Kenilworth Castle launches new season of guided tours
If the walls of Kenilworth Castle could talk, what tales they would tell … as visitors to England’s largest ruined castle will find out when a new eight week programme of guided tours starts in September.
Hosted by the staff at Kenilworth Castle who know the site – and its history - inside out, a different tour will take place every Friday and collectively will cover the Castle’s transformation from a vast medieval fortress into a lavish palace that became as famous for its extravagant entertainments and the seduction of Queen Elizabeth 1 as it had been for its epic sieges.
“The anecdotes and information our guides know about Kenilworth Castle and the people who lived, loved and fought here is incredible and much of it isn’t very well known. Walking round with someone who can tell you about every nook and cranny adds a whole new dimension to a visit – and is the next best thing to the walls talking!” says Holly Woodward, property manager at Kenilworth Castle.
Tales such as the story of how the king’s messenger was sent into the Castle during the great siege of 1266 and came back having had his hand chopped off, and what it cost Robert Dudley – personally and financially - to stage the biggest party of the time in a last attempt to get Queen Elizabeth 1 to marry him, are typical of how the guides can bring the castle to life.
“As one of Britain’s most impressive historic sites, Kenilworth Castle has been at the centre of some of the nation’s most significant events and under the control of a long succession of English monarchs who have all left their mark on the architecture. These tours are the best way of understanding more about Kenilworth’s fascinating buildings and garden and it’s amazing what you can learn,” adds Holly.
The hour long tours are included free in the price of admission and will run every Friday in September and October at 11am and 3pm. Places are limited to 35.
The full programme of tours includes:
- Friday 7 September - Fortress to Palace
- Friday 14 September - Kenilworth's 14th century transformation
- Friday 21 September – The Gatehouse
- Friday 28 September - Robert Dudley and Kenilworth
- Friday 5 October - The Great Siege of 1266
- Friday 12 October - Fortress to Palace
- Friday 19 October - The 1575 Festivities
- Friday 26 October - John of Gaunt
For more information about the new guided tours at Kenilworth Castle, please call 01926 852078 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/Kenilworth. You can also follow Kenilworth Castle on Facebook.
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