7 Of The Most Amazing Castles In Shropshire

If you're keen on heritage days out, Shropshire is an excellent place to visit – the county has an incredible 32 castles, including some that date back as far as the 11th century. Some of these castles have been restored to their original grandeur, while others have been reduced to little more than hilltop ruins. Either way, there’s a lot to see and do at these attractions, whether you’re after art for the adults or thrilling tales to fire the kids’ imaginations. We’ve picked out seven of the best Shropshire castles in this list to get you started on your history-packed tour.

Planning to stick around in Shropshire for a night or few? How about adding some extra fresh air and scenery to your break by booking a stay at a campsite or glampsite? Pitchup has a great collection of places to stay in Shropshire, from the simple to the spectacular – check out the full range to find something that suits you.

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Acton Burnell Castle

English Heritage-managed castle ruins with links to King Edward I

Tall trees frame the red sandstone ruins of Acton Burnell Castle, a fortified manor house with a noble history. The castle was built in the 13th century by Robert Burnell, the Bishop of Bath and Wells and a trusted friend of King Edward I, who was a frequent visitor here. 

Burnell’s royal connections and wealth meant he had the best masons on the medieval equivalent of speed dial, and their work is particularly evident in the elegant Gothic windows. Next door, St. Mary’s Church, built in 1282, has similarly delicate architectural details. 

After falling into disrepair, the castle was incorporated into the grounds of Acton Burnell Hall, a 19th-century country house nearby, and it came to be seen as something of a folly. Today, the castle’s shell is managed by English Heritage and it’s free to visit, with access during all reasonable daylight hours.

Shrewsbury Castle

Much-renovated 11th-century castle with river views

If Acton Burnell has whetted your appetite for red sandstone buildings with lancet windows, travel 11 miles north to Shrewsbury. Here, on a peninsula formed by a loop in the River Severn, is Shrewsbury Castle. This hilltop castle was originally built by Roger de Montgomery, first Earl of Shrewsbury, in the 1070s and has been heavily reworked over successive centuries. 

The castle now houses the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum’s collection of uniforms, medals and weaponry. You can also stroll through the landscaped gardens to find Laura’s Tower (an 18th-century addition), which has views over the river and the town’s eastern reaches, including Shrewsbury Abbey, or take the kids out on the Castle Trail (open during school holidays). 

Moreton Corbet Castle

Ruins of a 16th-century country house and a medieval castle

Fans of architecture and history of art will spot several centuries’ worth of construction styles at Moreton Corbet Castle, from the remains of a medieval stone castle to the dilapidated Elizabethan manor house. 

Wavy gables and decorative columns hint at the former elegance of this 16th-century building, which was heavily damaged during the English Civil War (1642–51) and subsequently abandoned. The building now lies in ruins, but lots of detail can still be seen – and it's free to visit, too.

If you’re planning a day out by bike, this place makes a good focus – a section of Route 45 of the National Cycle Network links Shrewsbury to the village of Moreton Corbet, allowing you to pedal easily between two splendid castles.

Stokesay Castle

Well-preserved English Heritage property with countryside views

There’s something for the whole family at Stokesay Castle, a 13th-century fortified manor house built by a wealthy wool merchant named Laurence of Ludlow. 

Laurence liked to entertain, and he would often throw elaborate dinner parties in the Great Hall. Not much has changed in the building since then – the vast hall still has its original timber ceiling, and it’s easy to imagine the minstrels playing in the gallery, surrounded by the smell of the roasting meats and rivers of ale.

It's well worth climbing to the top of the tower for the far-reaching views of the surrounding countryside, and those of you visiting with the family can help the kids look for the carved figure of the Stokesay Dragon in the wooden frame of the 17th-century half-timbered gatehouse.

Ludlow Castle

Medieval castle ruins on the River Teme

From Stokesay Castle, cyclists can join National Cycle Route 44 to reach the market town of Ludlow, an attractive place known for its half-timbered buildings.

Here, high above the River Teme, are the vast ruins of Ludlow Castle. Built after the 1066 invasion as a Norman fortress, the castle became an administrative hub for the Crown in the 15th and 16th centuries, before being abandoned in the wake of the English Civil War.  

Today, visitors can stroll around the grounds to explore one of the country’s best medieval ruins while also taking in views of the surrounding countryside. The castle also hosts events throughout the year, including Christmas events, summer concerts and the ever-popular Ludlow Food Festival.

Clun Castle

Riverside castle ruins near the Welsh border

On a hill overlooking the river Clun, Clun Castle was first built by the Normans in the 11th century. Over the years it grew into a thriving settlement, despite having to fight off several Welsh attacks. Eventually, however, the repeated incursions from across the border proved too much, and by the mid-1500s the stronghold was in ruins. 

The site is now managed by English Heritage, and visitors can explore the area via the wooden walkways that weave through the imposing stone walls, or have a picnic while gazing at the expansive hilly landscape. It's free to visit, making it a great option for a family outing as kids imagine themselves as medieval guards standing watch for potential raids from across the border.

Whittington Castle, Oswestry

Medieval castle with reenactments and ghost tours

If you asked a child to draw a picture of a castle, it would probably look something like Whittington Castle. This medieval fortress in north Shropshire has all the traditional features including two classic gatehouse towers, sturdy walls and a bridge across a moat that's home to swans and ducks. There’s even a rumour that it’s haunted, for an extra bit of historic intrigue…

There’s a small charge for parking, but otherwise the 12th-century castle is free to visit, with some lovely views to be had from around the grounds. There's a restaurant and tea room on site for refreshments, and just about all of the property is accessible for wheelchair users. A busy programme of events includes regular craft and kids’ nature sessions along with special events such as theatre performances, ghost tours and historical reenactments.

 

Beyond the castle tours, there are lots of other great things to do in Shropshire – if you’re looking for great days out, check out our favourite walks in the Shropshire Hills and browse our pick of 10 of the best things to do in Shropshire. 

This scenic county also lends itself really well to camping and glamping – both excellent ways to bring a touch of adventure to your stay while also keeping costs down. Pitchup’s range of Shropshire campsites includes everything from ‘wild camping' pitches to luxurious glamping setups. Click the button below to find the place for you.

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