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Farleigh Hungerford Castle

Exterior view in Summer
Exterior view in Summer (c) English Heritage
Exterior view in Summer - Exterior view in Summer (c) Tomb - Tomb (c) Farleigh Hungerford Castle - View of the east gatehouse (c) Farleigh Hungerford Castle - Garden path leading to the chapel (c) Farleigh Hungerford Castle - 15th century wall painting of St George in the chapel (c) Farleigh Hungerford Castle - Lead coffins in the chapel crypt (c) Farleigh Hungerford Castle - A lead coffin with ‘death mask’ in the chapel crypt (c) Farleigh buildings - Exterior view of the chapel (c) Reconstruction of Farleigh - Aerial view reconstruction drawing of the castle in c1660 (c) Reconstruction of Farleigh - Reconstruction drawing of the inner court in c1660 (c) Reconstruction of Farleigh - Reconstruction drawing of the interior of the great hall in c1660 (c)

In a picturesque valley of the river Frome, on the border between Wiltshire and Somerset and 9 miles from Bath stands the remains of Farleigh Hungerford Castle. Started in the 14th century it still has much for the visitor to enjoy and provides a great day out for families with children, couples and even walkers enjoying the beautiful surrounding countryside.

 

This fortified mansion was occupied for 300 years by the remarkable Hungerford family and today their intriguing, yet sometimes gruesome stories are told through graphic interpretation panels and a free audio tour.  There are many hidden treasures- the chapel with rare medieval wall paintings and family tombs; extensive displays in the Priest’s house; and for those who are brave enough to enter the crypt, there’s the best collection of human-shaped lead coffins in Britain.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-30 Jun 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Jul-31 Aug 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-30 Sep 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-1 Nov 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm Sat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec & 1 Jan Closed

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£3.60 until 31 Mar 2010 / £3.80 from 1 Apr 2010
Children:
£1.80 (5-15yrs) until 31 Mar 2010 / £1.90 from 1 Apr 2010
Concession:
£3.10 until 31 Mar 2010 / £3.20 from 1 Apr 2010
English Heritage Members:

How do I get there?

Address:
Somerset - BA2 7RS
Road Access:
In Farleigh Hungerford, 9 miles SE of Bath; 3 1⁄2 miles W ofTrowbridge on A366
Train Access:
Avoncliffe 2 miles; Trowbridge 3 1⁄2 miles
Bus Access:
Bodmans 96 from Trowbridge (passes close to Trowbridge railwaystation) then 1 1⁄2 mile
Map Location:
Telephone:
01225 754026

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Education Guidebooks No dogs allowed Audio tours (included in admission price) Shop Events Hazardous Family Learning Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Male Toilets Female Toilets
Facilities Details:
Toilets: Including disabled.
Shop: Accessible.
Refreshments: Snacks. Picnics welcome in grounds.
Access:
Access to castle: Castle ruins are negotiable via steps and rough paths. Chapel accessible through garden and chair lift. Difficult spiral staircase to upper floor of museum. Benches and seats provided.
Grounds: Accessed on impacted gravel, tarmac, paved and earth paths and fairly smooth grass. Some cobbled areas. Wheelchair access is confined to top lawns.
Parking:
Disabled car park 20m from entrance on a tarmac surface. Disabled visitors may be set down on the top lawn by prior arrangement.
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Stone carvings on tombs in chapel may be touched. Chapel flower garden. NB Hazardous spiral staircase in museum; crypt is dark and small.
Hearing Impaired Visitors:
Audio tour with hearing loop included in admission price. Script also available.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more visitors paying together. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.
Coach Parking Facilities:
Free parking for up to 3 coaches by entrance (approach with care).
Group Booking:
Contact the site for a Group Booking Form and for opening times and prices from 1 April 2010.
Average Length of Visit:
1 hour.
Guided Tours:

Guided Tour of the Site
Discover the sinister past of this impressive castle with a guided tour from our experienced staff on site. Relive its troubled history and the crimes of those that inhabited Farleigh Hungerford Castle, and then enjoy its hidden treasures. Rare wall paintings and lead death masks are just the beginning…

Duration: 45 minutes

Minimum–maximum pax: please contact site

Advance booking required.

Call for prices and to book: 01225 754026

Further Info

Disabled access (Chapel and Priest's House, ground floor only. Disabled toilet).
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