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About
Berkeley Castle, a hidden gem on the edge of the Cotswolds. Awarded TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence for the last seven years.
Berkeley Castle is a beautiful and historic Castle, built in 1153 and still the home of the Berkeley family. It is a great day-out for all the family, hosting special events during school holidays and throughout the year.
The Castle
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 Berkeley’s 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, the Morning Room (the former mediaeval chapel, with its unique painted ceiling) and the kitchens are available to view.
The Castle is open to visitors from April – October, on selected days.
The Castle is open all year round for weddings, receptions and private hire.
Gardens
The Castle is surrounded by lovely terraced gardens with flower borders, a lily pond, 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.
Food and Drink
The Hideout at Berkeley Castle serves a full range of delicious snacks, light-bites and dishes to suit all tastes and appetites. The menu will also include great-tasting coffee and tea and a selection of refreshing cold drinks, all from local suppliers.
Film and TV
The Castle has also been used on many occasions for filming and has been involved in TV dramas such as The Other Boleyn Girl, Nostradamus, Dick & Dom, Father Brown, BBC 2's Wolf Hall, Poldark-series 2, 3 and 4, The White Princess and Johnny English 3. 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 which is located just off the A38 between Bristol & Gloucester on the edge of the Cotswolds and is only half an hour from the city of Bristol.
For further details on any aspect of the Castle contact the House Managers on 01453 810 303, or by e-mail info@berkeley-castle.com, www.berkeley-castle.com.
Groups
Berkeley Castle offers discounted rates for groups of 20 or more. An exclusive Guided Tour with one of their experienced Castle Guides 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 it 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
| Open: (3 Apr 2022 - 31 Oct 2022) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Closed | |
| Friday | Closed | |
| Saturday | Closed | |
* General Opening Text
Awards
- Regional and Miscellaneous
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
Travelers Choice 2022
- Excellent602
- Very Good212
- Average34
- Poor13
- Terrible9
Recent Reviews:
- TravelingSeagullNewbury, United KingdomWonderful trip with lots of historic interest
Tuesday, 3rd May 2022Great day out so much interesting history. We opted for a guided tour which was fascinating and very informative We then went back around on our own taking it all in. Grounds are well maintained and... Read full review - Gabrielle FGloucester, United KingdomGreat half-term visit!Sunday, 5th June 2022My sister and I took our children (6 months, 2, 3, and 11) to Berkeley Castle this June half-term and found it to be a highlight of our (very action packed) week! The younger children loved the... Read full review
- Hilary GWest SussexA millennium of history - book the guided tour for the best experience!Tuesday, 28th June 2022A fascinating peek into the past, with the added benefit of beautiful grounds. Book the guided tour for best visiting experience! Read full review
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