The largest medieval castle in Britain, is the single must-see castle of all. Although Warwick owes much of its grace and beauty to 19th century restorations, the first fortress on the spot was raised in 914 by Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great. Much of the present structure originated in the 14th century at the hands of a local family involved in the Hundred Years War.

What make Warwick Castle particularly fascinating are three factors: dungeons, wax and gardens. First, starting at the lower level, Warlock’s dungeons were the holding cells of prisoners brought from France in the days of that 100 Years’ War, and have enough eerie features to frighten the most stalwart visitor.

Second are the wax figures created by Madame Tussaud’s, which currently own the castle. Tussaud’s have designed a theme display called “Royal Weekend Party,” displaying young Royals and their servants in varying stages of leisure and labor amidst the drawing rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, baths and multi-bedrooms of the restored and elegant interiors. There are musicians, bathers, diners, sights, sounds, smells and more to add to the special effects, and a battle scene in another area as realistic as anyone would want short of shooting real bullets.

Finally, the gardens at Warwick are exquisite. After trudging through the massive interiors, it’s a good plan to spend an hour relaxing the rose gardens. And the Peacock Gardens are fun. During the summer pipe and bagpipe bands, jousting displays and historic music groups play on the grounds throughout the day.