Maxstoke Castle in Warwickshire, is simply 10 minutes from where we live and unless you know where it is nestled behind a barracade of tall trees, you could pass it unnoticed (which I did do for years). It is "technically" not a castle, more of a fortified manor house but I have always had a love of castles and I wouldn't say no to living here. It is amazing to think that Maxstoke Castle is still the family home of the Fetherston - Dilke family and it is only opened to the public annually (usually in mid-June), in aid of local charities. Last weekend was that weekend and I couldn't wait to go and explore but the three year old throught she was going to be a princess for a day, so what can draw the attention of a toddler for a day in the castle, other than thinking she can wear a pretty dress?

The long walk up to the castle gave us a trail to see whether the Gruffalo was hiding in the deep dark woods .... he wasn't obviously but we had fun looking.

We pretended to be horses, cantering up to the front of the castle and then halting to appreciate the fluted ceiling under the gatehouse. 

Then there were adventures to be had, sneaking through tunnels to see where they would lead.

To finding secret doorways 

And being told that this is where the naughty children sat many years ago. (I may have stretched the history lesson a little bit here)

Maxstoke Castle is truly beautiful, it doesn't dominate the surrounding countryside but just sits in all its glory with its mixture of designs from its development through history.

The gardens form a large part of the courtyard and make a fabulous forum for a 3 year old to run off some excess energy. 

The moat surrounds the whole castle, which we can only assume was a good defence to withstand attacks many years ago and whilst fascinating to a 3 year old, we didn't get too close. 

The gardens are beautiful and filled with a variety of flowers but it was the pleasure garden that captured the attention of the toddler. This *may* have had something to do with the sloping walls that proved irresistable to a 3 year old that thinks rolling down hills is the best thing ever.

It is really interesting to know that the estate was leased to a country club in the 1930's and they put in swimming pools and tennis courts but due to the threat of war, the country club went into liquidation and the swimming pool filled to continue the gardens.

Photography is not allowed inside the castle and I would have loved to capture some of its internal beauty but ultimately it is the Fetherston - Dilke family home and despite my curiosities, I have to respect that. The toddler was unfortunately not overly enthused at the impressive banqueting hall so we couldn't spend as much time as we wanted leaning about the history of the castle (thank goodness for the guide book!).

Maxstoke Castle is a truly magnificent building, a fantastic day out and ultimately an amazing family home. It is a credit to the Fetherston - Dilke family that they extend a warm welcome to the community and beyond ..... even if it is for just one day a year.

Do you know of any hidden gems that we can go exploring next?

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