CHARGE UP AT WARWICK CASTLE! INNOVATIVE WATER-POWERED MOBILE PHONE CHARGERS NOW IN USE 9 February 2012: Warwick Castle (www.warwick-castle.com) now ensures that visitors to Britain’s Ultimate Castle stay fully charged and in touch with friends and family throughout their fun-packed day out. The Castle has installed three free to use, state-of-the-art mobile phone chargers designed especially for its 600-year old water mill, powered solely by the waters of the River Avon that thunder round the waterwheel. The three custom-made chargers have been installed in the Engine Room of The Mill and are powered by electricity generated by the waterwheel. The service is free to visitors and the environmentally-sound chargers take no longer than a standard devise. Visitors can see the waterwheel in operation and learn how the Mill used to grind flour for centuries before being converted to generate electricity and pump water. Warwick Castle General Manager, Tim Harrison-Jones said: “The specially-designed water-powered mobile phone chargers continue our tradition of innovation, as the Earls of Warwick installed one of Britain’s first hydro-powered electricity generators here in 1894. The Mill remains an integral part of Warwick Castle and we’re proud of the fully operational water wheel, water pump and generators that now offer an environmentally-sound way for visitors to recharge their mobiles. ” Records show there has been a water mill at Warwick Castle since the 11th century. In the 14th century a wooden structure was constructed in which flour was ground and this was replaced by the current stone structure in the late 1700s. Damaged by fire in 1880 the site lay unused until 1894 when the latest technology was installed to create one of the country’s first hydro-powered electricity generators upon which the Castle depended for power until mains electricity was installed in 1940. Ten years ago, The Mill opened to the public for the first time and now, once again harnessing innovative technology, the mobile phone chargers ensure visitors are able to keep in touch as they explore the Castle and its 60-acre grounds. Book online 48 hours in advance to save 20% off admission fees: purchase a Warwick Castle Kingdom Ticket for entrance to Warwick Castle, The Castle Dungeon (over 10s only) and Merlin: The Dragon Tower for adults from £24.41; children aged 4-11 years £20.64. For a full list of attractions visit www.warwick-castle.com. Ends Media contact: Cass Helstrip Tel: 07968 255464 Email: casshelstrip@foxkalomaski.co.uk Notes to Editors: At warwick-castle.com entry to the castle for a family of four is just £55.20, with adult entry from £17.28, children from £12.48 and seniors £13.44. Visits with 10 or more guests receive at least 30% discount. Print your own tickets at home and beat the queue. Alternatively, advance bookings can be made by calling 0870 265 2000. Guests are advised to check opening times and the entertainment schedule in advance of their visit. Warwick Castle is easily accessible from junction 15 off the M40, just 40 minutes from Birmingham and 1hour 40minutes from London. MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment, and has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. Europe’s Number 1 and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, By the end of 2011 Merlin will operate 78 attractions, six hotels/two holiday villages in 17 countries and across four continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 43.6 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 16,000 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions - SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The EDF Energy London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Blackpool Tower, Heide Park, Earth Explorer, Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney, Sydney Tower Eye and SKYWALK, Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter Underwater World, Oceanworld Manly and Hamilton Island Wildlife Park. All brands which are distinctive, challenging and innovative – and which have great potential for growth in the future. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.