Welcome to Stately Homes

885 years ago, in 1117, Henry II needed someone to build him a castle to guard the Severn Estuary, and to watch out for the marauding Welsh. He gave the charter to one Robert Fitzharding, who completed the Keep at the heart of this ancient fortress in 1153. By the time the 14th Century saw its close, the Castle was virtually complete as we know it today.

Berkeley Castle is now considered to be one of England's most historical castles, in a magnificent position overlooking the River Severn on the borders of England and Wales. It was the inspiration for the play 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', written by Shakespeare in the 16th century, the play was written and performed for the Berkeley family originally.

As one of the finest examples of Norman castle building in existence, Berkeley Castle has survived to witness many of the historical events that shaped English history over the last 1000 years. The family which bear its noble name have also given their name to numerous locations around the world: from Berkeley Square in London to Berkeley Hundred Plantation in Virginia and Berkeley University in California.

The current stone Castle, which had replaced the previously existing timber Castle, was actually completed in 1153 by Lord Maurice de Berkeley at the command of King Henry II. For nearly a Millennium now, twenty-eight generations of Berkeleys have preserved this ancient site and have gradually transformed it from a savage Norman fortress into a stately home and museum.

One of the most famous historical events that happened at Berkeley was the untimely death of King Edward the II in the 1327. King Edward the II was held captive in a cell for 18 months at the Castle.

It is a quite incredible and unique fact that the Berkeleys can claim 28 generations of the same family having lived there! In the Picture Gallery there are paintings by George Stubbs and William Van de Velde, which demonstrate what the Berkeley family has achieved over the centuries and how they have taken such an interest in the maintainance of Berkeley Castle.

Sir Francis Drake, a friend of the family had a great influence on the Castle and some of his Ebony Furniture from his Ship, The Golden Hind, sits in a Room of the Kings Gallery. He is also reputed to have entertained Queen Elizabeth the 1st on one of her many visits to the Castle during her reign in the 16th century.

Berkeley Castle has the most beautiful Elizabethan Gardens and a walk around them will enable you to see the size and thickness of the Castle Walls and the work that must have gone into building such an amazing edifice. For more information about Berkeley Castle and its grounds, why not view their comprehensive Website?

Book Your Event:

The castle can be used for a number of events throughout the year. It makes a magical setting for a musical event or an exhibition of crafts or flowers, whilst the castle banqueting hall and the drawing rooms are ideally suited for spectacular wedding receptions. They will decorate the castle for your special event and go to great lengths to ensure a perfect result every time.

Opening Times - 2010:

28th March - 31st October:
28th March - 18th April: Sunday - Thursday and Easter Weekend, 11 am - 5.30 pm
April & May: Thursdays, Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays, 11 am - 5.30 pm
30th May - 5th September: Sunday - Thursday, 11 am - 5.30 pm
September - October: Thursdays & Sundays, 11 am - 5.30 pm
24th - 31st October: Sunday - Thursday, 11 am - 5.30 pm
Last Admission half an hour before closing time.
Opening times and availability may be subject to alteration.

Admission Prices - 2010:

Global Ticket including Castle, Gardens & Butterfly House:
Adult - £7.50
Child (5-16yrs) - £4.50
Child (under 5s) - Free
OAP - £6
Student - £6 (with valid Student card)
Family (2+2)- £21

Groups (25+ pre-booked)
Adult - £7
Child (5-16yrs) - £3.50
OAP - £5.50

Garden only:
Adult - £4
Child - £2

Butterfly House:
Adult - £2
Child (5-16yrs) - £1

More information on the garden can be found on The Gardens Guide.