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Ashby de la Zouch Castle

Ashby de la Zouch Castle
General View (c) John Critchley; English Heritage
Ashby de la Zouch Castle - General View (c) Exterior - Exterior (c) Exterior - Exterior (c) Exterior - Exterior (c) Exterior - Exterior (c) Hasting's Tower, from the Kitchen. - Hasting's Tower, from the Kitchen. (c) Ashby de la zouch Castle - Aerial image of Ashby de la zouch Castle (c)

Ashby Castle forms the backdrop to the famous jousting scenes in Sir Walter Scott's classic novel of 1819, Ivanhoe. Now a ruin, the castle began as a manor house in the 12th century. It only achieved castle status in the 15th century, by which time the hall and buttery had been enlarged, with a solar to the east and a large integral kitchen added to the west.

Between 1474 and his execution by Richard III in 1483, Edward IV's Chamberlain Lord Hastings added the chapel and the impressive keep-like Hastings Tower - a castle within a castle. Visitors can climb the 24 metre (78 feet) high tower, which offers fine views. Later the castle hosted many royal visitors, including Henry VII, Mary Queen of Scots, James I and Charles I.

A Royalist stronghold during the Civil War, the castle finally fell to Parliament in 1646, and was then made unusable. An underground passage from the kitchen to the tower, probably created during this war, can still be explored today. Archaeologists recently investigated the mysterious castle garden, famous for its elaborately shaped sunken features.

Interpretation boards display family-friendly information, including beautiful illustrations evoking the splendour of Lord Hastings' additions to the castle. The audio guide provides an amusing account of the castle's dramatic history, drawing upon a masque performed here for Alice Spencer, Countess of Derby, in the early 17th century.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-30 Jun 10am-5pm Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Jul-31 Aug 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Sep-1 Nov 10am-5pm Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-31 Mar 12pm-4pm Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec and 1 Jan CLOSED

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£3.90 until 31 Mar 2010 / £4.20 from 1 Apr 2010
Children:
£2.00 until 31 Mar 2010 / £2.10 from 1 Apr 2010
Concession:
£3.30 until 31 Mar 2010 / £3.60 from 1 Apr 2010
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £9.80 until 31 Mar 2010 / £10.50 from 1 Apr 2010

How do I get there?

Address:
Leicestershire - LE65 1BR
Road Access:
In Ashby de la Zouch, 12 miles S of Derby on A511. Restrictedparking on site, please park in town car park
Train Access:
Burton on Trent 9 miles
Bus Access:
Arriva X2, 8, 217/8 Leicester - Burton on Trent
Map Location:
Telephone:
01530 413343, Local Tourist Information: 01530 411767

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Guidebooks Dogs allowed on leads Audio tours (included in admission price) Shop Picnic area Events Hazardous Family Learning Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Male Toilets Female Toilets
Facilities Details:
Toilets: Accessible WC in shop.
Shop: Access via a ramp and double doors.
Access:
Access to castle: Via 200m of grass, but assistance may be required.
Parking:
Parking (restricted on site, please park in town car park - charge applies).
Hearing Impaired Visitors:
Tape tours with hearing loop included in admission price.

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:
As there is no coach parking available, please drop off at the site entrance and park in Machins (a coach company) in town.
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 1/4 hours
Guided Tours:

Guided Tour of Site
The tour covers the exciting history of the castle – the links to Ivanhoe and  royalty not to mention how Ashby de la Zouch Castle grew in importance at the end of Middle Ages and the beginning of the Tudor period.

Duration: approx. 45 mins

Minimum – maximum pax: 11-20

Advance booking required: Yes – 6 weeks

Call for prices and to book: 01530 413343

Further Info

Disabled access (grounds only).

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