CHRISTMAS has officially arrived at Warwick Castle.
The lights are up, the music is playing and the chestnuts are roasting all outdoors as Warwickshire is in Tier three Covid restrictions prevent any indoor events.
The castle team have not let the restrictions dampen their festive spirit as there is various festive activities available – including a new light trail.
The new trail follows a romantic medieval theme, as guests are led through the grounds by a festive poem of hope.
Lighting projections bring the history of the castle to life after dark, with illuminations putting the spotlight firmly on Castle highlights, including the trebuchet.
Back after its popular debut last year, the ice rink will be a firm favourite for visitors.
Even if the weather is a bit cold and rainy a session on the rink is a sure way to brighten the mood.
Moving from the ice rink, visitors are then greeted by a selection of winter stalls selling a range of items, including season gifts and food and drink.
The grounds are fully open and visitors are asked to follow the one-way system and to adhere to social distancing rules.
On our walk around we were greeted in the courtyard by Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and an elf – and my five-year-old was so excited to see them and hear about the mishaps with a dinosaur in the workshop.
As we made our way around the grounds the falconer was exercising a Harris Hawk – the usual birds of prey display cannot go ahead under the latest restrictions – but as always he was happy to answer any questions visitors have.
The peacocks were roaming around and certainly stole the show for my youngest who had deep conversations with them – and they did answer back to her delight.
The Horrible Histories maze is open but don’t fear you cannot get lost inside the maze at the moment as there is a one-way system set up.
Our very cold walk ended with a wave from Father Christmas and Mrs Claus from the turrets and hope no dinosaurs escape from the workshop this year.
