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Staff at English Heritage’s Stokesay Castle site, near Ludlow, have discovered a new role.
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Stokesay Castle

View of entrance
View of entrance (c) English Heritage Photo Library
Exterior view with the pond in the foreground - Exterior view with the pond in the foreground (c) Gargoyle on the 17th Century Gatehouse - Gargoyle on the 17th Century Gatehouse (c) General view - General view (c) interior - interior (c) Interior - Interior (c) Stokesay Castle - General view with moat in foreground (c) The courtyard flower beds with the hall beyond - The courtyard flower beds with the hall beyond (c) View of entrance - View of entrance (c) View of the Gatehouse and the West Range - View of the Gatehouse and the West Range (c)

Emergency Information

Please note, Stokesay Castle will be open on Wednesday 17th February - Sunday 21 February during half-term week. Normal opening hours resume from Monday 22nd February. Due to essential maintenance work taking place, views of the Gatehouse are restricted. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Stokesay Castle is quite simply the finest and best preserved fortified medieval manor house in England. Set in peaceful countryside near the Welsh border, the castle, timber-framed gatehouse and parish church form an unforgettably picturesque group.

Lawrence of Ludlow, a wealthy local wool-merchant wishing to set up as a country gentleman, bought the property in 1281, when the long Anglo-Welsh wars were ending. So it was safe to raise here one of the first fortified manor houses in England, 'builded like a castle' for effect but lit by large domestic-style windows.

Extensive recent tree-ring dating confirms that Lawrence had completed virtually the whole of the still-surviving house by 1291, using the same team of carpenters throughout: more remarkably, the dating also revealed that it has scarcely been altered since.

Stokesay's magnificent open- hearthed great hall displays a fine timber roof, shuttered gable windows and a precipitous staircase, its treads cut from whole tree-trunks. It is flanked by the north tower, with an original medieval tiled floor and remains of wall painting, and a 'solar' or private apartment block, and beyond this the tall south tower - the most castle-like part of the house, self-contained and reached by a defensible stairway.

The solar block contains one of the few post-medieval alterations to the house, a fine panelled chamber. Its dominating feature is a fireplace with richly carved overmantel, still bearing clear traces of original painting in five colours. This was added in about 1641, at the same time as the truly delightful gatehouse: an outstanding example of the Marches style of lavishly showy timber-framing, bedecked with charming carvings of Adam and Eve.

A few years later, in 1645, Stokesay experienced its only known military encounter, surrendering without fighting to a Parliamentarian force. So the house remained undamaged, and sensitive conservation by Victorian owners and English Heritage have left it the medieval jewel which survives today.

An audio tour helps you to imagine Stokesay as a centre of medieval life. Its grounds include beautiful cottage-style gardens, a tearoom open from April to October, and a gift shop.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-1 Nov 10am-5pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-28 Feb 10am-4pm Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-31 Mar 10am-5pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec & 1 Jan Closed
Please note: The castle may close early for functions, please call to check  

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£5.20 until 31 Mar 2010 / £5.50 from 1 Apr 2010
Children:
£2.60 until 31 Mar 2010 / £2.80 from 1 Apr 2010
Concession:
£4.40 until 31 Mar 2010 / £4.70 from 1 Apr 2010
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £13.00 until 31 Mar 2010 / £13.80 from 1 Apr 2010

How do I get there?

Address:
Shropshire - SY7 9AH
Road Access:
7 miles NW of Ludlow off A49
Train Access:
Craven Arms 1 mile
Bus Access:
Boultons 748 to Stokesay village. Minsterley Motors 435; then1⁄2 mile walk
Map Location:
Telephone:
01588 672544, Local Tourist Information: Ludlow: 01584 875053

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Guidebooks No dogs allowed Audio tours (included in admission price) Shop Events Hazardous Family Learning Available to hire for corporate and private events Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Tea Room Male Toilets Female Toilets
Facilities Details:
Toilets: Adapted WC available.
Shop: Level access.
Refreshments: Inside the castle, large step into refreshment area. Seating inside and outside (summer season only).
Access:
Access to gardens and courtyard: On paths and smooth level grass via two steps and narrow gate. Buildings can be viewed from the courtyard. Assistance recommended for wheelchair users. Benches provided.
Parking:
300m from entrance; some rough grass in car park. Access to castle via hardcore path through churchyard; kissing gate may be avoided by opening main gate. Disabled visitors may be set down closer to entrance; please telephone in advance.
Access to buildings: Great Hall only has level access. Some steep steps within buildings; main oak staircase and steps to solar have handrail.
Hearing Impaired Visitors:
Audio tour 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:
Free coach parking, 100 metres from the castle entrance.
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 1/2 hours

Further Info

The Castle may close early for functions, please call to check
Disabled access (call site for details). Entrance to the courtyard is through an historic gate. Unsuitable for motorised scooters and unassisted wheelchair users. Tearoom (Seasonal: 21 Mar-31 Oct).
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