Kenilworth Castle Up Close

Today we left the Kingdom of Wessex and returned to the Kingdom of Mercia; to Kenilworth Castle, which we both remembered visiting in our childhood.  In those days we think we just wandered in and around the ruins; but it is now an English Heritage property, and much more of a 'proper' historical site.

The first hour was spent queuing for the parking meter, queuing for entry (and the full safety briefing), queuing for the loo, and queuing for coffee (to recover), but it was a good day out.  A one-way tour had been set out in the grounds; and the staff, mostly volunteers, were great.

We were even able to get a reasonable lunch inside the grounds, and some bargains from the gift shop; including the English Heritage version of the  'Operation' game at half price!

Some parts of the castle are suffering badly from erosion due to the wind and the rain; carving dramatic interconnecting tunnels into the red sandstone.  

There is also a new walkway which would give you access into one of the towers.  It is currently closed, but I liked the juxtapose of the new steelwork against the old bricks (Extra photo.)