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Swallows Swoop At Stokesay Castle
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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

The courtyard flower beds with the hall beyond
The courtyard flower beds with the hall beyond (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)

Stokesay Castle is the finest and best preserved 13th-century fortified manor house in England. It offers visitors a unique glimpse into a distant age, when strength and elegance were combined.

Set amid peaceful countryside near the Welsh border, Stokesay Castle forms an outstandingly picturesque group with its timber-framed gatehouse and the parish church.

Lawrence of Ludlow, who made his fortune as a wool merchant and set up as a country gentleman, acquired the manor in 1281. Extensive recent treering dating confirms that he had completed virtually the whole of the still-surviving buildings by 1291, the date of his 'licence to crenellate' from Edward I.

The dating also revealed that Stokesay's magnificent open-hearthed great hall, with its fine cruck-built timber roof, shuttered gable windows and precipitous staircase, has scarcely been altered since it was built. The north tower displays an original medieval tiled floor and remains of wall painting, while the south tower (with fine views from its roof) contains a panelled solar chamber added in the 17th century. Its dominating feature is a fireplace with richly carved overmantel, still bearing clear traces of gold, pink, red, green and white painting.

Across the courtyard stands the truly delightful gatehouse, an elaborate example of the regional style of lavishly showy timber-framing, with charming carvings of Adam and Eve. This was built in 1640, a few years before Stokesay's only known military encounter, when it surrendered without fighting during the Civil War.

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

What are the opening times?

DatesOpening TimesOpening Days
21 Mar-30 Sep 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-31 Oct 10am-5pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Nov-29 Feb 10am-4pm Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-31 Mar 10am-5pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, & Bank Hols.
Last admission 1 hour before closing time    
Closed 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan    

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£5.00
Children:
£2.50
Concession:
£4.00
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £12.50

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:
Whittle 435 Shrewsbury - Ludlow
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 plus a free place for every additional 20 paying passengers. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader
Coach Parking Facilities:
Please contact the Visitor Operations Site Supervisor on ++44 (0)1588 672544
Group Booking:
Free coach parking, 100 metres from the castle entrance
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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