Warwick Castle Instameet in 2020
(AD | Press Trip) In July, Warwick Castle invited two small groups of Igers Coventry & Warwickshire members to spend a day out at the Castle. We had the opportunity to explore and experience the events that have reopened following the Covid-19 lockdown.
Warwick Castle has introduced a lot of new safety measures in response to the changing situation with Covid- 19, such as significantly reduced numbers, a quick temperature check on entry, as well as a range of additional hygiene and social distancing measures. Igers were able to explore the towers and ramparts to get amazing views of the grounds and the surrounding countryside. They have also done a great job re-opening most of the exhibits and events, including the Falconer’s Quest falconry demonstrations, the castle interior including the Great Hall, and the Kingmaker and Royal Weekend Party displays showing a glimpse of life in the castle throughout its long history.
Igers Coventry & Warwickshire at Warwick Castle:
Saturday 25 July
Igers C&W’s group on Saturday 25 July
A socially distanced group shot
Images and reviews from our Instameet at Warwick Castle:
Reshmi & James Quayle
“This is one of our first visits since lockdown! We received a very warm welcome. It was a lovely day, and good to see the Castle is doing a great job with social distancing and hygiene. Many thanks to the team at @warwickcastleofficial for inviting two groups of @igerscoventry members for an amazing Castle experience.
The Falconers quest show was brilliant! It was set on the banks of the river and the space looks amazing. This show features up to 60 magnificent birds and helps you discover wild and wonderful bird species across the globe. The best bit is the finale seeing so many birds together and to watch them trying to get birds back will give you a chuckle 😀All in the castle was great as always.”
Falconers Quest, captured by Reshmi @reshmi_quayle
Falconers Quest, captured by Reshmi @reshmi_quayle
Brian Fawcus:
"This was my first Instameet, so I didn't know what to expect. After an introduction by Reshmi, we were free to roam and snap whatever took our eye. 'The Falconer's Quest' birds of prey display was very well organised vis-a-vis social distancing. The additional safety measures didn't detract from the overall spectacle in any way. I also enjoyed the atmospheric 'Kingmaker' walk-through attraction."
Captured by Brian @brianfawcus
Captured by Brian @brianfawcus
Captured by Jane @jane_eyre676
Jane Brown
“A great day at Warwick castle despite the weather. Due to the circumstances of our visit, the staff were helpful, guiding us through the new additional hygiene and safety measures. There are plenty of signs around the castle to help us stay safe. All of the attractions were open to visitors”.
Captured by Jane @jane_eyre676
Nicky Butler
“Being a local to Warwick, I have visited Warwick Castle before, so I jumped at the chance when the opportunity to visit with Igers Coventry & Warwickshire arose.
I no longer have children to entertain, so my main motive for visiting this time was to explore and take photos of the gardens and the stunning views of Warwick and beyond from the castle. I did all this and much more, but I was particularly surprised at the vastness of the well-maintained grounds and the many unusual species of trees. Previously I have visited all the indoor rooms so have had less time for exploration.
There were plenty of COVID safe activities such as archery and falconry going on, but I left these to other members of the group.
Social distancing measures captured by Nicky @nickywarwickshire
Dahlias captured by Nicky @nickywarwickshire
The whole site seems well-organised for social distancing, so I had no worries during the visit. There is clear signage everywhere, (in ye olde Warwick Castle font of course), and there are hand sanitisers conveniently located where needed, along with helpful staff ensuring everyone remains safe”.
View from the Castle ramparts, captured by Nicky @nickywarwickshire
Shelly Fox
“I had a lovely day at the castle, however, I was a little disappointed at the lack of live events compared to previous visits. It was good to see that there were efforts to make our visit safer, with hand sanitiser stations located around the grounds and distancing reminders. We would have liked to see a few more one-way routes around the gardens as some of the paths are a bit narrow, but as it wasn't too busy at the time it wasn't an issue.
Peacock, captured by Shelly @shellyfox368
Falconer’s Quest, captured by Shelly @shellyfox368
We loved the Falconers Quest display, a definite highlight to the day. All in all, a great time we had, and it was good to be able to visit Warwick Castle after such difficult times.”
