Uncover centuries of royal history amid the halls, gardens and art exhibitions of this 15th-century castle set in the shadow of the Cotswold Hills.
Visit the stately Sudeley Castle to walk in the footsteps of some of England’s most famous kings and queens. Browse displays of treasures from the Roman era to today. Explore a series of breathtakingly beautiful gardens, enjoy picturesque picnics and spot colorful birdlife. Sudeley Castle sits on a 1,200-acre (490-hectare) estate and is nestled in a valley surrounding by the rolling green landscapes of the Cotswolds.
Established as a Saxon manor house in the 10th century, the foundations for today’s castle were laid in 1442. Its prominence was during the Tudor years, when it welcomed royalty such as Richard III, Henry VII, Henry VIII and Katherine Parr. Today, visit the castle which is a tourist attraction, private residence and wedding venue.
Inside, exhibits adorn the elegant rooms and retell the stories of its former residents. Highlights include hand-written letters by Katherine Parr and items from her tomb, which is located in the castle’s Chapel of St. Mary. Learn about the life of Richard III and spot replica models of Henry VIII and his six wives. See the campaign bed of Charles I, 16th-century tapestries and the Portrait of Rubens painting by Anthony van Dyck.
Stroll around the award-winning gardens, which dazzle with their vivid colors and perfectly groomed layout. Marvel at the manicured Knot Garden, designed to resemble the pattern of a dress owned by Elizabeth I. Admire over 2,500 tulips in the Secret Garden and a collection of medicinal plants in the Herb Garden Walk. The East Garden takes inspiration from Andrew Marvell’s 17th-century poem The Garden.
Get close to rare and majestic birds from around the world at the small aviary. Relax with a picnic on pristine lawns. Kids will have fun on the adventure playground, complete with a wooden fortress, climbing towers and slides.
The castle is just a 5-minute drive from Winchcombe’s town center and has free parking. Sudeley Castle is open from March to October and has an admission fee. Visit the castle’s official website for details about guided tours and special events, including concerts and food festivals.
