Background Information

Standing majestically on a sheer rocky crag, Beeston has perhaps the most stunning views of any castle in England. Excavations indicate that a Bronze Age settlement and Iron Age hillfort occupied the site long before the castle was begun in 1225. For centuries an impregnable royal fortress, it finally fell to Parliamentarian forces in the Civil War.

The Castle of the Rock exhibition outlines the 4,000 year history of this strategic site, and there are family friendly books and activities.

NEW FOR 2008: One of Beeston's claims to fame is its spectacular views, which stretch from the Pennines to the mountains of Wales. Energetic visitors can now look forward to bigger and better views across eight counties.

Nearly 30 more acres of the castle grounds have been restored, featuring a variety of walks and new perspectives on the medieval fortress, the design of which was inspired by the great crusader castles of the Middle East.

Lasting an hour or more, the walks also take in previously hidden sections of the castle's moat and ruined walls, provide glimpses of nature including birds of prey and autumnal fungi displays, and give visitors access to more of the famous views.