English Castles
An A-Z gazetteer for visitors.

Bedford, Bedfordshire Bedford Castle Bedford Castle, little more than an unrecognizable mound today, was first built as a motte in the 11th century, and later a shell keep was added, to be followed by a round tower with curtain walls. The castle acted as an important administrative centre, and several Sherrifs of Buckinghamshire - yes, Bucks, not Beds - used it as their official seat. Bedford, Bedfordshire, England, Location: off the High Street Website: Bedford Castle Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Beeston, Cheshire Location map Beeston Castle Begun in 1225 by Earl Ranulf of Chester upon his return from the 5th Crusade. Mostly ruins, atop a high hill that provides good views of the Pennines to the northeast and the Welsh mountains to the west. Saw action in the Civil War. Tarporley, Beeston, Cheshire, England, CW6 9TX Location: 11 m SE Chester off A49 or A41 Website: Beeston Castle Email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk Phone: 01829 260 464 English Heritage Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Berkeley, Gloucestershire Location map Berkeley Castle A grim 12th century castle with keep, dungeon, great hall. The site of Edward II's brutal murder. Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England, GL13 9BQ Location: off A38 Website: Berkeley Castle Email: info@berkeley-castle.com Phone: 01453 810 332 Fax: 01453 512 995 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire Berkhamsted Castle The well-tended ruins of an important 11th century motte and bailey stronghold. Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England, Location: next to the train station Website: Berkhamsted Castle English Heritage Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Berry Pomeroy, Devon Location map Berry Pomeroy Castle A romantic ruin in a secluded valley location. Berry Pomeroy was begun by the Pomeroy family in the 15th century. Within the castle defenses is an impressive Elizabethan manor built by the powerful Seymour family around the year 1560. The castle is entered through a massive gatehouse, which features a 15th century wall painting of the Three Kings. The manor was left to moulder after about 1700, but along the way it has collected a reputation as one of the most haunted ruins in England. Totnes, Berry Pomeroy, Devon, England, TQ9 6LJ Location: 2½ m E Totnes, off A385 Website: Berry Pomeroy Castle Phone: 01803 866 618 English Heritage Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Biggleswade, Bedfordshire Biggleswade Castle Once a motte and bailey castle, there is nothing to be seen here now; in fact, the location of the castle was not discovered until 1954, when aerial photography revealed the shape. Excavations were undertaken in the 1960s, but the site has since regrown. Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, England, Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Wells, Somerset Location map Bishop's Palace The medieval moated home of the Bishop of Bath and Wells. In the 14th century a struggle broke out between the bishop and the city. As a result, the palace was fortified and moated, with a drawbridge as the only access. There are volunteer visitor guides in the palace and the chapel, and white swans now swim in the peaceful moat. Wells, Somerset, England, BA5 2PD Location: in Wells, off the Market Place, near the Cathedral Website: Bishop's Palace Email: info@bishopspalacewells.co.uk Phone: 01749 677 698 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Bodiam, East Sussex Location map Bodiam Castle Begun in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge to discourage French raids. Picture book design; moated, crenellated battlements, reached by no less than three drawbridges and a barbican. Almost too romantic to be true (but it is!). Robertsbridge, Bodiam, East Sussex, England, TN32 5UA Location: 12 m N Hastings, off A21 Website: Bodiam Castle Email: bodiamcastle@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01580 830 196 Fax: 01580 830 398 National Trust Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Old Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire Bolingbroke Castle Birthplace of Henry IV, much of the castle is in ruins. There are excellent interpretive panels detailing the history of the castle. Old Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire, England, Location: In Old Bolingbroke village, off the A155 between East Kirkby and West Keal Website: Bolingbroke Castle Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Bolsover, Derbyshire Location map Bolsover Castle Bolsover Castle is an unlikely mix of early Norman stronghold, Jacobean manor, country house, and romantic folly. A Discovery Centre in the Stable complex allows visitors to learn about the world of Bolsover and its makers. Bolsover, Derbyshire, England, S44 6PR Location: 6 miles E of Chesterfield on the A632 Website: Bolsover Castle Phone: 01246 822 844 Fax: 01246 241 569 English Heritage Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Castle Bolton, Yorkshire Location map Bolton Castle Courtyard castle with rectangular towers, traditional in the north country. Begun in 1375 by Lord Scrope, Chancellor to Richard II. Leyburn, Castle Bolton, Yorkshire, England, DL8 4ET Location: 6 m W Leyburn, off A684 Website: Bolton Castle Email: info@boltoncastle.co.uk Phone: 01969 623981 Fax: 01969 623332 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Bramber, West Sussex Bramber Castle An early Norman motte and bailey castle built by William De Braose in 1070. The DeBraose family retained the castle for over 250 years. The castle was subject to siege by Parliament during the Civil War; Parliamentary troops set cannons up tin the transepts of the nearby church to fire down upon the castle. Today only the ruins of the getehouse suggest the imposing nature of the stronghold. Bramber, West Sussex, England, Location: off A283 Website: Bramber Castle Phone: 01424 775 705 English Heritage Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Penrith, Cumbria Location map Brougham Castle Beautiful romantic ruins situated on the bank of the River Eamont. The core of the castle is the 13th century keep. The indomitable Lady Anne Clifford restored much of the castle in the 17th century. Penrith, Cumbria, England, CA10 2AA Location: 1½ miles SE of Penrith via a minor road off the A66. There is limited parking on the verge of a side road just across from the castle entrance. Website: Brougham Castle Phone: 01768 862 488 English Heritage Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

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