Berkeley Castle

About

The beautiful and historic Berkeley Castle, situated on the edge of The Cotswolds, was built in 1153 and remains the home of the Berkeley family today. It's a great day-out for all the family, hosting special events during school holidays and throughout the year, and has been awarded TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence for nine consecutive years. 

 The Castle, which dominates the Vale of Berkeley, is steeped in over 860 years of British history. It is best known as the scene of the brutal murder of Edward II in 1327, and for being besieged by Parliamentary troops in 1645. Over 24 generations of the Berkeley family have gradually transformed a Norman fortress into the lovely family home it is today.

 The state apartments contain magnificent collections of furniture, rare paintings and English and continental tapestries. Some of the world-famous Berkeley silver is on display, and many other rooms including the Great Hall, Morning Room (the former medieval chapel, with its unique painted ceiling) and the kitchens are open to the public. 

 The Castle is open to visitors every Sunday to Wednesday from April – November, and all year round for weddings, receptions and private hire. 

 The Castle is surrounded by lovely terraced gardens with flower borders, a lily pond, Queen Elizabeth I’s bowling green and sweeping lawns. Garden enthusiasts can enjoy a stunning display of roses and many rare plants and flowers in Berkeley Castle’s magnificent terraced gardens in June and July with admission included within the entry cost to the Castle.

 The Kitchen Garden Restaurant serves delicious brunches, light lunches and sweet treats. There is also a choice of hot and cold drinks, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. 

 Berkeley Castle has also been used on many occasions for filming and has been featured in TV dramas such as The Other Boleyn Girl, Nostradamus, Dick & Dom, Father Brown, BBC 2's Wolf Hall, Poldark, The White Princess and Johnny English Strikes Again. In addition Berkeley Castle has been used for documentaries such as Princes in Waiting, Great Country Houses, Dead Famous and Horse & Country TV’s epic, ‘Berkeley – An English Country Estate.' 

 Berkeley Castle is located in the historic town of Berkeley, located just off the A38 between Bristol & Gloucester on the edge of the Cotswolds, just a half-hour drive from Bristol city centre. 

 For further details, contact the House Managers on +44 (0)1453 810 303, or by e-mail [email protected]. 

 

 Groups

 Berkeley Castle offers discounted rates for groups of 20 or more. An exclusive Guided Tour with an experienced Castle Guide is included in the group admission ticket. Pre-booking is required for groups to ensure that every visit is as enjoyable as possible. To book a group please download the group booking form, complete and return to the Castle Administrator by email.

 

Access

 This is a Norman Castle retaining many of its original features. As a result, there is limited wheelchair access due to the many steps, staircases and uneven floors throughout the Castle and gardens. For those who feel the initial 24 stone steps of the Keep may be unmanageable, a shorter route through the Castle is available, avoiding this flight of steps, but other steps and stairs will need to be negotiated. 

 Dogs

 No dogs are allowed in the Castle or grounds, other than assistance dogs.  Please do not leave pets unattended in vehicles in the car park as there is limited shade in that area.