Review: Halloween at Warwick Castle

Headless horse riders, a witches brew and a disco dancing at the Dead Centre Stage are among the many attractions that await you at Warwick Castle this half term.

But is it really scary?

There was only one way to find out.

It’s Saturday morning and me and a pal began our journey to the 1,000 year-old landmark.

Warwick Castle is doing Halloween by day - The Haunted Castle - and Halloween by night - the Castle After Dark - this year.

I’ll be honest, I am a bit of a scaredy cat, so was quite comfortable knowing that I would be attending the day entertainment - it’s bound to be far less frightening than the night time (so I told myself).

Anyways, we arrived by car and parked up in the overflow car park.

It’s quite a trek back to the Castle from there - maybe 10 minutes or so. You pass by the Knight’s Village, where the overnight accommodation is - if you want to extend your trip.

We gained entry to the castle easily enough, the queues weren’t too big and went down swiftly.

There were lots of mini witches and wizards clearly out for a fun day with their mums and dads and carers to entertain us as we waited.

And so our adventure began.

What’s on at the Dead Centre Stage?

It’s situated in the middle of the grounds, and there are plenty of seats so you can sit back and enjoy the entertainment from 10am to 4.15pm each day until October 31.

You can choose from a variety of shows and there’s a schedule pinned up nearby, so it’s really easy to decide what you would like to see when.

The shows include Pumpkin Patch Puppet Time, Boo Camp, The Halloween Disco and Haunting Harmonies.

It’s not scary - but it is fun. The historical characters on stage ensured all the audience participated in their shows - and there were some real bangers you could dance along to at the Halloween Disco.

Anything going on inside the main Castle?

Here you will find the Upscares Downscares Show which is on from 10.30am to 4.45pm until October 31.

It’s best to book this on your app as limited numbers are allowed in at a time - it’s really easy to do.

In the first room you are greeted by some pretty grim characters, it has to be said.

Decked out in period aristocratic finery, some are gagged, others are blindfolded.

None of them are moving, though - so I found the fright factor is limited to a comfortable level.

As we moved through the rooms we were greeted by some real life characters though.

The spooky fellows didn’t mind pointing and shouting at you either.

I got to ‘electrify’ one who dared to tell the crowd we were with that I didn’t look particularly smart - how did he know, lol!!

They certainly got us in the Halloween spirit - it was nice and spooky, as opposed to terrifying - a little scare - and definitely one all the family can enjoy.

The Castle Dungeon

So after our visit around the grandeur of the main castle we decided to have a look at its infamous dungeons.

This trip is earmarked as not suitable for children - and, like Upscares Downscares show must be booked ahead on the app.

Once in we were greeted by the first of several foreboding characters amid a series of winding staircases and darkly dismal rooms.

Readers, I don’t mind admitting, I was really, really scared. This was a BIG scare

Evil weapons of torture were laid out in front of us, one man even attempted to chop off the head of a prisoner while we were there. And a witches mother came back from the dead to haunt us.

I very nearly thought I was going to have to ask to leave and be escorted back to the entrance (we were advised that this was possible, if we so requested at the beginning).

But I’m so glad I didn’t. It was actually tremendous fun - and I certainly recommend trying it out for yourself, if you’re looking for some Halloween frights this year.

What else is going on at the Haunted Castle?

If you don’t want to actually be scared there are lots of other family friendly events at this experience.

It’s a great day out in the fresh air with lots of fun things going on.

Here are a few more Haunted Castle highlights

Vile Victorians at the Horrible Histories Maze - this is a new attraction at Warwick Castle and where you can come up close and personal with those dark days of time gone by - you can actually smell those historic days.

The Witches Tower - 10.30am to 4.45pm - the Castle’s Princess Tower has been transformed into a Witches Tower where a poor prince is being targeted with a mysterious spell.

Witches, Wizards and Troll Hunter School - 11am to 4pm - this is where your little ones can learn how to cast a spell, so let’s hope they pick a good one! They also get to discover secret potions bubbling away in the Witches of Warwick’s cauldrons. They can enroll in the Troll Hunter School to learn how to defend the Castle and defeat invaders.

Is there anything else to see at Warwick Castle

Visiting Warwick Castle by day means you get to see the beautiful grounds and river in all their glory.

There are lots of great walks you can enjoy while marvelling at the might of the historic Castle.

There are lots of great places to enjoy food at the venue. The Conservatory is a great place to relax and unwind. They do some great afternoon teas as well.

Other venues include The Undercroft Cafe, Courtyard Refreshments, Riverside fish & chips and Stone Baked Pizza.

What’s happening at the Castle After Dark?

On October 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31 October from 6pm - 10.30pm

There are some great Halloween adventures to be had with a new Massacre-de Ball, a Hunted scare maze and Haunted Hallows.

For more information about Halloween events at Warwick Castle, and to book, please visit the Warwick Castle website

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