Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle is a massive fortress, crowned with battlements and belonging to the Earls of Warwick, reached on foot from the modern parking lots via the former stable yard (ticket office, restaurant) and the adjoining moat, now an extensive area of parkland with a number of gardens, including a peacock reserve and a rose garden. The inner courtyard of the fortress is entered through the Gate House (1350) complete with the old portcullis. From the courtyard visitors first notice the imposing walls and the towers, which range in height up to 131ft/40m, all of which can be climbed. The fortifications date from the 16th century, while the fort itself was renovated in the 17th and 18th centuries into a castle-like country seat. The magnificent collection of furniture, porcelain, sculptures and paintings by European masters also date from this period. Other additions are the impressive collection of weapons and the wax model museum "A Royal Weekend Party 1898", designed by Madame Tussauds, which is a successful portrayal of the lifestyle of the British upper class.