Warwickshire &amp; West Midlands


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.warwick-castle.com/" target="_blank">Warwick Castle</a>, War</strong>ks</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/WARWICK.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-107975" /></figure>



<p>This spectacular castle just over the border is always a winner with Muddy and it’s very good at luring us back. The castle and knight’s village are both open from 12 April (although with limited access to some inside areas), and to keep the little people entertained there’s The Horrible Histories Maze, roaming castle characters and 64-acres of beautiful grounds including the Trebuchet. The castle is also introducing an exciting new 3D interactive trail, starring Julia Donaldson’s Zog the lovable dragon, available until 5 Sep.&nbsp;<em>Tickets from £17.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kenilworth-castle/" target="_blank">Kenilworth Castle</a>, Warks</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="659" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/09/Kenilworth-Castle-1-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-37521" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/09/Kenilworth-Castle-1-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/09/Kenilworth-Castle-1-2-300x198.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/09/Kenilworth-Castle-1-2-720x474.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/09/Kenilworth-Castle-1-2-768x506.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/09/Kenilworth-Castle-1-2-797x525.jpg 797w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Although the inside remains closed for now, this impressive medieval fortress-turned-Elizabethan-palace has loads to see within its grounds, including the mighty Norman keep at the heart (above). Also worth mentioning are the beautifully restored Elizabethan gardens with their marble fountain, ornate aviary and pretty floral displays. The café remains open for takeaway if you fancy a bite after exploring. You have to pay to visit, unless you’re a member of English Heritage (£12.60 for adults, £7.60&nbsp;for kids), but there are some lovely walks around the castle on public footpaths.&nbsp;<em>Booking in advance is essential.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://secure50.securewebsession.eu/bagotscastle.org.uk/home.html">Bagot&#8217;s Castle,</a> Baginton, Warks</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="960" height="720" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/04/bagington.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-43318" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/04/bagington.jpg 960w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/04/bagington-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/04/bagington-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/04/bagington-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/04/bagington-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></figure>



<p>A 14th century castle ruins in the Warwickshire village of Baginton with a children&#8217;s trail in 19-acres of pastureland run by volunteers and open on weekends from April  10.30am &#8211; 4pm. Originally constructed on the site in the 11th century, around the time of King Henry I, it was rebuilt in the late 1300s by Sir William Bagot, a distinguished nobleman. During April and May the banks leading down from the castle to the River Sowe are carpeted by bluebells.&nbsp; <em>Adults: £5, Child/students (5-16): £2.50. </em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sudeley Castle</a>, Glos, Cotswolds</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/Screen-Shot-2020-08-06-at-11.38.22.png" alt="" class="wp-image-107976" /></figure>



<p>Located near Winchcombe and reopening 12 April, it’s no surprise that this majestic castle is a popular wedding venue: the grounds are perfectly manicured and boast views of the rolling Cotswolds. (History nerds will also be interested to know that it’s the only private castle in England to have actual royalty buried within its grounds – Henry VIII’s last wife, Katherine Parr.) There’s plenty to entertain for an afternoon with an adventure playground and 10 – yes 10! – award-winning gardens to explore. Extra points if you spot all 16 species of pheasants that strut around the grounds. The Castle’s reopening to the public is being celebrated with the appearance of a herd of life-sized elephant statues, which are making a gradual migration around the world, and head to London later in the summer. They’ll be available to see at Sudeley until 31 May.&nbsp;<em>Booking essential.</em>&nbsp;<em>Adult tickets £12, child £5, under-3s go FREE.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.wallingfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/visitors/places-to-visit/castle-gardens---meadow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wallingford Castle</a>, Wallingford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/Wallingford_castle_ruins.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-107967" /></figure>



<p>The ruins of this major medieval castle in the pretty market town of Wallingford make for a gorgeous picnic spot. The castle grounds are bursting with colourful blooms (they’ve been recognised by the Britain in Bloom awards no less!) and there’s an abundance of butterflies in the summertime.&nbsp;<em>Open 8.30am – 7pm.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/">Hever Castle</a>, Kent</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/01/hever-castle-snowdrop-walk-kent.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-24912" /></figure>



