Holidaying in the UK would be incomplete without visiting a castle.
However, you don’t need to settle for a bouncy castle or travel too far to get a glimpse of the fortified British heritage.
The West Midland region is chock-full of spectacular and intriguing fortresses that tell the stories of valiant knights, clashing arms, and battles that still stir the soul.
Let’s look at the 15 majestic castles in Birmingham and the rest of the West Midland region.
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This Article Contains
15 Majestic Castles in Birmingham and In the West Midlands Region
- Weoley Castle, Birmingham
- Warwick Castle
- Tamworth Castle
- Kenilworth Castle
- Stafford Castle
- Ludlow Castle
- Eastnor Castle
- Ashby De La Zouch Castle
- Sudeley Castle
- Alton Castle
- Shrewsbury Castle
- Stokesay Castle
- Kirby Muxloe Castle
- Dudley Castle
- Clun Castle
15 Majestic Castles in Birmingham and In The West Midlands Region
The West Midland region boasts a rich history with more than 16 castles in and around Birmingham city.
Let’s take a look at the castles you can visit within Birmingham and those located within 100 miles of the city.
1. Weoley Castle, Birmingham
Weoley Castle is a 750-year-old manor house initially built as a hunting lodge by the Lords of Dudley. However, it was still called a castle as it had a moat, towers, arrow slits, and an impressive great hall.
The remains of the manor house mainly date from the 13th century, which can be seen from the viewing platform open every day throughout the year.
The castle is now owned by the Birmingham City Council and administered as a community museum by Birmingham Museum Trust.
Weoley Castle also has a shopping square (Weoley Castle Square) which includes a large traffic island maintained as a recreational area by the Birmingham City Council. The Castle Square also houses a museum, health centre, shopping area, churches, and a library.
Address: Alwold Road, Birmingham, B29 5RX
Website: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/weoley
Phone no.: 0121 348 8000
Entry fee: Free
Opening times: Open every day throughout the year
Nearest bus/train stations:
Bus: Swinford Rd (2 min walk)
Train: Kings Norton (29 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Lapworth Museum of Geology (49 min walk/11 min drive)
2. Warwick Castle
Set within 64 acres of formal garden and with more than 1,000 years of history, the Warwick Castle offers the ultimate action-packed and historical experience to its visitors.
The castle hosts several live shows and experiences, including the Birds of Prey show. There’s also a kids’ play area, shops to buy keepsakes, and restaurants to grab a quick bite during your visit.
Address: Castle Hill, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4QU
Website: https://www.warwick-castle.com/
Phone no.: 0192 640 6610
Entry fee: From £24
Opening times: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Nearest bus/train stations:
Bus: Warwick Castle (5 min walk)
Train: Warwick (13 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Collegiate Church of St Mary’s (6 min walk/3 min drive)
3. Tamworth Castle
Tamworth Castle, located near Sutton Coldfield, offers spectacular views overlooking Rivers Tame and Anker. The stunning landscape also makes it an excellent wedding spot.
The castle’s fantastic displays and perfectly intact rooms provide accurate experiences of life during Victorian times.
Visitors can try out real armour and period costumes, pose with a sword, and discover how the Saxon battle plans were made.
Address: The Holloway, Tamworth, Staffs, B79 7NA
Website: https://www.tamworthcastle.co.uk/
Phone no.: 0182 770 9626
Entry fee: From £9.95
Opening times:
Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sundays, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Nearest bus/train stations:
Bus: Corporation St (Stand R) (5 min walk)
Train: Tamworth (13 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Tamworth Street Market (9 min walk/2 min drive)
4. Kenilworth Castle
Kenilworth Castle is one of the most significant historical attractions in the West Midlands. This property received a complete make-over from Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester.
You can explore the exhibition at the gatehouse, climb up the tower, and experience the grandeur of the early Tudor kings in the great hall.
Nature lovers can also stroll through the formal garden, just like Queen Elizabeth I would have liked to do herself.
Address: Castle Green, Kenilworth CV8 1NG, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kenilworth-castle/
Phone no.: 0370 333 1181
Entry fee: From £13.90
Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Nearest bus/train stations:
Bus: Queen & Castle (3 min walk)
Train: Kenilworth (21 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Priory Theatre (13 min walk/3 min drive)
5. Stafford Castle
The art gallery in Stafford Castle features a fantastic collection of artefacts retrieved from archaeological excavations between 1978-1998.
