February fun and frights at Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden
Family Fun Trail - 16 to 24 February 2013
Valentines Ghost Tour – 15 February 2013
For many parents, it may seem like just a few days since the children were enjoying their Christmas holidays, but half term is almost upon us, soKenilworthCastleis opening for nine consecutive days of exploration and fun!
Throughout half term week (16 – 24 February), Kenilworth Castle and the Elizabethan Garden will open daily, and families visiting the site will not only be able to look around the magnificent remains of England’s largest ruined castle, but also take part in a family fun trail, hunting out clues that have been hidden around the site to receive a small prize!
“Winter is a wonderful time to see whyKenilworthCastlewas so important – with no leaves on the trees, you get stunning views over the countryside and towards the town, and you can imagine what it would have been like with the great mere and forests close by during its medieval and Elizabethan heyday,” comments property manager, Holly Woodward. “Our feathered friends in the aviary are also happy to have a little more company – although they sometimes retreat into the heated areas on particularly cold days!”
As well as looking around the ruins outdoors, visitors can take a look around exhibitions in bothLeicester’s Stables and the Gatehouse to find out more about the castle’s history, and discoverEngland’s greatest unrequired love story – the relationship between Elizabeth I andKenilworthCastle’s one-time owner, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester.
The trail runs each day from10.00amto4.00pm, with prizes awarded from the admissions desk as visitors leave the site. Admission prices are £8.20 for adults, £7.40 for concessions and £4.90 for children, or £21.30 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children). English Heritage members get in free.
The family fun follows hot on the heels of one of theWest Midland’s most chilling experiences – the Valentine’s Ghost Tour atKenilworthCastle. On the evening of Friday 15 February, visitors can join two special after-dark tours of the castle, featuring love stories with an unusual – and sometimes fatal – twist. Suitable for over 16s only, the tours offer a superb alternative to the usual Valentines Day celebrations – the perfect excuse (if any is needed) for couples to cuddle closer as the expert guide takes them on a spine-tingling tour of the historic castle, with many surprises along the way.
The tours take place at7.00pmand8.00pmon each evening, with each tour lasting around 45 minutes. Tickets are only available to over 16s and cost £20.00 for adults, reduced to £16 for English Heritage members. Places should be pre-booked by calling 0870 333 1183. Participants are advised to wear warm clothing, as the temperature outside may be as chilling as the stories, and sturdy footwear.
For more information, please call 0870 333 1183 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenilworth You can also catch up with the latest events and news fromKenilworthCastle by following the site on Facebook.
ENDS
For further media information, please contact:
Jay Commins – PRO English Heritage (West Midlands)
Tel: 01904 500698
Mob: 07810 546567
Email: jay@pyperyork.co.uk
