Kenilworth Castle

Conveniently located on the way home from Stratford is Kenilworth Castle. Also convenient - it is an English Heritage site (so we get free entrance with our annual membership) and it has been the recent recipient of several million pounds in investment upgrades... so it was an obvious stop on our day trip into Warwickshire.

This castle links to some major historical figures including 'Bad' King John, Henry V, and Henry VIII. However, Kenilworth is most famously associated with Robert Dudley and Queen Elizabeth I. Apparently, there was some romance there even though Elizabeth never married and Mr. Dudley fell under suspicion for his wife's untimely death. Elizabeth kept Dudley's last letter to her in a casket by her bed until she died. At Kenilworth, we not only viewed a copy of this letter, but we also explored the Leicester's gatehouse where Dudley courted his Queen, and enjoyed the brand new audio tour that brings Kenilworth's eventful past to life.

The gardens have been restored to look as they did during the Elizabethan era - gorgeous!

Emily especially enjoyed the audio tour!