Berkeley Castle Summary

• Address: Gloucester, GL13 9BQ (Map)
• Tel: +44 (0)1453 810332
• Fax: +44 (0)1453 512995
• Owner: Mr R J G Berkeley
• Administrator: David Bowd-Exworth
• E-mail: Click here to contact
• Website: Go to the Berkeley Castle website

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 - 2012

Castle:

• 1st April - 4th November: Thursday, Sunday & Bank Holidays, 11 am - 5.30 pm
• Extended Opening during holidays:
• Easter: 1st - 15th April, Sunday - Thursday, 11 am - 5.30 pm
• Half-Term: 3rd - 10th June, Sunday - Thursday, 11 am - 5.30 pm
• Summer: 1st July - 2nd September, Sunday - Thursday, 11 am - 5.30 pm
• Half-Term: 21st October - 4th November, Sunday - Thursday, 11 am - 5.30 pm

Butterfly House:

• 6th May - 30th September: Thursday, Sunday & Bank Holidays, 11 am - 5.30 pm

Last Admission half an hour before closing time

Please Note: Opening times and availability may be subject to alteration.

Admission Prices - 2012

Global Ticket including Castle, Gardens & Butterfly House:

• Adult - £9.50
• Child (5-16 years) - £5.00
• Child (under 5 years) - Free
• Seniors - £7.50
• Student - £7.50 (with valid Student card)
• Family (2+2)- £24.00

Groups (25+ pre-booked)

• Adult - £9.00
• Child (5-16 years) - £4.00
• Concession - £7.00

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

Further information including opening times and prices

Image Gallery

Your Reviews of Berkeley Castle

Hugh Johnson (12 September 2011)

We spent a most enjoyable day here and were very impressed with the knowledgeable Guide that took us on a tour of the house, which lasted around 70 minutes (optional0. If you prefer you can wander around on your own. The Tea room is very good and with reasonable prices, a pot of coffee is £1.90 and freshly made sandwiches £3. We spent time in the Gift Shop which had a good choice of local items. The gardens are extensive and well kept and one can spend a whole day at the property very happily. Do not forget the Butterfly House, which is included in the Admission Charge and will particularly appeal to children.

Meredydd Rymer (02 October 2006)

Wow! Berkeley Castle is an amazing place, especially as the family has lived there so long, twenty four generations. You can see where Edward II was murdered, the Civil War damage (still not repaired as an Act of Parliament is needed) and the castle although still Norman shows how it has adapted over the centuries to become a country home. I also didn't realise that the Berkeley family owned another estate in Worcester, at Spetchley which is also open to the public. We're going to the Illuminated Trail there in December.

Additional Info for Berkeley Castle

• Gardens
• Groups
• Weddings
• Education
• Refreshments
• Picnics
• Guides
• Meals Available
• Haunted
• Conferences
• Filming
• Gifts
• Live Entertainment
• Shop
• Car Parking

Heritage Groups

• Historic Houses Association

Credit Cards Accepted

• Mastercard
• Visa

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