Stokesay Castle, Ludlow (Shropshire)

Bring the whole family for an unforgettable day of discovery at Stokesay Castle.

Summary

13th century buildings (or older)
Gardens
Audio guide
Free car parking (on site)

Food and Drinks

Tea Room

Introduction

Bring the whole family for a day of discovery at Stokesay Castle. Set in the Shropshire countryside near the Welsh border, the castle, timber-framed gatehouse and parish church form an unforgettably picturesque group ripe for exploration - uncover its medieval past guided by the audio tour.

Price:

Adult: £5.20

Children: £2.60

Concession: £4.40

History to the present day

Stokesay Castle is quite simply the finest and best preserved fortified medieval manor house in England. Set in peaceful countryside near the Welsh border, the castle, timber-framed gatehouse and parish church form an unforgettably picturesque group.

Lawrence of Ludlow, a wealthy local wool-merchant wishing to set up as a country gentleman, bought the property in 1281, when the long Anglo-Welsh wars were ending. So it was safe to raise here one of the first fortified manor houses in England, 'builded like a castle' for effect but lit by large domestic-style windows.

Extensive recent tree-ring dating confirms that Lawrence had completed virtually the whole of the still-surviving house by 1291, using the same team of carpenters throughout: more remarkably, the dating also revealed that it has scarcely been altered since.

Stokesay's magnificent open- hearthed great hall displays a fine timber roof, shuttered gable windows and a precipitous staircase, its treads cut from whole tree-trunks. It is flanked by the north tower, with an original medieval tiled floor and remains of wall painting, and a 'solar' or private apartment block, and beyond this the tall south tower - the most castle-like part of the house, self-contained and reached by a defensible stairway.

The solar block contains one of the few post-medieval alterations to the house, a fine panelled chamber. Its dominating feature is a fireplace with richly carved overmantel, still bearing clear traces of original painting in five colours. This was added in about 1641, at the same time as the truly delightful gatehouse: an outstanding example of the Marches style of lavishly showy timber-framing, bedecked with charming carvings of Adam and Eve.

A few years later, in 1645, Stokesay experienced its only known military encounter, surrendering without fighting to a Parliamentarian force. So the house remained undamaged, and sensitive conservation by Victorian owners and English Heritage have left it the medieval jewel which survives today.

Grounds and gardens

The grounds include beautiful cottage-style gardens, a tearoom open from April to October, and a gift shop.

Other facilities

Toilets: Adapted WC available.

Shop: Level access.

Refreshments: Inside the castle, large step into refreshment area. Seating inside and outside (summer season only).

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.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Stokesay Castle, Ludlow, Shropshire, , United Kingdom

Road Access: 7 miles NW of Ludlow off A49

Train Access: Craven Arms 1 mile

Bus Access: Boultons 748 to Stokesay village. Minsterley Motors 435; then1⁄2 mile walk

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010
1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-1 Nov 10am-5pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-28 Feb 10am-4pm Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-31 Mar 10am-5pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec & 1 Jan Closed

Please note: The castle may close early for functions, please call 01588 672544 to check. There is essential maintenance work being undertaken on the gatehouse and so views of the building are currently restricted. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photo Library.