Day trip to Warwick Castle

Daytrip to Warwick Castle

in this post....a castle that is actually FUN for all

We've lived in England so long now that even castles are boring for the kids.  Yes it's a sad day when your kids actually complain that you're going to visit an amazing, historic, nothing-like-it-anywhere-in-the-USA real live castle.  Ho hum they say, we've seen all too  many.  They're all the same.

Well not this one!

Warwick Castle is owned by the Merlin Company, which owns other London sites such as the London Eye, Legoland, Madame Tussaud's and many others.  If you're living here for a while it may be worthwhile to purchase a Merlin pass:

http://www.merlinannualpass.co.uk/

The entire place is quite animated, with many impersonators and helpful workers.

The price of entry is expensive, but you can find 2-for-1 deals on certain rail ticket purchases (but you must print and bring a voucher with you).  Purchase tickets on-line for reduced rates also.

We did not visit any of the extra ticketed sites (dungeon, etc.) and brought a picnic which was lovely to enjoy in their gardens.

We really enjoyed the visit, especially the trebuchet launching, the mock sword fight, the Great Hall guided tour, and the bird show. 

Best of all, we spent the day with my sister Becca who was here visiting from New Zealand, along with her boyfriend Dylan.  

You'll want most of a full day to make it worth your while!

We took a train and then walked from the station.  It was a short walk and easy to find.

From their website:

Welcome to Britain’s Ultimate Castle! At Warwick Castle we try to deliver the Castle of your imagination, whether you’re a 6 year old princess or a 60 year old re-enactor we provide a fun, action packed day out for all the family. While we constantly work to keep experiences fresh we are always grounded by history and legend. So what makes a brilliant day out?

First, be the best!

Warwick Castle is not your average castle. It is full to the turrets with dramatic shows, interactive experiences, storytelling, demonstrations, activities and more. We learnt a long time ago that that our guests, the young and young at heart, want to do more than just look. They want to be part of the adventure.

Visit Warwick Castle and you will see great halls, beautiful landscapes; mournful dungeons and high towers - but you'll also see people having fun, laughing and being amazed. We have eleven hundred years of history, but also great battles, ancient myths, spellbinding tales, pampered princesses, heroic knights, Merlin's Dragon, and the dark Castle Dungeon.

http://www.warwick-castle.com/

In search of sun holidays from London

in this post - many Brits are looking for SUN holidays, year round...where can you go, that is not too far and too expensive, to get that essential vitamin D rejuvenation??

EGYPT April 2014

If you are looking for SUN and a near-guarantee warm weather holiday, you can't go wrong with the Red Sea coast resort towns of Egypt.  There is some political unrest in Cairo (at the time of writing this in 2014), but the beach resorts are safe and contained.  The flight is about 4.5 hours and there is only a one-hour time zone difference.

We were there April 11-18th and temperatures were in the 30's with sun every single day.

The people are very welcoming and warm, the food is delicious, and the beaches are amazing.

first day - exploration

the resort's waterslides are fun for all ages

lots of kitesurfing off the beach on windy days

we spent almost all day in our swim suits

more waterslide fun - the resort had 3 waterparks

ready for dinner 

mom ran into the photo at the last minute as this was a self timer

beach front

evening sunset after dinner and resort in background - beautiful!

17 pools at the resort!

Boat cruise - loading at Hurghada Marina

who is driving this sea vessel!??

this was the only time we left the resort

If you look closely you can see the dolphins - it was very exciting to watch them from the boat!

more dolphin watching

the highlight was coral reef snorkeling!!

so excited to jump in!!

amazing snorkeling

enjoying the roof-top boat views

loving the boat trip

Hurghada Marina

REAL LIFE HURGHADA photos, which I took from the bus to/from the Marina....very different from our little resort world!!

a cafe

Meat anyone??

stores?

a cool pyramid building

Egypt's construction boom has come to a screeching halt because of the political unrest; the majority of investors have pulled their funds because of the instability, which leaves a ghost town feeling in large areas where half-completed buildings stand as skeleton frames

which way?

we loved the a la carte restaurants - here at the asian themed restaurant

where shall I sit?

I'd like a nap here please

panorama beach view!

no lifeguard on duty...

fancy a beach ride?

great spot to get lost in a book

The snorkeling off of the beach at our hotel was also amazing - the freakiest fish we saw were lion fish. There were loads of angelfish, clownfish, butterfly fish, cornetfish, cube boxfish, and others we couldn't identify. At first Josh said he didn't want to go, but after giving it a try, we couldn't get him out of the water!!

About booking this trip:
We booked back in September with Thomson/First Choice holidays.  We booked Club Magic Life Imperial Kalawy near Hurghada, because it was all-inclusive for many watersports, there was also biking, yoga and pilates, and many sports activities.  The week prior to our departure, we were looking at our paperwork, and saw "accommodation Jaz Aquamarine", in small print.  I thought this referred to our section of the resort.  Calling to confirm our details before departure, I learned, horrified, that Thomson actually changed our resort location and we were booked at a totally different resort.  They claim they sent us an email in December.  Good heavens, if you change our resort you had better speak with me directly or send me something requiring a signature.  I was in absolute shock.  We tried to correct this but were told that Club Magic Life had cancelled their contracts with them.  I asked for some reimbursement for activities, but they would not provide any help at all.  Club Magic Life is a nicer and more expensive resort, but they would not reimburse us for anything because they say when they had to make the change, the 2nd resort was just as expensive.  We booked far in advance to ensure we could afford this holiday, and it is not our fault they made a change, so we are still upset about this downgrade.  Yes, it was an amazing vacation, but our expectations were higher, and we paid for a nicer resort originally, UGH!  DO NOT book with First Choice or Thomson unless you don't mind a change in resort.  All the Brits we met there were not impressed with the resort either.  Several people recommended Sensatori in Sharm El Sheikh over this one.  Learn from our mistake!