Explore the property’s expansive 26 acres of parkland and visit the keep, inner and outer bailey, woodland, and the fragrant herb garden. Also, enjoy some fun activities at the visitor centre like coin minting, brass rubbing, and period dress-up.
And you can be a part of several exciting events throughout the year, including the annual Stafford Shakespeare Festival, themed tours, workshops, etc.
Address: Newport Road, Stafford, ST16 1DJ
Website: https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/stafford-castle-and-visitor-centre
Phone no.: 017 8525 7698
Entry fee: Free
Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Nearest bus/train stations:
Bus: Castle Church (2 min walk)
Train: Stafford (33 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Victoria Park (30 min walk/5 min drive)
6. Ludlow Castle
Located in the heart of Ludlow town, this castle was first a Norman fortress and later became a fortified palace.
Ludlow Castle is owned by the Earls of Powis and hosts several festivals during the year, including guided tours, Birds of Prey display, and a mediaeval Christmas fayre.
It also includes an artist and jewellery maker’s shop, a tea room, and self-catering apartments for overnight stays.
Address: Castle Square, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1AY
Website: https://www.ludlowcastle.com/
Phone no.: 0158 487 4465
Entry fee: From £8.00
Opening times: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Nearest bus/train stations:
Bus: Tourist Information Centre (3 min walk)
Train: Ludlow (13 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Ludlow market (3 min walk/7 min drive)
7. Eastnor Castle
Eastnor Castle is almost a fairy-tale-like castle with picturesque deer parkland, a quaint lake, woodland, and a botanical garden.
Once a family home, the castle features extravagant Gothic interiors and a notable fine art gallery. Other standout features include the assault course, knight’s maze, and the Burma bridge treetop walkway.
Address: Eastnor Castle, Eastnor, Nr Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1RL
Website: https://eastnorcastle.com/
Phone no.: 0153 163 3160
Entry fee: From £13.00
Opening times: Check the open dates on the website
Nearest bus/train stations:
Bus: Ledbury (45 min walk)
Train: Colwall (11 min drive)
Nearby attractions: Ledbury Parish Church St. Michaels and All Angels (47 min walk/7 min drive)
8. Ashby De La Zouch Castle
This is a 12th century manor house that was expanded by Lord William Hastings to be categorised as a castle. The castle later became home to his descendants, one of whom became the 1st Earl of Huntingdon under Henry VIII.
Enjoy a walk through the castle’s ruin, climb up the towers, and walk through the underground passage running between the tower and the kitchen.
Additionally, there’s disabled parking available on-site, and you can bring a picnic to the ground.
Address: South Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, LE65 1BR
Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ashby-de-la-zouch-castle/
Phone no.: 0153 041 3343
Entry fee: From £7.80
Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Nearest bus/train stations:
Bus: Market Street, Ashby-De-La-Zouch (2 min walk)
Train: Burton-on-Trent (30 min ride)
Nearby attractions: St Helens Church (3 min walk/2 min drive)
9. Sudeley Castle
One of the first Tudor Castles in the country, the Sudeley Castle dates back to 1442 and boasts stunning rose gardens. The castle is the final resting place of Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of King Henry VIII.
The beautiful surrounding areas and the intriguing history of the castle also make it the perfect Cotswold wedding venue.
See some of their treasures on display, learn about the Castle’s famous inhabitants, and witness the largest public collection of pheasants worldwide.
Address: Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5JD
Website: https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/
Phone no.: 0124 260 4244
Entry fee: From £19.50
Opening times: Every day, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Nearest bus/train stations:
Bus: War Memorial (15 min walk)
Train: Cheltenham Spa (24 min drive)
Nearby attractions: St. Peter’s Church (15 min walk/3 min drive)
10. Alton Castle
The Alton Castle is a Gothic-revival castle constructed on a hill above the Churnet Valley. The original castle dates back to the 12th century, parts of which were destroyed during the Civil War.
The property is now a youth retreat centre and welcomes groups for adventurous outdoor activities. You can visit their website to know more about the upcoming events. These include archery, mountain biking, trekking to the surrounding areas, and team building activities.
