Historic sleepover welcomes overnight guests to Kenilworth Castle

Friday 5 October 2012

In its heyday, it played host to nobles and royalty, including Elizabeth I, but now members of the public will have the opportunity to sleep at the castle as places are released for Kenilworth Castle’s Family Sleepover on Friday 5 October.

For the sleepover, camp beds are to be installed in Leicester’s Gatehouse for the ultimate ‘indoor camping’ experience.  As the families arrive at dusk, they will be given a special tour of the castle before a hearty evening meal to give them sustenance throughout the night.  A twilight walk, followed by storytelling within the now-dark ruins will bring the evening to a close, before guests retire to their sleeping bags.

The following morning, a delicious breakfast will await in Leicester’s Stables to round off the unique experience, as well as the opportunity for a final wander around the castle and Elizabethan Gardens before the doors open to the public at 10.00am.

“Sleeping at Kenilworth Castle is a very unusual experience, and this is probably why these family sleepovers are proving so popular,” comments property manager, Holly Woodward.  “Wandering around the site after dark is wonderfully atmospheric when you know that there are no other visitors around, and there are some fascinating nocturnal sounds in the Gatehouse as the building cools over night making for an excitingly spooky night!”

Anyone missing out on the October Family Sleepover will have the opportunity to participate early next year, with another overnight stay planned for Friday 1 March 2013.

The Family Sleepovers are suitable for children aged eight and over, and adult supervision is required for any children.  The event runs from 7.00pm on Friday 5 October to 10.00am on Saturday 6 October.  The cost is £85 for adults, £70 for children or £240 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children).  English Heritage members receive discounted admission of £75, £65 and £215 respectively.

Tickets for the sleepover can be reserved by calling 0870 333 1183 (Mon-Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm, and Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pm).  For more details, please call 01926 852078.

ENDS

For further media information, please contact: Jay Commins – PRO English Heritage (West Midlands) Tel: 0113 251 5698 Mob: 07810 546567 Email: jay@fim.org.uk