One of England's most picturesque castles, playing an important role in the nation's history for over 1,000 years.
Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5LP
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Parkland / open spaces
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Picnic area
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Shop
We recognise that a historic site can present access difficulties. Sudeley Castle staff are always happy to help our visitors – please do not hesitate to ask.
Please note that the castle rooms and exhibition areas are unsuitable for wheelchair users. A circular route around the gardens is wheelchair accessible although some visitors may require assistance from their companion.
A full access statement is available https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/plan-your-visit/access-information
Home to Elizabeth, Lady Ashcombe and the Dent-Brocklehurst family, Sudeley Castle and Gardens is a Tudor jewel with 1,000 years of history, formal gardens, events, tours and exhibitions.
Sudeley is the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within its grounds – Katherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII’s six wives. Today visitors can explore the intimate 15th-century church where she lies entombed and visit the enchanting grounds where she once walked. The castle and exhibition rooms contain many fascinating treasures from Roman times to the Tudors, the Victorian era to the present day.
Outside, the castle is surrounded by a quintessentially English, 1,200-acre estate and 10 spectacular gardens. The centrepiece is the Queens’ Garden, so named because four of England’s queens, Anne Boleyn, Katherine Parr, Lady Jane Grey, and Elizabeth I, once walked upon the original Tudor Parterre.
The whole family can explore the castle’s fascinating past and enjoy seasonal events, including falconry, outdoor theatre and musical moments, throughout the year. Children will love scaling the wooden fort and whizzing on the zip wire in the famed Adventure Playground, as well as tackling a 10-piece assault course.
Sudeley’s Pavilion café (located at the entrance/exit) delivers tasty, locally sourced hot and cold food from a seasonal menu while a Shepherd’s Hut on your route is a welcome pitstop for lighter, al fresco options.
Sudeley’s expert friendly guides host daily tours and talks, including exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ tours to discover the private apartments.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Sudeley Castle & Gardens Opening Times 2026
General Admission Season: 14th March – 1st November 2026 (inclusive)
Daily Opening Hours:
- Castle & Gardens open: 10:00am
- Last admission: 3:00pm
- Castle closes: 4:00pm
- Site closes: 5:00pm
Exceptional Closures: The castle and grounds will be closed for general admission on 20th June, 17th–20th July, 25th–26th July, and 8th August.
Guided Tours & Activities
Daily Guided Tours: Guided tours of the Castle & Gardens are available daily at 11:00am and 1:00pm. Each tour lasts 45 minutes and departs from the Dungeon Tower Terrace. Please allow 10 minutes to reach the terrace from the main entrance.
Daily Talks and Tours: A general programme of talks and tours runs throughout the open season.
Children's Activities: A summer programme of children's activities is available during the summer months.
Facilities & Exhibitions
Adventure Playground: Open during the general admission season, closing at 4:45pm daily.
Picnic Areas: Available throughout the open season during site opening hours (10:00am–5:00pm).
Ruins to Revival – Outdoor Exhibition: The latest exhibition is on display during the 2026 open season.
Special Events
250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence: A special event will take place on Friday, 4th July 2026 at 12:00pm.
Children (3-15 years) £10.00
Adults (16+ years) £23.00
Family Ticket (2 adults, 3 children) £58.00 includes 2x adults and 3 children
Infant under 3yrs FREE
Historic House Members FREE
Blue Peter Badge Holders FREE
Carers FREE
Sudeley Castle & Gardens extends a very warm welcome to anyone hoping to make a group booking with us.
We offer a number of perks for large parties over 15+ pax including: preferential rates; free places for tour guides and drivers; meal vouchers for drivers; dedicated free coach parking; as well as free familiarisation visits for group leaders.
Group visits must be pre-booked in advance and full information can be found on Sudeley Castle’s website https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/plan-your-visit/group-bookings
We recognise that a historic site can present access difficulties. Sudeley Castle staff are always happy to help our visitors – please do not hesitate to ask.
Please note that the castle rooms and exhibition areas are unsuitable for wheelchair users. A circular route around the gardens is wheelchair accessible although some visitors may require assistance from their companion.
A full access statement is available https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/plan-your-visit/access-information
Getting here
Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5LP
Sudeley Castle & Gardens is situated near Winchcombe, 8 miles north east of Cheltenham on the B4632 (A46) or just 10 miles from junction 9 of the M5. For Satnavs, our postcode is GL54 5LP.
We offer ample FREE parking and disabled parking.
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