Address: Castle Hill Road, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST10 4TT
Website: https://www.kenelmyouthtrust.org.uk/altoncastle.html
Phone no.: 0153 870 3224
Opening times: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Nearest bus/train stations:
Bus: Knight Lane, Alton (5 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Alton Towers Theme Park (30 min walk/5 min drive)
11. Shrewsbury Castle
Built originally from wood, Shrewsbury Castle was a royal castle until the era of Elizabeth I.
The building was later reconstructed several times, also during the Civil War. However, traces of the early work can still be seen on the lower floor of the great hall and the main gateway.
The castle houses the Shropshire Regimental Museum, which showcases a light infantry collection. The Laura Tower within the premises also forms the perfect wedding backdrop.
Address: Castle Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 2AT
Website: https://www.shropshiremuseums.org.uk/shrewsbury-castle/
Phone no.: 0174 325 8885
Entry fee: From £5.00
Opening times: Friday to Wednesday, 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Nearest bus/train stations:
Bus: Dogpole (3 min walk)
Train: Shrewsbury (13 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Shrewsbury Prison (2 min walk/6 min drive)
12. Stokesay Castle
Stokesay Castle is one of the best-preserved mediaeval manor houses in the United Kingdom. Its great hall has stayed intact for over 700 years.
Spot the characters carved in its gatehouse timber and climb the top of the tower to get the fairy-tale vibe.
Also, enjoy English tea with cake in the tea room while soaking in some breathtaking views of the Shropshire countryside.
Address: Stokesay, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 9AH
Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stokesay-castle/
Phone no.: 0370 333 1181
Entry fee: From £10.00
Opening times: Every day, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Nearest bus/train stations:
Bus: Secret Hills Discovery Centre (3 min walk)
Train: Craven Arms (22 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Land of Lost Content Museum (16 min walk/3 min drive)
13. Kirby Muxloe Castle
Built by Lord Hastings, this fortified mansion features atmospheric moated remains, a gatehouse, and a corner tower.
The castle is maintained by English Heritage and offers an excellent spot for a family day out. Have a perfect British picnic on the vast ground and enjoy leisure walks around the moat.
Address: Kirby Muxloe, Leicester LE9 2BY, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kirby-muxloe-castle/
Phone no.: 0370 333 1181
Entry fee: From £6.00
Opening times: Saturday- Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Nearest bus/train stations:
Bus: Station Close, Kirby Muxloe (11 min walk)
Train: Leicester (19 min drive)
Nearby attractions: Jewry Wall Museum (1 hr 24 min walk/11 min drive)
14. Dudley Castle
Dudley Castle is a ruined mediaeval castle located within the Dudley Zoological Park.
Some of the noteworthy features of this castle include an impressive stone keep, the Norman motte and surrounding bailey, the Tudor gatehouse, and the Sharington range.
Enjoy upcoming events like live demonstrations performed by re-enactment groups, take the highly popular ghost walks, jam with the open-air musical events, and watch the fantastic Birds of Prey display.
Address: Dudley Zoo & Castle, Castle Hill, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 4QF
Website: https://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/dudley-castle/
Phone No.: 0138 421 5313
Entry fee: From £17.70
Opening times: Every day from 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Nearest bus/train stations:
Bus: Birmingham St (2 min walk)
Train: Dudley Port (52 min walk)
Nearby attractions: Priory Park (27 min walk/6 min drive)
15. Clun Castle
Maintained by English Heritage, the Clun Castle is a riverside fort established by the Norman Lord Robert de Say. Its ruin is located on a high rocky mound on the edge of Clun, a small town in Shropshire.
Visit the castle to participate in two community events hosted every year – the Green Man Festival and the Clun Carnival and show.
There’s free car parking available next to the castle. You can also visit shops, cafes, and pubs in the nearby village.
Address: Craven Arms, Clun, Shropshire, SY7 8JT
Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/clun-castle/
Phone no.: 0370 333 1181
Entry fee: Free entry
Opening times: Open during daylight hours
Nearest bus/train stations:
Bus: Ford Street Jct (4 min walk)
Train: Shrewsbury (47 min drive)
Nearby attractions: Stokesay Castle (18 min drive)