WITH SUMMER holidays around the corner, parents across the country, including myself, are frantically searching for ways to keep our little ones entertained, writes Rachel Ritfield.

I am a big fan of entertaining while educating, making my daughter accustomed to immersive and interesting experiences all over the world, with quality time at the heart of what we do.

For our latest adventure we didn’t have to travel too far in distance, we travelled back in time to the Middle Ages and stayed on the grounds of Warwick Castle.

The castle was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068 and opened its doors as a tourist attraction in 1978.

Since then Warwick Castle has built its reputation for bringing history to life with spectacular shows. The Castle Dungeon is possibly the most frightening and bloodiest of them all, what or who could be lurking around the next corner?

Embark on the journey that will test your orientation and tickle your curiosity while perhaps invading a Viking ship; the Horrible Histories Maze.

Did you know the largest working siege machine in the world is at Warwick Castle? The Mighty Trebuchet launches its projectile over 150 meters into the sky twice daily.

Need a moment to catch your breath? Enter the Time Tower and follow the transformative journey the castle underwent to become what it is today or admire the incredible views from the Defensive Towers.

The Princess Tower is ideal for three- to eight- year-old aspiring princesses with enchanting quarters and a riddle to solve.

Then witness the epic live-action war between the House of Lancaster and the House of York in the Wars of Roses. Medieval knights embark on a historic battle with sword fighting and jousting – and it was thrilling!

This show is not to be missed and runs twice daily during the school summer holidays. If that wasn’t enough excitement, Warwick Castle has produced an exclusive and explosive spectacle that we will definitely be returning for, called Dragon Slayer.

With only eight dates in the diary from August 3 it is essential to book in advance to avoid disappointment, with tickets starting from £15.

ADVENTURE

To complete this family adventure, book a short break in the Knight’s Village and sleep on the castle grounds with overnight stays starting at £139 per night. Rosie and I were lucky to be among the first to ‘glamp’ on the Avenue of Kings in its brand new King’s Tents.

With prices starting at £259, it was utterly delightful with a luxurious four poster bed, views from my hand-carved wooden throne over the garden and lake with swans roaming freely, we loved every minute.

For those spending the night, there is a variety of evening entertainment and entry to the castle is included on the second day. It was a wonderful experience to share with plenty to do and see.