Pull up the drawbridge
A family trip out to see and explore a castle is closer than you think. From ancient battlements, wonderful ruins to big tourist attractions, they come in all different sizes and states of repair. Here are some of the best castles in the Midlands to visit
Nottingham Castle
Nottingham Castle has seen many turbulent events during its 1000 years of history atop Castle Rock.
Nottingham was transformed by the industrial revolution – the gardens and meadows were replaced with factories and overcrowded slums. The town was a hotbed of unrest with Luddites defending their livelihoods and selectively smashing industrial machinery and, in 1831, rioters set fire to the Castle after the Duke of Newcastle voted against extending the right to vote.
The Castle remained a charred ruin perched above the town for over 45 years until, in 1878, it went from ashes to art, reopening as the first municipal art gallery outside London for all the people of Nottingham to enjoy.
Kenilworth Castle
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 semi-royal 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-monthlong 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.
Dudley Castle
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.
Newark Castle, Newark Upon Trent.
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 freeadmission museum in the castle grounds about the history of the town of Newark.
Kirby Muxloe Castle
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.
Ashby de la Zouch Castle
Also a short hop away, and also owned by English Heritage, is Ashby de la Zouch Castle.
The castle here is also part ia l ly 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.
Tamworth Castle
At Tamworth Castle 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.
Warwick Castle
The jewel in the crown of England’s castles, this must-visit attraction drags tourists in from all over the world.
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.
Elvaston Castle
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.
Baddesley Clinton
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 in the Midlands and it’s a fascinating day out nonetheless, which is easily combined with the nearby Packwood House, also under the National Trust’s keep.
Belvoir Castle
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.
Tutbury Castle
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.
Rockingham Castle
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.
Stafford Castle and Visitor Centre
This prominent vantage point and strategic site was quickly recognised by the Normans, who built a huge timber fortress here by 1100 AD. Originally built by Robert de Toeni, (later known as Robert of Stafford), in the Norman period, Stafford Castle has dominated the local skyline for over 900 years. In the years shortly after the Norman invasion of 1066, William the Conqueror is believed to have ordered defences to be built against a still hostile and rebellious native community . The fortunes of the castle and its owners, the Stafford family, fluctuated greatly.
The site itself extends to over 26 acres and consists of Keep, inner bailey, outer bailey, woodland, herb garden, visitor centre and car park. The Keep is open to the public during Visitor Centre opening hours.
The Visitor Centre has an audio visual display which tells the history of the castle; hands on items including arms, armour and costumes; a timeline to put the history of the castle into a national context; a display area with a changing programme of exhibitions and exhibits; and the opportunity to try your hand at coin minting and brass rubbing.
The Visitor Centre shop offers a wide range of gifts, souvenirs traditional toys and local crafts and we stock a large number of local history books. Also on sale are ice creams, chocolates and soft drinks.
Bolsover Catle, Chesterfield
This castle is owned by English Heritage With spectacular views over Derbyshire, the fairy-tale Stuart mansion, Bolsover Castle, was designed to entertain and impress. Its reputation for revelry lives on as we now entertain you and your family. Wander the lavish rooms of the Little Castle, explore the romantic ruined terrace range, and delight in the views from the wall walk. Start your visit in the exhibition in the Riding House then run wild in extensive grounds (and fun play area).
Peveril Castle, Castleton
The imposing ruins of Peveril Castle stand high above the pretty village of Castleton in the heart of Derbyshire’s Peak District. Mentioned in the Domesday survey, Peveril Castle is one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses.
The keep was built by Henry II in 1176.
A climb to the castle at the top of the hill to enjoy the breathtaking views over the Hope Valley is a highlight of a family day out in Castleton. Explore the remains of the keep including the garderobe (medieval lavatory)!
Displays in the visitor centre tell the story of Peveril as the administrative focus of the Royal Forest of the Peak, a royal hunting preserve since the 11th century.