Sunday 26 July
Igers C&W’s group on Sunday 26 July
A socially distanced group shot in front of Warwick Castle, captured by Aaron Law
Chris Fletcher
"Had a lovely morning roaming around the grounds of Warwick Castle, thanks to Igers Coventry & Warwickshire. The sun was shining, and it looked like it would be a beautiful summer’s morning. Parking was easy. There were plenty of spaces when I got there just before 10 am, and only a short queue before having my temperature taken and my bag checked before going through to the main area.
First stop, was the Other Warwick Bowman. We had a friendly chat about how archery works but also photography, because Lewis is an active and enthusiastic photographer himself, as well as an archer. It was then onto the tea house to see what I could capture with the peacocks looking lovely in the morning light. They all seemed very tame and used to human contact so you can get quite close without disturbing them.
The Other Warwick Bowman, captured by Chris @cpf_photoart
Warwick Castle Peacock Feathers, captured by Chris @cpf_photoart
Gardens at Warwick Castle, captured by Chris @cpf_photoart
After this, it was time for a short break and a coffee in the castle square, sitting on a bench watching all the people having picnics on the grass, the sun was starting to fade as the clouds came over so I quickly took a walk around the castle itself to see what I could capture until the sun went behind the clouds.
COVID-19 safety measures are being managed well at Warwick Castle. People were able to be spread out in the respective groups with no issues. I feel I got everything I would have wanted from the day apart from missing the bird of prey show (which I have seen before, and it is excellent) so would just like to say thank you to Warwick Castle and Igers C&W for the opportunity. I look forward to visiting again soon."
John Timmins
“It’s been over 30 years since the last time I visited Warwick Castle, so it was interesting to see how much it had changed. I was pleasantly surprised, given that we had restrictions due to Covid-19. We had an unhurried amble around the Castle and Grounds.
Warwick Castle, captured by John @timmins_john
Falconers Quest, captured by John @timmins_john
Apart from one short shower, the weather was kind to us as well. A well-organised event by Igers Coventry & Warwickshire, and I look forward to the next instameet.”
Aaron Law
“It was brilliant to get back to Warwick Castle to see what a great job they have done with social distancing measures - it felt completely safe!
I enjoyed the Falconers Quest on previous visits and it was brilliant to see that show once again. Of course, a walk around the ramparts and towers gave excellent views of the site and the wider Warwickshire countryside which are always worth a photo!
The staff were incredibly helpful throughout and I would recommend getting back there for a fun day in the late summer sun. So many interesting things to see inside and out of the castle walls.”
Falconers Quest by @aaronjlaw
Warwick Castle by @aaronjlaw
Kirubakaran - H&H Fine Arts
“First of all, I would like to convey my gratitude to @Igerscoventry and the Warwick Castle for arranging this instameet. This was my first visit to Warwick Castle, the first impression the staff gave me at the entrance was so warming. They helped get my Magic Ticket to let me in with such ease, and advised on the arrangements for adhering to the safety measures, and checking the temperature of people coming was very well organised.
Moving into the Caste, my first look at the massive entrance was just amazing. I felt like I was walking into the past. Looking at the great architecture was scintillating for me. It took a while for me to really get my camera into gear and get going with the photography business, because I was looking around in such. It’s a wonderful place.
The best part of a visit to Warwick Castle is obviously the Falconers Quest. The show was simply amazing, looking at those lovely birds of prey performing for their master. After taking quite a number of good shots, I settled to just watch the show through my naked eye and not through the lens. I seldom do that when watching something like this.”
Falconer’s Quest Captured by Kirubakaran @hnh_finearts
Captured by Kirubakaran @hnh_finearts
What do you need to know before you go?
If you are planning to visit Warwick Castle, you must pre-book your tickets and take a face mask to explore the interior buildings. They are following the latest government advice, and they provide regular Coronavirus updates on their website, make sure you check these before you go!
Saturday 25 July at Warwick castle captured by Richard @rjmtravel
Sunday 26 July at Warwick Castle captured by Earl @epsinstameet
Many thanks to Warwick Castle and everyone who attended. If you would like to join us on one of our instameets, make sure you follow us on Instagram and keep an eye on our events page.