SHE’S two years old, wise beyond her years, funny and fearless. She loves listening to stories and acting them out, and has a soft spot for a certain young fire-breathing dragon.

She is my granddaughter, Peri. He is Zog.

But you know what it’s like when you meet your heroes – it can be a tad daunting, not least when they’re bright orange, boast a fine set of pointy teeth and let out the occasional ROAR!

Let’s wind back the clock. A couple of years ago, Warwick opened Zog and the Quest for the Golden Star, an interactive trail aimed especially at attracting younger visitors.

Read more: Zog & The Quest For The Golden Star 2021 review

It proved such a hit that it has since been complemented by Zog Playland (a themed play area) and Zog LIVE! (a half-hour family fun live show retelling the first book).

Read more: Zog LIVE @ Warwick Castle 2022 – review

Last weekend, Peri visited the Castle for the first time. Day tickets for the season – dubbed The Biggest Summer in History – are from £27 but children under the age of three get in free.

And, with 20 live shows and attractions daily during the school summer holidays, it’s a decent deal. Do check before you book, however, as dynamic pricing can change with demand.

There was a definite “Wow!” upon Peri’s first view of the castle. She also loves a book titled The Dragon Who Ate A Knight so she knows just what castles are supposed to look like.

“It’s starting! It’s starting!” was her next exclamation. It wasn’t but she could hear the merry medieval music piped from hidden speakers at the start of the Zog trail.

First stop on the trail was a photo app with a life-sized model of Zog with the castle as a backdrop. Perhaps it was that knight-eating dragon but Peri was wary, approaching only in her dad’s arms.

Peri’s rating: ***

Then it was a scamper across the bridge to the impressively themed Zog Playland, which she loved. We’d arrived just after 11am and it was pretty quiet as families headed to live shows.

Opened by author Julia herself, there are enough slides, steps, ladders and tunnels for young children to brave, with bigger challenges and a zip-line for older kids to enjoy.

Peri’s rating: *****

Step Three on the trail found the intrepid toddler manning pumps to spray water on Zog’s damaged wing. A sign suggested you could make him breathe fire, but occasional puffs of smoke sufficed.

Peri’s rating: ***

Next up was chance to jump on giant buttons on the floor to make Zog and his pals roar, ranging from a hesitant burp to a full-throated roar that had Peri covering her ears, saying: “Don’t like it!” Maybe next year…

Peri’s rating: **

When the trail first opened, step four was a fun obstacle course kids had to negotiate to rescue a princess but on our visit it had disappeared, with seemingly just a field and a handful of scarecrows to look at. Bit of a let down really.

Peri’s rating: *

Not strictly on the trail, but a short stroll away, was the chance to meet Zog in the form of a costumed character. Again, it was initially a bit too scary for our adventurer to move in for a hug – but she was happy to wave from a distance, in her dad’s arms, and say ‘Goodbye’ as we left.

Peri’s rating: ***

The final stop on the trail is Sir Gadabout’s Knight School, in which youngsters are taught sword-fighting skills. A little too old for Peri and, besides, it didn’t appear to be running when we passed by.

Peri’s rating: Not applicable

So far, a mixed bag, with the play area the only surefire success, but all that changed as we arrived early for the Zog LIVE show in the Woodland Theatre, and caught the end of the Horrible Histories Wicked Warwick show.

With song, dance and slapstick silliness galore, a cast of two acted out the history of Warwick Castle. There was plenty for adults too, with pop culture references including The Apprentice and Deal Or No Deal.

Peri’s rating: ****

Then, what she’d been waiting for, the Zog LIVE! show. She lapped up the colourful caper from the giant bean bag she’d chosen as her seat, laughing and shouting excitedly at all the right moments.

“That was so great!” she said when it ended. (Like I warned you, wise beyond her years). It was followed by the exhortation “Again! Again!” (Yes, safe to say she loved it).

Peri’s rating: *****

During a busy day we also watched jousting and stunt riding at The Wars of the Roses LIVE! tournament, the firing of the giant trebuchet complete with cannon fire and flames, and a bit of archery along the way.

Peri’s rating: ****

Read more: Wars of the Roses LIVE – review

We’d left the castle itself ’til last and, although Guy’s Tower and the battlements are still a touch too high for a toddler – not least 500 steps to climb – she dragged her dad up to the top of the Conqueror’s Fortress, which proved a gentler challenge.

Peri’s rating: ****

She also had a look inside The Great Hall and staterooms with her mum and dad while we minded the pushchair outside, and there was the inevitable stop for shopping.

Read more: The Legend of the Trebuchet: review

Just like Princess Pearl in the Zog books, Peri had no time for “a silly frilly dress” and opted instead for a sword and crown. She’d have had a knight’s visored helmet but they were too big for her!

Be warned. The admission price is good value given the packed programme of things to see and do, but merchandise in the Gift Shop and stalls may cost you an arm and a leg.

The same risk faced by those jousting knights of old, I guess …

NEED TO KNOW

Daytime events, except The Castle Dungeon experience and archery sessions, are all included in the price of a day ticket, which costs from £27 per person when booked online in advance. 

Children under the age of three go free with a full-price paying adult. Evening events are separate ticket events and do not include daytime access. See warwick-castle.com for full details.