Information
This castle was built towards the end of the 13th century and is the best-preserved fortified medieval Manor House in England. As well as a gatehouse and moat, it has a great hall, north and south towers, and a solar. Make sure to admire the intricate carvings, tiling and incredible views, that can be found throughout the castle. Also be sure to pick up the audio tour, as there are minimal signs, and the audio tour contains much more information about the history of the castle and it’s inhabitants.
If you have small children, there is a trail around the castle, which involves solving riddles and finding letters. There are also games like Jenga and Connect 4 on the front lawn in the summer. At other times, such as Halloween and Christmas, English Heritage runs other events such as themed trails and stories, but be sure to check online what is happening before visiting.
There are swallows nesting in many rooms, so be sure to look out for them in mid-late August. The castle is not suitable for wheelchair users, or people who struggle with stairs, as there are many of these, including very thin stairs to get up to the top of the tower.
After visiting the castle, why not have a walk around the beautiful surrounding countryside? Stokesay Castle is surrounded by fields and farms, so be sure to check out some of the walking routes around it.
Prices
The castle is an English Heritage site, so parking and entry is free for English Heritage members. Otherwise, it is £10 per adult when booking online, or about £11 if bought when visiting. The gift shop at the castle holds a variety of items including seasonal plants, books and games for children, so be sure to have a look around it when you visit.
Cafe
The cafe at Stokesay Castle can be found by the car park. It serves a variety of hot and cold food, including sandwiches, stews, pies and jacket potatoes. They also serve a variety of cakes and hot drinks, so if you need a refreshment, it’s the perfect place to visit.
Opening times
Stokesay castle opens at 10am and closes at 5pm. It’s busiest times are between 11 and 2, so if you would prefer a quieter day out, visit later in the day or earlier in the morning. The last admission to the site is 4:30.