Berkeley Castle - © chestertouristcom
Berkeley Castle is a historic castle well known for its medieval architecture, it is also the family home for the Berkeley family and has been since the 12th century. The impressive castle contains a wealth of history and heritage for visitors to explore, visitors can take a tour of the castle and see the rooms and range of collections that have been collected over the years. The castle located in Gloucestershire has surrounding gardens that offer peace and tranquilly along with providing a scenic backdrop. The castle makes for an interesting day out trip set in the English countryside.
Attractions
Berkeley Castle is the ancestral home of the Berkeley family and has been in the family for over eight centuries. It is located on the estate that is approx 6,000 acres in size and boasts one of the finest examples of deer parks in the UK.
The castle is among the oldest buildings in the UK that still has the same family inhabiting it that built it. Over the years there have been many stories and the castle has witnessed a number of important events. The long history of the castle means the archives date back to the beginning of the 12th century.
The castle is well known for the range of wonderful collections that the Berkeley family have accumulated over the centuries. There are number of famous items that include Queen Elizabeth I's bedspread and the cabin chest of Francis Drake. In addition visitors can see impressive collections in paintings and art works, silver, ceramic and tapestries among others.
The most historic part of the castle is the keep that was completed back in the late 12th century, it features a guard room and trip steps. There is also a holding cell and dungeon and over the years the castle has had periods when it has been under attack and besieged such as during the Civil War back in the 17th century.
The King's Gallery is known for its cell and dungeon and for being the place where King Edward II was imprisoned and murdered. There are a number of portraits of many of monarchs on the walls, there is also some of Francis Drake's furniture on view.
The Picture Gallery offers visitors the chance to see some of the acclaimed art works, here the collection is predominately of Dutch paintings, and there are a number of sea pictures that feature ships that had a connection to Berkeley. The gallery also has a number of items relating to hunting and sports, with the main attraction being the George Stubbs work.
The Dining Room was once used as the servants hall, however it currently displays a range of Georgian silverware and a collection of family portraits. The large room is imposing and the large fireplace the centrepiece of the room and there is an impressive chandelier too.
The Kitchen, Larders and Buttery formed the main medieval working rooms, they were originally set up back in the 14th century and have not been altered much over the years. In years gone by the rooms would have been at the centre of activities in the house. The kitchen is noted for the spider web ceiling and contains equipment that would have been used back in Tudor times up to and including in the 20th century. The Buttery contains lead sinks chopping block and a number of other kitchen utensils.
The Great Hall and Armoury is seen as the centrepiece of the Castle and is the scene of where Kings and Queens have wined over the years. The room is large at over 60 feet in length and over 30 feet high, the hall dates back to the 14th century, the decorations are ornate and the design impressive, on the walls there are Oudenarde tapestries that illustrate the history of Queen Esther. Whilst the stained glass in the windows shows visitors the number of alliances in the family. The room is synonymous with Berkeley and has come to symbolise the wealth of history and tradition that are contained within the castle.
The Morning Room was formerly the Chapel of St Mary, it was converted back in the 1920s. Back in the 15th century the chaplain here was John Trevisa, who wanted to make the Bible available for everyone to read, he translated the Bible in to Norman French which was the spoken language at the time and a one stage the whole of the Book of Revelation was written in Norman French on to the chapel ceiling.
The Long Drawing Room is known for the wall mirrors and the gilt furniture that dates back to the 18th century. The furniture was embroided over a span of ten years by the wife of the 4th Earl.
The Gardens surround the outside of the castle and overlook the fields of the Berkeley Vale. This provides a scenic backdrop to the castle; visitors are greeted with some fine views of the surroundings areas. Over the years the gardens has evolved and grown, each generation of the family has left their own mark on the gardens resulting in the gardens as we see them today.
There have been a number of flowers, terraces and trees that have been planted to help soften the imposing exterior of the castle. The gardens are known for their scent and are probably at their peak approx in June. Visitors can also see a range of trees, flora, plants and shrubs.
The Lily Pond was earlier a swimming pool during the time of the previous Earl. There are steps that lead on to the Great Lawn that contain two Culloden Pines, it is thought they were originally brought back by the 4th Earl of Berkeley.
The Butterfly House is located within the confines of the old walled kitchen, here visitors can see over 40 varieties and species from around the world including Indonesia and Japan. Visitors can look out for the largest moth in the world along with seeing the interesting display of chrysalises and caterpillars.
For those keen on gardening there is a plant centre that contains a number of varieties of plants including some unusual and rare varieties from the Castle's own grounds. The gardens help to add a great setting around the historic castle, an area that offers peace and tranquillity along with a range of flowers, plants and trees.
How to Get There
Berkeley can be accessed by both car and public transport:
By Car:
Berkeley in Gloucestershire is located approx 130 miles from central London. The approx journey time is 2 hour 30 minutes from London. From London take the A4, then the M4 all the way until junction 20. At junction 20 of the M4 exit on to the M5 heading towards Gloucester. At junction 14 of the M5 take the B4509 exit towards Dursley. Then take the A38 North towards Berkeley and follow the brown tourist signs to the Castle.
There are free parking facilities located on site.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode is GL13 9BQ.
By Train:
From London Paddington station in central London there are trains available to Bristol Parkway & Bristol Temple Meads located approx 20 miles from the site. The Approx journey time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. Visitors can get a taxi from either of the Bristol stations, the taxi ride would be approx 35 minutes.
Contact Details
Berkeley Castle
Berkeley
Gloucestershire
GL13 9BQ
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1453 810332
email: info@berkeley-castle.com
Website: Berkeley Castle
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
Open from April until October
Open between 11.00 until 17.30 (Bank Holidays, Sundays & Thursdays)
Also open Sundays to Thursday inclusive in July and August
Open Sundays to Thursdays inclusive during School Holidays
NOTE: It is recommended visitors check before going to ensure the Castle & Gardens are open before going, the opening days vary according to the time of year.
Further Information:
Castle, Gardens & Butterfly House:
Adults: £9.50 approx, Children: £5 approx, Concessions £7.50 approx, Students: £7.50 approx and Family ticket: £24 approx..
Gardens:
Adults: £5 approx & Children: £2 approx.
Butterfly House:
Adults: £3.50 approx & Children: £2 approx.
Facilities:
There is unfortunately no disabled assess, there are a number of stairs and uneven floors in the castle & in the gardens. However for those that can manage some stairs it is advisable to call before you visit to check for advice.
The Tea Room offers a range of drinks, cakes, light snacks as well as
afternoon tea.
There is a Picnic Area, where visitors can enjoy a picnic in the great outdoors in scenic surroundings.
The Gift shop offers a range of gifts, souvenirs and books.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Berkeley Castle Map
Tips & Other Considerations
Opening hours may vary depending on the time of year and other factors. It is recommended visitors double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open and avoid disappointment.
Follow sensible travel tips and remain alert, vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. Ensure valuables i.e. your wallet/purse are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is worn across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Berkeley in Gloucestershire, ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. For directions for your trip use the journey planner tool for door to door directions. Check the traffic news before you begin your journey.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates before you travel, look out for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops in time.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
