Reflections On Warwick Castle:
I’m looking at an article in the Guardian from last year about Warwick Castle. It says that the Castle built by William the Conqueror is now in the hands of Merlin Entertainments. It owns Legoland, Alton Towers, Sea Life Centers, and the London Eye. It claims that the place has been turned into a theme park. They claim there is an “adventure maze” as well as a comedy show telling the 1000 year history of the place in a half hour play. There are six history zones from a Viking ship to WW1 trenches. There is a swordsmanship workshop, a falconry display. There is piped medieval music in the garden. Stalls sell toy swords. Apparently they sell fast food, and you exit through the gift shop.
Obviously they have not altered the castle itself! I doubt if the British government would allow it. But there is something to be said for atmosphere. Too much honky-tonk takes away from appreciating your surroundings. At least they are sticking to historical exhibits in general.
One thing I like about Warwick Castle compared to Marksburg Castle along the Rhine in Germany is that it is more accessible. We tried to drive up to Marksburg but the road was too narrow. We got pushed over onto the shoulder of the road by a bus and Gary thought it was too dangerous to proceed. We admired it from below only. Warwick at least isn’t on top of a mountain! However, to judge by the reviews of the castle on Trip Advisor you would think there was some problem accessing the place anyway. Lots of tourists including Brits complain about the car park or parking lot. They claim it is too far away. They sound as if they should be like you and practice hiking 3 miles a day before they visit. Maybe they should take a tip from Disney World and build a mono rail! Or they should have a shuttle to pick you up in the parking lot and take you to the attraction.
Cheops Books LLC publishes historical thrillers such as Captive at the Berghof: Part 1 in German as well as Hitler’s Agent.
