4 Castles To Visit In Leicestershire
Looking for a grand day out in Leicestershire? How about exploring a castle? Leicestershire’s rich history has left it with several awe-inspiring castles to visit, whether your interest lies in art, gardens or just learning about the lives of the past.
With guided tours and family-friendly features and attractions, these castles welcome all sorts of visitors to learn about the stories that lie behind these historic buildings. In this article we’ve picked out our favourites to create a list of the four best castles in Leicestershire.
All of these make great days out if you live locally, and are worth putting on your schedule if you’re visiting the area. If you’re staying for a night or few, camping and glamping are great ways to organise a budget-friendly break that also helps you enjoy the area’s green scenery. Have a look at the area’s range of campsites below to find something that suits you.
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Belvoir Castle
On a huge estate near Grantham, Belvoir Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland, and the Manners family has lived here for almost 1,000 years. The estate dates back to the 11th century, and since 1067 four castles have stood on the site – the first of which was a typical motte-and-bailey construction.
Fast forward to today and experts consider Belvoir Castle (pronounced ‘beaver’) to be one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in the country. You can see for miles from the north terrace, and on a clear day you might spot Lincoln Cathedral, around 30 miles to the north-east of the castle.
For a quiet day, take a tour of the castle’s grand interior, stroll around the lovely formal gardens along the terrace and continue into the woodland through the Japanese and Hermit’s gardens – you’ll be walking through one of the locations used in the TV series The Crown. Families may want to head straight for the adventure playground, tipped as one of the best in the UK by The Times.
Opening days and times for the castle and grounds vary throughout the year, so check the website before you set off; there’s also a list of special events here. Several cafés and a farm shop are on site for drinks, snacks and treats, and you can also browse the shops of the Engine Yard Shopping Village.
Ashby de la Zouch Castle
Ashby de la Zouch Castle began life as a manor house in the 12th century, before gaining its castle status around 300 years later. At that time it was the family seat of Lord Hastings, one of the most powerful men in late 15th-century English politics.
In 1472, he began adding features to the property and surrounding estate, such as the chapel and Hastings Tower. His grand design was never fully realised though, as he was executed by Richard III in 1473 following a sudden fall from grace.
The highlight here is the chance to climb the tower – it was very badly damaged during the Civil War but is safe to explore today. Once you’re at the top, the views across the surrounding area are outstanding. To get to the tower, follow the slightly creepy underground passage from the castle kitchen – a walkway that was likely created during the same period. Take some time to wander around the earthwork remains of part of the castle gardens too, which are thought to date back to around 1530.
The site is now managed by English Heritage, who provide free (and very amusing) audio tours and run special events throughout the year. Opening days and times can change throughout the year, so check online before you go – there’s a discount if you book ahead, too.
Leicester Castle
11th-century Leicester Castle is in the west of the city centre and was originally part of the medieval town defences. This motte-and-bailey fortification played a vital role in the history of the area, including hosting several kings over the years – including visitors Edward I in 1300 and Edward II in 1310. In fact, the building became an official royal residence during the reigns of Henry IV, Henry V, Henry VI and Edward IV.
The building later became a courthouse in the 15th century, and a number of parliamentary gatherings and court hearings were held in the castle’s Great Hall, which still retains some of its original 12th-century timber posts.
The castle is only open on selected days, so look out for Heritage Sundays and other special events. When it’s not open, you can instead find out all about the city’s royal past at the excellent King Richard III Visitor Centre, which is open daily with a whole range of kid-friendly activities (including a medieval quest and a dressing-up area) and a programme of special events and lectures for adult visitors.
Kirby Muxloe Castle
Remember Lord Hastings from the story of Ashby de la Zouch Castle above? Well, he makes another appearance here, as the fortified mansion of Kirby Muxloe Castle was built just for him. However, work stopped in 1484 after his death, and much of the castle was never finished.
Today, Kirby Muxloe is owned and managed by English Heritage, and visitors to the site can explore a whole host of historic features including the mysterious moated remains, an exceptional gatehouse (with Hastings’ coat of arms built into the brickwork) and the almost-intact corner tower.
As with most English Heritage sites, there’s a discount for tickets booked online in advance – it’s also a good idea to check the website for opening days and times, as the castle is not open all the time.
Leicestershire’s central location means that it’s a handy base for exploring other historic attractions in central England, too – perhaps heading over the county border to explore the castles of Lincolnshire while you’re here. But there’s plenty to do closer to home as well – take a look at our guide to things to do in Leicestershire, or get your boots on for the best Leicestershire walks.
If you’re visiting the area, choosing an outdoor holiday is a great way to keep costs down while also soaking up the fresh air and scenery. Pitchup’s range of outdoor accommodation has everything from simple wild camping pitches to smart well-equipped shepherd’s huts and glamping pods. Take a look at the full collection below to find something that takes your fancy.