Berkeley Castle, Berkeley, Gloucestershire

Berkley Castle in Gloucestershire has been lived in by the same family for over 900 years and in that time, all the archives, the contents, the whole estate and the town of Berkley have survived as one. That's an awful lot of history and when you're looking around you can almost sense the adventure, the excitement. But remember, it's a family home too, and how lucky are they, to live in a proper castle! It's like something straight out of a fairytale, with all it's towers and battlements, it's doors and leaded windows of all shapes and sizes.

Berkley Castle is a good place to visit when you're staying nearby at your large group holiday house; you could easily make a day of it because there's so much here to see and do. Imagine actually seeing Elizabeth I's bedspread, Francis Drake's cabin chest, and the banner that the 4th Earl of Berkley took to the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Take a tour of the state rooms and the Great Hall, the Medieval Larders, Buttery and Kitchen, see the cell where Edward II was imprisoned and murdered in 1327.

And then there are the castle grounds, with formal landscaped gardens with a lily pond, and blousy collections of magnolia and roses, the beautiful terrces where you can sit and contemplate for a while, and the wider estate with walks and trails to explore. The thing is,l there's something for all ages here - grown ups can admire the fine furniture, oil paintings and tapestries, the youngsters can dress up as kings and queens and play giant snakes and ladders or explore the woodland grove where there’s a willow tunnel and a teepee. There are activites and events throughout the year, things like an Easter Bunny Hunt, live performance and medieval jousting, all exciting stuff with a great atmosphere.

You needn't go hungry because there's a dedictaed picnic area, a Pantry where you can grab a drink and a snack, and in the walled garden, a restaurant that serves light lunches, cakes and treats.

Open: Sun-Weds from March to October 10.30am-5.00pm  No dogs
T: 01453 810303

All information correct at the time of writing 

Large Holiday Homes in Gloucestershire