Berkhamsted Castle
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Berkhamsted Castle

4.5
·912 reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore the significant remains of an 11th-century Norman motte-and-bailey castle, offering a free and immersive historical experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Berkhamsted Castle

Berkhamsted Castle

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the significant remains of an 11th-century Norman motte-and-bailey castle, offering a free and immersive historical experience.

4.5
(912 reviews)

"Beautiful remains of history, well worth a visit!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Admission! 🎉

Enjoy exploring the castle grounds and ruins without any entry fee. A great budget-friendly historical outing!

Arrive Early for Parking 🚗

The free parking lot fills up fast. Aim for an early arrival, especially on weekends, or use the train station.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Norman Motte & Bailey

Norman Motte & Bailey

Castle Grounds

Explore the impressive earthworks and stone remnants of this significant 11th-century Norman castle.

TikTok
Kitchen Fireplace

Kitchen Fireplace

Castle Ruins

Discover the remarkably preserved kitchen fireplace, a tangible link to the castle's past inhabitants.

TikTok
Moats and Outer Walls

Moats and Outer Walls

Castle Perimeter

Walk between the two moats and admire the surviving outer walls, offering a sense of the castle's former scale.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, Big History

Berkhamsted Castle offers free admission, making it an accessible historical gem. Explore the impressive remains of this Norman motte-and-bailey castle, once home to royalty and a site of sieges. Plan your visit to make the most of this educational and scenic spot. TikTokReddit

Parking & Accessibility

While parking is available right outside the castle, it fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Consider arriving early or using the nearby train station for easy access. The grounds are well-kept, offering a pleasant walk around the historical site. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Sunlight for photos, more activity
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, potential for events
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Berkhamsted Castle - the remains of this Norman motte-and-bailey castle are just a short walk from Berkhamsted town centre. With a long history of royal residents, devastating sieges and several restorations, the castle was abandoned in the late 1400s. However, the motte, some of the outer walls, parts of the original kitchens and the inner and outer ditches are still in place, and are protected a...
chilterncanalboat
35 likes • 1.2K views

Free Admission! 🎉

Enjoy exploring the castle grounds and ruins without any entry fee. A great budget-friendly historical outing! TikTok

Arrive Early for Parking 🚗

The free parking lot fills up fast. Aim for an early arrival, especially on weekends, or use the train station. TikTok

Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. 6/7. 🏙✅️ #towntickertuesday #towntickers #berkhamsted #berko #hertfordshire #herts #england #unitedkingdom #uk #chilterns #berkhamstedcastle #highstreet @berkhamstedofficial #town #towns #dacorum #explore #travel #exploreuk #traveluk #britain #southeastengland @ilovehertfordshire
towntickers
11 likes • 371 views
Berkhamsted castle is free, educational, and fun to explore! It's the ruins of a castle but you can still see the kitchen fireplace, the moat and lots of the walls. There is plenty of space to sit and have a picnic. There is also free parking right outside (but it does fill up quite early!). It's right next to the train station, so you can see a lot of trains going past, or you could get the train...
mumday_funday
6 likes • 205 views

Picnic Perfect Spot 🧺

Plenty of space to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic with historical views. TikTok

Bring Your Walking Shoes 👟

Explore the entire grounds comfortably by wearing sturdy footwear for walking around the moats and ruins. Reddit

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Tips

from all over the internet

Free Admission! 🎉

Enjoy exploring the castle grounds and ruins without any entry fee. A great budget-friendly historical outing! TikTok

Arrive Early for Parking 🚗

The free parking lot fills up fast. Aim for an early arrival, especially on weekends, or use the train station. TikTok

Picnic Perfect Spot 🧺

Plenty of space to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic with historical views. TikTok

Bring Your Walking Shoes 👟

Explore the entire grounds comfortably by wearing sturdy footwear for walking around the moats and ruins. Reddit

Learn the History 📜

Look for the information signs and the model in the lodge to understand the castle's rich timeline. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(912 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Berkhamsted Castle for its free entry, impressive historical remains, and scenic grounds, making it a worthwhile stop for history buffs and families. While some note there isn't a vast amount to see, the well-preserved earthworks and kitchen fireplace offer a tangible connection to the past. The natural beauty and wildlife also add to the charm of this accessible heritage site.