<p>This 13th-century stunner and childhood home of Anne Boleyn has everything you’d want from a castle – towers, a moat, and a royal haunting thanks to rumours that Anne’s ghost still resides in the chambers. Inside the spectacular castle remains closed for now, but the gardens (including playgrounds and water maze) are open, with the café doing takeaway. The 38-acre man-made lake offers lovely vistas, nature walks, and even boat hire.&nbsp;<em>Booking essential. Adult tickets from £15.55, child from £9.75, under-5s go FREE.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/berkhamsted-castle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkhamsted Castle</a>, Herts</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/berkhamsted-castle-hero.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-107972" /></figure>



<p>Considering it was built during the Norman Conquest, way back in 1066, what remains of this timber motte-and-bailey castle is still pretty substantial (come on, use your imagination!) and a great option for a family walk peppered with history. Come for a walk around the ruins, and discover Berkhamsted’s history with their mobile-friendly interactive Castle guide. The heritage site is open to visitors from 10am – 6pm.&nbsp;<em>Free entry.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.arundelcastle.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arundel Castle</a>, Sussex</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/arundel-castle-set-on-a-hill.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-108000" /></figure>



<p>Arundel Castle looks like something out of a storybook with its old motte perched high (100 feet to be exact) on an artificial mound overlooking the beautiful West Sussex countryside and the River Arun. The grounds are open to explore, though the castle’s interior won’t open until 18 May at the earliest. If you visit now, the gardens will be resplendent with one of the largest displays of tulips in the country, thanks to its annual Tulip Festival. The castle is also looking to host a Medieval event on 17-18 April, so keep your eyes peeled for that.&nbsp;<em>Booking essential. Adult tickets from £12, child tickets £6.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.leeds-castle.com/" target="_blank">Leeds Castle</a>, Kent</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/98478484_10157236314662897_7423357354839638016_o.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-107998" /></figure>



<p>Perched on an island in the middle of the River Len, five miles southeast of Maidstone, this castle has a lot on offer for a jam-packed day including – deep breath – playgrounds, mini golf, pretty gardens, and takeaway kiosks. From 12 April, the Birds of Prey Centre, maze, and shops will reopen. The Castle and Castle View Restaurant will reopen on 17 May. Tickets are on the pricier side (adult £28, child £19.50), but you’ll be able to visit again as many times as you want in the next 15 months.&nbsp;<em>Booking essential.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/deddington-castle/" target="_blank">Deddington Castle</a>, Deddington</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/deddington_castle_research_3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-107971" /></figure>



<p>Okay, so this castle is slightly unusual in the fact there are no walls, brick, mortar – or even any ruins! Once the home of Odo of Bayeux, the half-brother of William the Conqueror, what’s left of the site now is the impressive earthworks (up to 15 metres high in places), ideal for countryside rambles. After stretching your legs, head into the small, attractive town of&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/oxfordshire/deddington/" target="_blank">Deddington</a>&nbsp;for pretty dark honey-coloured architecture and plenty of foodie options.&nbsp;<em>Open any reasonable time during daylight hours, with free entry.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AND… REOPENING SOON</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKCAjw1K75BRAEEiwAd41h1Cor8lZ-tdrusSah5aFofvB7gDmuL7T32Qa5hPOhzO7RsxO-ZovEGBoCpugQAvD_BwE"><strong>Oxford Castle &amp; Prison</strong></a><strong>, central Oxford</strong></h2>



<p>It’s not often you find a castle slap-bang in the middle of a city and Oxford’s one, reopening 21 May, is a goodie. Think: guided character tours of the site taking in the historic Saxon St. George’s Tower with 360° panoramic views of the spires, the 18th-century debtors’ tower, and 900-year-old crypt. Oh yeah, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.malmaison.com/locations/oxford/">Malmaison</a>&nbsp;is right on the doorstep, reopening 25 April for Afternoon Tea and cocktails.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.broughtoncastle.com/" target="_blank">Broughton Castle</a>, near Banbury</h2>



<p>This beautiful moated and fortified manor house, reopening 30 May, has belonged to the Fiennes family since 1447. It’s one of my favourite local castles – small enough to get around without boring young children, and a lovely garden for them to bomb about in. You’ll need permission to park a picnic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle" target="_blank">Windsor Castle</a></strong>, Berks</h2>



<p>The Queen’s weekend hangout,&nbsp;Windsor Castle, is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world – pretty impressive, right? Inside the castle you can see a collection of WWII pantomime pictures, painted as backdrop for the shows Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret performed to raise funds for troops at the front.&nbsp;<em>An opening date has yet to be confirmed.</em></p>


Man the forts! The best castles within 90 minutes

You may also like