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Berkeley Castle

Berkeley, Gloucestershire, GL13 9BQ

Tel: +44 (0)1453 810303

Add Berkeley Castle to your Itinerary

Aerial shot of Berkeley Castle Bristol

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 seven 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 in the Dining Room, 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 on selected days 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 Pantry in the Castle serves hot & cold drinks, delicious snacks and light lunches.

 

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 info@berkeley-castle.com

 

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.

 

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Book Tickets

Video

  • How Berkeley Castle are keeping visitors safe
  • History of Berkeley Castle

Opening Times

Season (1 Mar 2024 - 8 Nov 2024)

* Entry prices:
£14.50 – Adult
£7.50 – Child
£13.00 – Concession
£40.00 – Family

2023 tickets are now available online via their website

Tickets can also be purchased at the Ticket Office when we are open.

When booking your tickets, you will be asked to choose an arrival time slot. This is not a strict arrival time - it is just a guide to help them know when to expect you. By choosing a time slot and arriving around that time if possible, you help them to manage our capacity and keep queues to a minimum.

Arrival times:

11.00am, 12.00pm, 1.00pm & 2.00pm

If you have any queries, please contact info@berkeley-castle.com

Awards

  • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

Further Information

Other

  • Gift Shop

Accessibility

  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Catering

  • On-Site café/restaurant
  • Picnic Site
  • Restaurant

Establishment Features

  • Available for wedding receptions
  • Cater for groups
  • Conference facilities
  • Event Venue
  • Licenced for civil marriages
  • Printed Material in Foreign Languages - French only

Key Features

  • Celebrity connection
  • Film or TV location
  • Haunted
  • In countryside - On the edge of Berkeley Town
  • Indoor Attraction
  • Of historic, literary or architectural interest
  • Open by appointment outside normal opening times
  • Outdoor Attraction - 9 acres of gardens to explore too. (No Dogs allowed)

Parking & Transport

  • Coach Parking
  • On site parking

Payment Methods

  • Blue Badge Guides admitted free
  • Special group rates
  • TIC Staff Admitted Free

Specialist Features

  • Family Fun
  • Marketed towards families
  • Marketed towards senior citizens

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups
  • Guided Tours Available for Individuals

Venue Facilities

  • Groups Accepted

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      623
    • Very Good
      213
    • Average
      35
    • Poor
      14
    • Terrible
      9

    Recent Reviews:

    • onlytravelabit
      A superb say out!
      5 of 5 stars
      Tuesday, 29th August 2023
      What a fantastic place to visit. Took my grandson who is 5 to the annual 'Joust Event' . It was a wonderful experience and the perfect setting for it! A an extra bonus we were given free entry to... Read full review
    • TauntonBob
      West Parley, United Kingdom
      One of the nicest castles that we have visited
      5 of 5 stars
      Tuesday, 5th September 2023
      This is fairly small (by castle standards!) but beautifully kept both inside and out. Far superior to many of the National Trust properties that we visit. Parking is easy and convenient, all the... Read full review
    • Jeff S
      Shaftesbury
      Good experience - worthwhile
      5 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 18th October 2023
      More of a stately home to my eyes - very nice to tour and made much more enjoyable by taking one of the organised tours (which are not much extra) The onsite coffee and bus service is not up to the... Read full review

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