England is home to a huge number of interesting castles. They’re all steeped with history and range from fully restored to practically ruinous. Here in the middle of the country we have what I consider to be the best. They’re all full of character and come with fascinating stories to tell. Here are my favourite unusual castes in the Midlands you need to visit on your next visit.
Eastnor Castle
Located at the foot of the Malvern Hills, Eastnor Castle is now privately owned. It’s one of the smallest on the list but that in no way makes it any less impressive. Eastnor is available to hire as a wedding venue and we were lucky enough to attend one recently! But when it’s not closed for private occasions, there’s plenty to see and do. Over the summer months they hold many events in the grounds and tickets include entrance to the castle state rooms. Here you’ll see their magnificent array of English “bits and bobs” such as medieval armour, fine art and rich tapestries.
Eastnor Caste is a Grade 1 listed building, which was built in the early 1800’s. During your visit, make sure you take the time to explore the magnificent grounds. The surrounding land is home to a herd of red deer and is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. During the summer months, areas of the Deer Park are available for camping. There’s also a stunning arboretum to discover and amazing children’s play areas to keep the little ones happy.
This quirky castle has featured in many films and TV series including the hugely popular Succession and Agatha Raisin.
Eastnor Castle,
Eastnor,
Nr Ledbury,
Herefordshire
HR8 1RL
Tutbury Castle
Rich with history, Tutbury Castle gives the unique opportunity to explore a castle almost while it’s being discovered. During your visit, parts of the castle will be fenced off to give archeologists the chance to discover more about this fascinating setting. Tutbury Castle is mainly ruins, there aren’t any lavish rooms or actors pretending to be royalty. What there is however is bucket loads of history and super passionate guides willing to answer any questions.
Tutbury Castle was originally built in 1071 following the Norman Invasion. But is probably best known for being home / prison to Mary, Queen of Scots after her. She was moved around the Midlands regularly so ended up at Tutbury several times. Each stay becoming progressively worse. Mary is said to have hated Tutbury, describing it as cold, draughty and extremely damp. It’s easy to imagine why when visiting today. After her departure, the castle continued to go through a period of disrepair.
Tutbury Castle is available to hire for weddings and private events and is a great value day out when open to the public. They have small, friendly tea rooms and toilets at the entrance. They hold many events throughout the year including the upcoming photography day and an amazing fireworks display.
Tutbury Castle
Castle Street
Tutbury
Burton-on-Trent
Staffordshire
Tamworth Castle
Home to part of the Staffordshire Hoard, a visit to Tamworth Castle in Staffordshire is a must for any gold lovers. The castle dates back to Anglo Saxon Times when it was home to the Kings of Mercia. It has been through many changes up to modern day.
Several rooms in the castle have been restored to their former glory and offer an insight to the many different occupants who have called the castle home over the past 900 years. Theres also a small museum which displays the recently discovered Staffordshire Hoard and a tower to climb offering fabulous views over Tamworth and the surrounding Staffordshire countryside.
Tamworth Castle is a brilliant place to visit for themed events in the Midlands. It is said to be one of the most haunted castles in the Midlands and Tamworth Castle holds regular ghost walks tracking unusual happenings.
Tamworth Castle,
The Holloway,
Tamworth,
Staffordshire
B79 7NA
Broadway Tower
The teensiest castle on our list and actually one of the smallest in the whole of the UK! So small in fact I was unsure whether to include it in this list of castles in the Midlands! Set within 50 acres of beautiful Cotswolds parkland, Broadway tower was built to resemble a Saxon Castle in 1799 for Lady Coventry. It is now privately owned and a lovely place to visit on a clear day in the Cotswolds.
During your visit you’ll have the chance to visit the Towers nuclear bunker, a relic of the cold war which has now been restored. You’ll also find an excellent cafe and plenty of toilets onsite.
The Tower is located on Beacon hill, the second highest point in the Cotswolds meaning the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking.
Broadway Tower
Middle Hill
Broadway
Worcestershire
Cotswolds
WR12 7LB
Stafford Castle
Grade II listed Stafford Castle, built by Robert of Stafford in the Norman period has recently undergone a period of restoration and exploration. The remains now tell a fascinating story of the past 900 years in Stafford. Although the castle is now pretty much all ruins, amazingly it was still inhabited in 1950!
The sign posted trail around the castle will take you around 45 minutes to complete but make sure you save some time to explore the grounds and medieval herb garden which smells divine when its all in bloom.
The Castle holds regular outdoor events including an annual Shakespeare festival and some fabulous outdoor opera performances.
Stafford Castle,
Newport Road,
Stafford,
ST16 1DJ
Kenilworth Castle
Kenilworth Castle is thought to have originated in Saxon times and has passed through many battles for ownership and been rebuilt since then. After the Norman conquest, ownership was passed to the crown. The castle is was so well fortified, It was home to one of the longest sieges in British history lasting six months. Kenilworth Castle even welcomed Queen Elizabeth I at times and a museum at the castle now tells the story of her relationship with Sir Robert Dudley whom she had gifted the castle too.
For me, the main draw of Kenilworth Castle is the many family friendly events they hold throughout the year. Our favourite being halloween. Theres just something so spooky about spending the day in the ruins of a castle. They create a halloween trail around the castle and tell age appropriate spooky stories with kids encouraged to come in their best Halloween costumes.
Castle Green,
Off Castle Road,
Kenilworth,
Warwickshire,
CV8 1NG
Warwick Castle
I’m including the last castle on the list due to its uniquely detailed restoration. It’s also probably one of the most popular Castles in the Midlands. At Warwick Castle you really do have the opportunity to experience what life would have been like for the occupants of a medieval castle and its keep. Originally founded by William the Conquerer Warwck castle has been involved in more battles than most others in the UK.
The castle is surprisingly well maintained and is a real experience to visit. You can climb the towers up the high walls and follow them round the grounds, explore the spooky castle dungeon, get lost in the Horrible Histories maze, visit the grand State Rooms and even watch a birds of prey display.
You may struggle to see everything Warwick castle has to offer in just one day. So I highly recommend you make a weekend of it and book an overnight stay at Warwick Castle. And as an added bonus, Merlin Pass holders get free entry.
Warwick Castle,
Warwick
Warwickshire
CV34 4QU
As you can see, the Midlands has many unique castles just waiting for you to visit. Did your favourite make it on the list? Let me know in the comments below.
If you like unusual things to do in the Midlands then I highly recommend a trip to the rock houses at Kinver Edge. Another great historical visit.
Make sure you pin for later for visiting some amazing Castles in the Midlands.
