kind of ‘glamping’ too Cathy. I love your video – gives a proper feel for the lodgings. The medieval touches in the room are great. I’ve not visited Warwick castle but, with the VIP pass, seems like a good way to see a lot of the castle. The evening entertainment does sound like fun…surely it’s not just for kids though. #citytripping
Thanks! I always like having a look round hotels etc before I visit – and you would love Warwick Castle (Mrs T would be in heaven too, I think). And it did seem almost exclusively families while we stayed but the evening entertainment is definitely for adults as well, there were a couple of people trying their hand at archery and I brushed up on one or two jesting skills (needs work).
More and ore of these cabins are popping up, fab idea for not campers who like to kinda pretend to kinda camp, but with Elemis and shower who are we kidding?
Especially liked the medieval kettle and the decor/mural in the second bedroom.
#citytripping
Exactly! I love the idea but in practice I like a shower and kettle – the mural was fantastic, we had a lot of fun spotting some of the quirky little touches.
I have always wondered why Warwick Castle is one of the top tourist attractions and now I can see why!
#citytripping
Absolutely, there is just so much to do and see there – I never get tired of it. I think we could have spent a very happy third day without really repeating ourselves either.
I want to go now! That is so cute! But it seems like the lodges have very low ceiling? I feel like I’d be claustrophobic inside it. Like you, I probably won’t opt for the glamping. I’d rather have the peace of mind that I don’t need to go out of the room for the toilet. :p
I think that must be a trick of the video – they had pretty high ceilings, especially in the main room (and the kids’ room had bunks plus room for someone small to stand up on top) so definitely not claustrophobic.
This sounds like an excellent way to experience a castle – much better than just a tour and then moving on. #citytripping
Definitely – you really feel part of it.
Those lodges look super cool. I’ve actually never been to Warwick castle but I would love to go #citytripping
It’s a fantastic place, I really recommend it.
Looks like a lot of fun. Warwick Castle has always been top of their game in providing an immersive experience. Time to go back with my kids and search for some dragons I think!
That sounds a good plan to me! And you’re right, they always seem to be one step ahead in adding to the experience.
Its actually a really clever idea – I love the idea of an experience rather than a camping trip! #citytripping
Exactly – lovely to stay somewhere that’s really part of the whole experience.
Wow – looks like a fantastic place to visit! My kids would go bonkers for this. The archery and thrill of staying at a castle i particular look like hits! #citytripping
It is just perfect for kids (of all sizes!) – the archery was a big hit, I got requests to try again the next day 🙂
Looks like so much fun! So many details, and different activities.
There really is so much to do there.
I really like the idea of doing Warwick Castle over two days rather than rushing it in one so staying over is a great option. These lodges look almost tempting – for another person for whom ‘evening entertainment’ strikes fear in the soul… Very much comforted by the thought that you’ve described it as fantastic! #citytripping
It made for a much more relaxed time exploring, and not feeling I should hustle her out of the play area to go and climb another tower. The evening was very fun too, more activities than ‘entertainment’ – I could have stayed a lot longer if keeping her up had seemed a good idea 🙂
I’m no fan of camping either! but this is glamping at the castle’s grounds! I could enjoy this!:) I’ve visited Warwick castle yearsa go but to visit it again like this would be great!#city tripping
I think you’d love it – and definitely, this is the way to ‘camp’.
Mediaeval glamping? hahah I would have never imagine such a think existed!
I still prefer primitive camping myself but I bet the kids love this place!
Definitely – everything from the sword fighting to choosing which bunk she would sleep in.
This has landed on my list of to-go!!!! Beautiful! But I really liked the tent lodging! Is that even for sleeps? It looks too cute! What a beautiful experience to be be living on castle grounds and the games are so medieval too! If I go, I’ll get my kids a knight and princess costume just to blend in for some great photo opps. hahaha #citytripping
The tents are very cute too – and absolutely, you can sleep in them instead (or as well). They have some knights and princess costumes and accessories at the castle too (although you can obviously take your own). I’m sure my daughter was about the only person there who didn’t get either. I’m very mean 🙂
This looks like the most fun weekend escape!! My inner child was jumping up and down with excitement. I love a good dress up/theme dinner! I’m definitely putting this on my list of places to visit – even if it means borrowing a kid or two to take with me. 😉
It was SUCH fun, I would definitely go back again – without or without my daughter (need to practise my archery before she shows me up!)
This sounds right up my alley! I spent Sunday evening googling places to glamp and this is definitely an option. It’s also far too long since I visited Warwick Castle. Hmmm. *plans away* #CityTripping
Aha, the perfect combination!
Sounds like a fun place to visit! And great for keeping kids entertained!
#citytripping
Absolutely, it’s perfect for families.
How cute! I’d love to do that….
It was really fun.
This does sound like a really good way to appreciate everything on offer at the castle. I think I would be brave and give the Glamping a go…if I could borrow your wet room! 🙂
Definitely makes it a lot more relaxed – and those tents are tempting. You’re welcome to borrow my wet room any time! 🙂
OMG.. This is so awesome!! My boys would go CRAZY living out this medieval experience!! THis is SO going into my bucket list. #CityTripping
😀 I do hope you find yourself in the UK to try it – sounds like it would be a huge hit.
Oh my! I would not think twice abut staying so close to a castle. We do not have those opportunities here in California. What a blast! Thanks for your honest review. This give me a solid idea of what to expect in this place.
Thanks! We are so lucky with this history – it’s so easy to forget that not everywhere is covered in castles galore. This is definitely something special though.
This sounds like a fun way to experience a castle and its surroundings, than simply breezing through on a rushed day visit. The lodges look comfortable. Thanks for sharing your review of the Warwick Castle lodges.
Very – and they were beautifully comfortable too.
Getting to eat in the Banqueting hall sounds fun! I’ve never tried glamping but I can imagine I means you never want to sleep in a tent again…! #citytripping
I think you’re right – I certainly don’t fancy going back to camping mats and sweaty canvas!
ah see you had me and then I read the downsides – no fridge haha! this looks fab though for a night or two and my boy would love it. something completely different. im with you too – not a fan of camping at all. did it loads in my 20s and id rather stay in a hotel with my ensuite haha! #citytripping
I guess the plan is that most people will only stay for a night, although there’s a helpful space in a cupboard, I reckon!
Lodges look fab and is nice to read your honest review. Love the glamping aspect of the lodges. My 2 boys would love the medieval banquet,sounds expensive but worth saving up for #citytripping
Thanks – it was a really fun experience, definitely worth trying.
I’ve wanted to stay at Warwick for a while but the OH will not entertian camping of any description. So these would be a great option. Will have to see if I can convince him. I really like the sound of all the little touches and the buffet sounds great. Thanks for hosting #CityTripping
I have some sympathy with your OH! And I think you have to be pretty hardcore campers to take a newborn too – but you can quote me as a reluctant camper, as this bed was more comfortable than some hotels I’ve stayed in!
This just looks brilliant. Think we may need to do this later on in the year!
You would absolutely love it – and Monkey would have such a fantastic time with a sword and trying the archery, I think.
This does sound really appealing (I’m not a camper either…..). Love that it’s a more relaxed way to enjoy the castle and it sounds fab for kids. Plus evening entertainment that works! What’s not to like?
Absolutely – it’s definitely a winning combination and great if you haven’t visited before as well.
Coming a bit late to this Cathy, but wow! I want to stay here! I love castles but this one is a bit far for us to do in a day so the lodges would be amazing!
This is definitely a castle you can make a trip out of – sooo much to do, I think you’d love it.