Family Fun

image by Delightful Desserts

image by Africa Studio

image by Tom Marshall

image © English Heritage

 

 

 

 

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Kenilworth might seem like its for grown-ups but nothing could be farther from the truth! So let’s not make them wait and get right to the heart of the action at Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Gardens! The ruins of the castle are just the backdrop for fantasies of knights, princesses and even dragons (although we don’t think there is any evidence for those!), and as its mostly outdoors and freely accessible its perfect for exploring at your pace, letting imaginations run wild and even the odd game of hide and seek!  There’s plenty to learn too and much of it child friendly, its also worth keeping an eye out for special events, like children’s discovery trails, dress up days and even medieval re-enactments! There’s also a tea room on site if sustenance becomes an issue!

If you’ve exhausted the castle (but hopefully not the kids!) we’d suggest somewhere nearby that’s an easy re-fuelling break. The Queen & Castle or The Clarendon Arms are both just opposite on Castle Green, each with a dedicated children’s menu. Loaded up with carbs they’ll probably be looking to burn off some energy and fortunately Kenilworth makes that dead easy!

Head over to Abbey Fields where you can let them loose on the excellent play area (complete with death slide and some truly awesome climbing frames!) for an hour or so (open only at weekends at present), and then follow that up with a spot of exploring. Abbey Fields is great for a wander but you’ll get far more out of it if you grab a copy of the Kenilworth Nature Trail and follow the first section (it includes notes on wildlife spotting and you’re almost guaranteed to spot a heron around the Abbey Lake). Alternatively, if your kids are the type who bring wheeled transport everywhere with them you’ll keep them happy at the free to use Kenilworth Skatepark & BMX track (temporarily closed but soon to reopen).

If that’s a bit pedestrian, then hop over to Crackley Wood (its walkable but maybe a bit far for little legs) and make sure to download the activity sheets for the Crackley Family Adventure, an easy woodland walk including a brass rubbing trail (make sure to pack crayons) and quiz questions. For a more hand’s on wildlife adventure, it’s just a short journey to Faerie Tale Farm for a two hour experience with the Alpacas (including a walk with one!) or Roundshill Farm to get up close and personal with more regular farm animals.

For an afternoon treat (or sugar boost – not always a bad thing!) check out Delightful Desserts, a literal kids heaven of ice-cream sundaes, milkshakes, cookie dough and just above everything gooey and sweet!

That’s a lot of options and ideas, and by the end of the day (fingers crossed) you have a bunch of tired and happy campers! If you need to find an evening meal there are lots of options around Abbey End and Warwick Road, including easy kid pleasers like pizza at Zizzi (although if the weathers good swing by Amante del Cibo for an amazing stone-baked pizza to takeaway and enjoy dinner al fresco in Abbey Fields!).