Welcome to Stately Homes

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswold Hills, Sudeley Castle is regarded as one of England's most romantic castles, it has royal connections spanning a thousand years and has played an important role in the turbulent and changing times of England's past. Sudeley was once the magnificent palace of Queen Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's last and surviving wife who is buried in the castle church.

Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I stayed at Sudeley Castle. Charles I resided here while his nephew Price Rupert established Sudeley as his garrison headquarters during the English Civil War. After its desecration by Cromwell's troops the castle lay sadly neglected, much of it in ruins.

Sudeley's fortunes were however to change some 200 years later when it was acquired by the Dent brothers, famous glove manufactures from Worcester. They set upon an ambitious programme of restoration. Upon their death this task was taken up by their nephew John Croucher Dent and his wife, Emma Brocklehurst. Today Sudeley is home to the Dent-Brocklehurst family.

Surrounding Sudeley Castle are ten magnificent gardens each with their own special beauty and charm. Centre piece is the Queen's Garden, named after Katherine Parr and famous for its magnificent collection of old-fashioned roses interspersed with fragrant herds and surrounded by yew hedges and fine examples of topiary. A Knot Garden was created to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth in 1592, the design of which was inspired by the fabric from the Queen's dress depicted in a painting which hangs in the Castle.

In the last two years Sudeley has been the home of the Landart Project, a groundbreaking collection of contemporary art set within the grounds and gardens. The simple principle followed by the project, is to offer to several well-known international contemporary artists, as well as a few younger practitioners, the exterior canvas of the renowned and enchanting Castle gardens in which to create new work. This gives the artists a new environment to work within, and audiences a unique setting to view contemporary sculpture.

The Dent-Brocklehurst family have extended their living space with the growth of the family, into the East Wing, which was previously open to visitors. The family are keen that the Castle's collection is still showcased to the public, and have launched a number of exhibition areas incorporating Tudor and Victorian artefacts.

A stunning new textile Exhibition is planned for late 2007. The 'Letters from Khartoum' exhibition tells the story of Johnny Brocklehurst, Emma Dent's nephew, as he treks across the Sudan desert and his part in the highly dangerous scheme to smuggle letters, reduced photographically to the size of a postage stamp, through the enemy lines. A film based on unique archives re-creates the historical event and compliments the exhibition.

The Pheasantry was established in 2004 in association with the world Pheasant Association (WPA) and houses a collection of rate and endangered species. The threats to individual species and the whole areas of the environment where we live are accelerating and Sudeley is proud to work with the WPA to support their programme of conservation and protection.

2007 sees an exciting new programme of Events at Sudeley, including jousting, medieval fairs, air shows, concourse events and a range of events celebrating the beauty of Sudeley's gardens, including Rose Week and an Organic Gardening Weekend. Check the Website for more details.

Sudeley Castle Country Cottages:

This small, attractive complex of Cotswold stone cottages set around a central courtyard is just a five-minute walk from the castle and town of Winchcombe. The cottages offer the perfect retreat for a peaceful escape into the countryside or an ideal base for walking or touring holidays.

Opening Times - 2010:

29th March - 31st November: daily, 10.30 am - 5 pm

Gardens, Grounds, Shop, Plant Centre & Pheasantry & Wildfowl Area: 10.30 am - 5 pm

Admission Prices - 2010:

Exhibitions and Gardens:
Adult - £7.20
Child - £4.20
Seniors - £6.20
Family ticket (2+2) - £20.80

Group (20+):
Adult - £6.20
Seniors - £5.20
Child - £4.20

Groups Welcome

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