Kenilworth Castle is a ruin, but what a ruin to see! First built by the Normans, Kenilworth was "slighted" during the English Civil War in the 17th century, which means it was partially destroyed so that the castle could never become a rallying point for Royalists.

What is there to do at a ruin? When you buy your tickets, you will get an audio guide wand. Throughout the grounds of the castle, you'll find numbers posted on signs that will flesh out the skeleton you'll be viewing. Some of these narratives focus on the architecture itself...how and why the castle came into being. But then there are stories of the castle's inhabitants, the massive celebrations that once met Queen Elizabeth I as she stopped here during several of her summer progresses, etc.

The view of the Midlands from one of the towers is quite lovely, and it was interesting to imagine the manmade lake that used to cover those lands...that was drained when the castle's defenses were compromised during the "slighting."

Fortunately, the soldier in charge of destroying the castle left the gate house and Tudor stables untouched because he wanted to use them. (He moved in until the monarchy was restored, and, I'm sure, he was evicted.)

Today there is an exhibition in the gatehouse that further explores the relationship between Elizabeth I and the only man she may have really loved who was installed at the castle.

On a clear day, the ruins themselves are lovely, majestic, and enough in tact to give a good feel for what Kenilworth might have been like in all her glory. Writers such as Sir Walter Scott and Charles Dickens were inspired by the sight of Kenilworth's crumbling walls.

We spent a most enjoyable morning at Kenilworth, poking around for the better part of two hours.

A bonus for pet owners: If you have a dog with you in England, you can bring him on a leash/lead. Our son loved having our dog to romp around the grounds with him... to climb up stone staircases and peek through windows. Your pooch won't be able to go into the gatehouse with you, but everything else is open to him.

Cost? If you're an English Heritage member, access to Kenilworth is free. If you're paying for your tickets, adults will cost £6/each. Kids are £3. A family ticket can be had for £15.

A cafe is onsite in the Tudor stables, so you can get a nice cuppa tea if chilly. There is a bathroom as well, so this ruin is very civilized.

Car parking is free, and the attraction is opened year round barring Christmas-time and New Years.

Don't go in the rain.

Closing times change according to season, but the gates open at 10am every day of the week regardless.

Nearby Warwick Castle was owned by the same family and escaped destruction. It is an excellent attraction for children and might be visited as well while you're in Warwickshire.