Name: Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
Address: Chapel Lane, Beeston, Cheshire, CW6 9TX
Telephone: 01829 260464

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Beeston Castle and Woodland Park

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What to expect

The Wizards of Once Halloween Quest at Beeston Castle

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Address

Chapel Lane, Beeston, Cheshire, CW6 9TX

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Crowning a rocky crag and boasting spectacular views, Beeston is one of the most dramatically sited medieval castles in England. On a clear day, you can see all the way from the Pennines to the Welsh mountains. With a 4,000 year history, a replica Bronze Age roundhouse, and a 40-acre woodland park, Beeston Castle has something for everyone to enjoy.

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What you need to know

We've made some changes to help keep you safe, and things might be a little different when you visit. Here's everything you need to know.

Do we need to Book?

You don’t need to book your ticket in advance, but you will always get the best price and guaranteed entry by booking online ahead of your visit.

If you are a Member and wish to book, your ticket is still free.

Your booking is for the site/event only and does not guarantee a car parking space, which may carry an additional charge.

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Booking FAQs

Keeping you Safe

Our staff are still working hard to keep everyone safe. We’re continuing with enhanced cleaning and you’ll find hand sanitiser stations on site. Our staff are continuing to wear a face covering in our busy areas and indoor spaces, and we encourage you to do the same. You can also help us keep you and other visitors safe by not visiting if you have symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate.

General Safety Information

Do I need to wear a face covering?

Our staff are continuing to wear a face covering in our busy areas and indoor spaces, and we encourage you to do the same.

I still have questions.

The answers to all frequently asked questions can be found on our FAQ page.

Read our FAQs

Things to See and Do

Beeston roundhouse

People have lived and worked at Beeston since prehistoric times and in the Bronze Ages it was an important defended settlement and metalworking centre.

To help us tell the history of Beeston Castle, a replica Bronze Age roundhouse has been built using authentic tools and evidence from past archaeological digs plus the help of a dedicated team of 60 volunteers. The roundhouse is now open for all visitors to immerse themselves in all things Bronze Age.

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What's On

The Wizards of Once Halloween Quest at Beeston Castle

Sat 23 - Sunday 31 October 10am - 5pm
Christmas Adventure Quest at Beeston Castle

Weekends from 27 Nov – 19 Dec. Daily from 26 Dec – 2 Jan 10am - 4pm
Half Term Explorer Quest at Beeston Castle | 19 - 27 February

Sat 19 Feb - Sunday 27 Feb 2022 10am - 4pm

Timeline

Bronze Age (C 3500-2000 BC)Prehistoric Beeston

A bank is created at the base of the crag and the site attracts Bronze Age metalworkers.

Iron Age (C 1200-1 BC)Hillfort

The site is transformed into a substantial hillfort with earthwork defences.

1220sFirst Castle

Ranulf, 6th Earl of Chester, one of the greatest barons of England, starts to build the ‘Castle of the Rock’.

Find out more about the history of Beeston Castle

1237Royal Castle

Henry III seizes Beeston.

1245Welsh Prison

Hostages from Wales are held at the castle. The outer defences are completed.

Major rebuilding works include three new towers and a massive bridge leading to the inner bailey's outer gate.

Read a description of Beeston Castle

1399Royal Treasure

According to legend, Richard II hides part of his treasure at Beeston Castle in the inner ward well, before being captured by the future Henry IV.

1400-1600The Castle Abandoned

The abandoned castle is left to fall into ruin.

February 1643Civil War

A garrison of 200-300 Parliamentarians occupies the castle.

13 December 1643Royalists Breach Beeston

In a midnight raid, Captain Sandford leads nine Royalists to take control of the inner ward. Parliamentary leader Steele dines with them and sends beer to their men before surrendering.

1644-5Royalist Surrender

The Royalist garrison is besieged by the Parliamentarians for nearly a year. Starved out, they finally surrender and Parliament demolishes most of the castle's defences.

1840sTourist Attraction

Lord Tollemache buys the estate and builds his own castle opposite Beeston. He promotes it as a tourist attraction and stocks the grounds with kangaroos and deer.

1945Annual Event

The first Beeston fête is held. It becomes an annual event on August Bank Holiday.

1959-84Beeston Today

The castle is taken into state care and becomes the site of major excavations before being taken over by English Heritage.

Learn more about the history of Beeston Castle

Nearby Places
Similar Places

Chester Roman Amphitheatre
9.36 miles from Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
Chester Castle: Agricola Tower and Castle Walls
9.6 miles from Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
Sandbach Crosses
13.63 miles from Beeston Castle and Woodland Park

Iron Bridge
35.55 miles from Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
White Ladies Priory
36.61 miles from Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
Wingfield Manor
51.94 miles from Beeston Castle and Woodland Park

Nearby Places
- Chester Roman Amphitheatre
  9.36 miles from Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
- Chester Castle: Agricola Tower and Castle Walls
  9.6 miles from Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
- Sandbach Crosses
  13.63 miles from Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
Similar Places
- Iron Bridge
  35.55 miles from Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
- White Ladies Priory
  36.61 miles from Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
- Wingfield Manor
  51.94 miles from Beeston Castle and Woodland Park