Things to do in Warwickshire Summer holidays 2023
With the Warwickshire summer holidays 2023 rapidly approaching, it’s time for a list of things to do in the area. Lots of attractions have events taking place this year, both indoors and outside. From family trails to fun days and activity camps, there’s lots to see and do around Warwickshire. If you’re on a budget, check out my post about free things to do in Warwickshire as well.
This post covers the Warwickshire area only. If you are looking for days out in nearby counties during the summer holidays, please see below:
British Motor Museum, Warwickshire Summer holidays 2023
This summer holidays, the British Motor Museum has an event called Building Up STEAM: Discovering Innovation taking place from 21st July to 4th September 2023. See the progress made in the automotive industry in recent years and take a moment to imagine what our cars might look like in years to come. The event is all about innovation inspired by STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths. Activities include:
- Daily 25 minute car designers’ tour of the museum
- Design and customise a car of the future and make a wind turbine out of card
- Follow the colour creator trail on a journey through the Museum, mixing your own colours as you go.
Activities are included in museum admission and are suitable for children aged 4 years old and over unless otherwise stated. Head to the British Motor Museum website for full details.
Draycote Water
With several events taking place during the course of the summer holidays, Draycote Water is a great place for a family day out. It’s ideal if you are on a budget too, since you only have to pay for parking. The following events are taking place during the school break:
- Scavenger hunt 21st July to 3rd August 2023: Scavenge for nature and create wild art around the lake.
- Severn Trent Fantastic Fun Facts Trail 4th to 17th August 2023: Learn fascinating facts about water and pipes by guessing answers to the questions on the trail.
- Nature Trail 18th August to 3rd September 2023: Learn about the heroes of nature on this trail.
This 240-hectare reservoir and country park has plenty of other activities on offer too. A five-mile tarmac pavement around the reservoir is ideal for walking and cycling. Head up Hensborough hill top for a picnic with a view, and spot water birds including rare species from the bird-watching hide. Sailing and windsurfing lessons incur an additional cost.
Facilities include two sets of toilets, a small shop selling snacks, toys and ice creams, a picnic area with benches, and the Waterside Restaurant with great views across the reservoir. Find out more about Draycote Water from the Severn Trent website.
Kenilworth Castle (English Heritage)
Whilst Kenilworth Castle is open throughout the summer holidays, events are only taking place on certain days. It’s well worth a visit anyway, but if you are keen to attend the events, make sure you check the dates.
- Legendary joust – Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th July 2023: Four knights will be competing in a Medieval Joust complete with horses, armour and lances.
- Knight’s tournament – Saturday 26th to Monday 28th August 2023: Billed as the ultimate skill and strength test. Clashing swords and a medieval encampment will keep visitors entertained.
Head to their website for more details and to book. You can also read my review of a dog friendly family day out at Kenilworth Castle.
Hatton Adventure World
Hatton Adventure World is being invaded by dinosaurs during the school summer holidays from 26th July to 3rd September. Activities include:
- Dinosaur shows to meet a Brontosaurus and T-Rex
- Falcolnry
- Zoobee’s family show
- Raptor encounter
- Dino ranger training
Don’t forget to visit the regular attractions like the indoor slides, soft play and reptile enclosure. Head to the fun fair and theatre and then make your way outside to meet farmyard animals. Don’t forget the guinea pig village and mini JCB track. Head to the Hatton website for full details.
Mary Arden’s Farm
Two events take place at Mary Arden’s Farm this summer but they are not on every day so it’s worth checking what’s happening on the dates you want to visit. Events are as follows:
Summer Fun at the Farm: Celebrate The Tempest on the 9th, 16th and 23rd August through play, fun and discovery. Find out what inspired the Bard to write a play about revenge as well as forgiveness. Make Prospero’s enchanted staff, take a look around the Tudor Farmhouse and explore Mary Arden’s Farm on a treasure hunt. Lastly, take part in an interactive reading of the Tempest.
Weekends at Mary Arden’s Farm: Grab some animal food and meet the rare breeds on the farm. Try out willow weaving and archery and explore the adventure playground. Play lawn games and experience an interactive version of Romeo and Juliet while you enjoy an ice cream. Dates: 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th July, 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th August and 2nd and 3rd September.
For full details of the events and to book, head to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Umberslade Adventure, Warwickshire Summer Holidays 2023
Umberslade is open to the public during Warwickshire summer holidays from 31st July to 31st August 2023. This large outdoor facility offers has lots of activities to get everyone outside and active. Look out for these activities on your visit:
- A fun Low Ropes Course for all ages just 2 feet from the ground between 13 impressive oak trees.
- The challenging Commando Course is great for confidence, competition, motor skills and a test of your physical ability.
- The Events Field has a picnic area as well as Bluebells Lodge, which provides hot and cold food and drinks.
- Nature trails
- Archery
- Zip line
- Tree climbing with experienced instructors
- Dedicated den building area
- Toddler play area
Head to the Umberslade Adventure website for further details and to book.
Warwick Castle
Summer holidays are always a great time to visit Warwick Castle. This year, look out for the celebration carnival and the fantastic Wars of the Roses Live, complete with horseback jousting in the purpose-built arena. Enjoy the live Zog stage show, zog trail and zog playland.
The Dragon Slayer evening events are back this year too, with theatre, special effects and light projection. Evening events take place on 11th to 13th and 17th to 20th August 2023. During the Bank Holiday weekend on 25th and 26th August, the Castle opens in the evenings for the Sundown Spectacular with live music, DJs and street food. Head to the Warwick Castle website for full details and to book. You can also read my review of the Wars of the Roses and a stay at the Knights Village.
