History just a short drive away
13 castles within an hour of Hinckley
A FAMILY trip out to see and explore a castle is closer than you think.
From ancient battlements, wonderful ruins to proper tourist attractions, they come in all different sizes and states of repair.
And some are just down the road from Hinckley...
Here is our updated top 13 castles within around an hour of our town.
1. Kenilworth Castle Time from Hinckley: 33 minutes
This is the lesser-known and somewhat more relaxed castle than its near neighbour Warwick. And in many ways is better for it.
Although a bit of a ruin, it is still very impressive and free to walk around charges apply for the car parks.
Constructed from between the Norman age through to Tudor times, the castle has been described by architectural historian Anthony Emery as “the finest surviving example of a semiroyal palace of the later Middle Ages, significant for its scale, form and quality of workmanship”.
Kenilworth has also played an important historical role. The castle was the subject of the six-month-long Siege of Kenilworth in 1266, believed to be the longest siege in English history, and formed a base for Lancastrian operations in the Wars of the Roses.
The venue hosts many events during the year.
2. Dudley Castle Time from Hinckley: 56 minutes
Dudley Castle is a ruined fortification which was originally a wooden motte and bailey castle built soon after the Norman Conquest. It was rebuilt as a stone fortification during the 12th century but subsequently demolished on the orders of King Henry II.
Rebuilding of the castle took place from the second half of the 13th century and culminated in the construction of a range of buildings within the fortifications by John Dudley. The fortifications were largely damaged by Cromwell during the English Civil War and the residential buildings destroyed by fire in 1750. In the 19th and early 20th century the site was used for fêtes and pageants. Today Dudley Zoo is located in its grounds.
3. Newark Castle, Newark Upon Trent. Time from Hinckley 58 mins
Newark Castle has weathered many historic storms. It stands now, partially destroyed, as a reminder of Newark’s turbulent history.
Today, visitors can take tours, visit exhibitions or walk through the Victorian gardens.
It was founded in the mid 12th century by Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln. Originally a timber castle, it was rebuilt in stone towards the end of the century.
Dismantled in the 17th century after the English Civil War, the castle was restored in the 19th century, first by Anthony Salvin in the 1840s and then by the corporation of Newark who bought the site in 1889. The Gilstrap Heritage Centre is a free-admission museum in the castle grounds about the history of the town of Newark.
4. Kirby Muxloe Castle Time from Hinckley: 20 minutes
The nearest standing castle ruins to Hinckley town are a few miles away at Kirby Muxloe. The moated remains of a fortified mansion are owned by English Heritage, and include a standing gatehouse and tower. More information from the English Heritage website.
5. Ashby de la Zouch Castle Time from Hinckley: 30 minutes
Also a short hop away, and also owned by English Heritage, is Ashby de la Zouch Castle.
The castle here is also partially ruined, but was the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott’s novel Ivanhoe and is often the setting for some fantastic reenactment events.
Be sure to go to the top of the tower as well as through the dimly-lit tunnels here.
More information from the English Heritage website.
6. Tamworth Castle Time from Hinckley: 35 minutes
Tamworth Castle is the nearest complete castle to Hinckley, where visitors can wander through chambers and hallways and get a real feel for medieval living.
There’s also some fantastic views from the top of the turrets, and only just over half an hour away.
7. Warwick Castle Time from Hinckley: 40 minutes
The jewel in the crown of England’s castles, this must-visit attraction drags tourists in from all over the world - but is just 40 minutes drive from Hinckley.
Although this is one of the more expensive days out here, there’s easily more than a day’s worth of activities on offer for all the family at this towering tourist attraction, from birds of prey shows to archery to reenactments to a working trebuchet and much more.
8. Elvaston Castle Time from Hinckley: 45 minutes
A cheaper alternative is whizzing up to Derbyshire to Elvaston Castle - the only price to pay is for car parking.
Although the gothic revival castle centrepiece is not open to the public, there are 321 acres of open parkland, woodland and more formal historical gardens to explore.
9. Baddesley Clinton Time from Hinckley: 50 minutes
OK, so this National Trust-run property isn’t actually a castle - it’s a Tudor manor house.
But you’ll not find a finer moat within a 60-minute drive of the town, and it’s a fascinating day out nonetheless, which is easily combined with the nearby Packwood House, also under the National Trust’s keep.
10. Belvoir Castle Time from Hinckley: 55 minutes
One of Leicestershire’s finest buildings, Belvoir Castle is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Rutland who have lived at Belvoir in an unbroken
line for almost a thousand years.
Originally built in 1067 - a year after William the Conqueror handed the land to a Norman baron - the castle was left in ruins and rebuilt several times, before the impressive structure that stands today was finished in 1832.
11. Tutbury Castle Time from Hinckley: 60 minutes
Although the castle itself is now largely ruined, there cannot be many more impressive locations for a family day out in the Midlands than Tutbury’s.
And as well as the stunning views, the castle’s many reenactment events, such as the Vikings days they hold, make the hour’s drive well worth it.
12. Rockingham Castle Time from Hinckley: 60 minutes
Another Norman castle in Leicestershire within hitting distance is Rockingham, near Market Harborough. This Royal favourite has castle tours as well as tea rooms and some stunning gardens to explore.
13. Hinckley Castle Time from Hinckley: 0 minutes
Ever wondered why we have a Castle Street but no castle?
Well back in the 11th century we did! Near Argents Mead where the War Memorial sits today was the keep of a motte and bailey castle, sadly destroyed in the 1100s.
However the structure’s earthworks have left a distinct impression on the area even today.