"Built in 1066
and was destroyed in the 15th century.🤷‍♂️
An interesting fact is that the castle was owned by William I, who was the first Norman king of England.🤴
If you are a fan of history and culture, this is the place you should visit.🤌"

Exploring With Ivo

"Beautiful remains of history. Visited on a grey day, but the place was still beautiful. There were lots of Canadian Geese with their goslings and some Ducks and their ducklings... They have a nice miniature model of the Castle in the Lodge at the entrance and a lovely lady gave us some info and brochures. They have banners surrounding the side of the lodge with the castle's historic timeline from 1066. Well worth a visit!!"

Ssequin

"Really enjoyed spending a few hours looking at the castle. And the tour guide was very knowledgeable and knew his stuff. It's well worth a visit"

jwhitbread79

What People Like

Free admission
Impressive earthworks
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Limited ruins

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Berkhamsted Castle is conveniently located right next to the Berkhamsted train station, making it easily accessible by public transport. If driving, there is a free parking lot directly outside the castle, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. TikTokReddit

Yes, there is a free parking lot available right outside the castle entrance. However, it is quite small and tends to fill up early, particularly during peak times. TikTok

Absolutely! Berkhamsted Castle is just a short and pleasant walk from the town centre, making it easy to combine a visit with exploring the local shops and amenities. TikTok

Yes, the castle is very well-served by public transport. Berkhamsted train station is adjacent to the castle, with regular services from London Euston and other major stations. TikTok

For ease and convenience, arriving by train is highly recommended due to the castle's proximity to the station. If driving, arrive early to secure parking or be prepared to find alternative parking in town. TikTokReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Berkhamsted Castle offers free admission to all visitors. You can explore the historical grounds and ruins without any cost. TikTok

As an open-air historical site with free access, Berkhamsted Castle does not have set opening hours. You can visit at any reasonable time during daylight hours. Reddit

No booking is required as entry is free. You can simply turn up and explore the castle remains at your leisure. TikTok

While there isn't a regular scheduled tour service, knowledgeable volunteers or staff may be present at times to offer insights. Check local listings or inquire at the lodge. Reddit

Yes, you can get a good sense of the castle's layout and history with a shorter visit, though exploring the full grounds takes a bit longer. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see the significant remains of an 11th- to 13th-century motte and bailey castle, including impressive earthworks, outer walls, and the original kitchen fireplace. TikTok+1

Yes, kids often enjoy exploring the open spaces, imagining life in a castle, and learning about its history. The moats and walls provide a sense of adventure. TikTok

Absolutely! The grounds offer plenty of space for picnics, making it a lovely spot to relax and enjoy a meal with a historical backdrop. TikTok

Basic facilities may be available in the nearby lodge or town centre. It's advisable to check in advance or use facilities before your visit. Reddit

Wear comfortable shoes and take your time walking around the entire perimeter, between the moats, and exploring the visible ruins. The information signs provide historical context. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the imposing motte, the sweeping views of the moats, and the textures of the ancient stone walls. The kitchen fireplace also makes for a unique shot. TikTok+1

Yes, the dramatic earthworks, surviving walls, and natural setting make Berkhamsted Castle a very photogenic location, especially on a clear day. TikTok

Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the scale of the earthworks, while late afternoon offers softer light and longer shadows for dramatic effect. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites to protect the heritage and for safety reasons. It's best to check with the managing authority before flying. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permission. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Berkhamsted Castle is a fantastic free outing for families. Kids can enjoy the open spaces for running around, imagining themselves as knights and royalty. The visible ruins, moats, and the kitchen fireplace spark curiosity and make history tangible. It's a great spot for a picnic lunch, turning a historical visit into a fun family day out. TikTok

Encourage children to explore the earthworks and learn about the castle's past using the information signs. The proximity to the train station also makes it an easy destination for families traveling from further afield. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone to navigate the grounds easily. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Berkhamsted Castle is a dream destination. Entry is completely free, allowing you to experience a significant historical site without spending a penny on admission. TikTok

Pack a picnic to save on food costs, as the grounds are perfect for it. The castle's location near the train station also means you can avoid car parking fees. It's an excellent way to immerse yourself in history and enjoy a beautiful setting on a shoestring budget. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Norman History

Berkhamsted Castle stands as a significant testament to Norman military architecture in England. Originally a motte-and-bailey castle, its construction dates back to the 11th century, shortly after the Norman Conquest. William the Conqueror himself is believed to have ordered its construction, strategically placing it to control the route from London to the Midlands. The castle played a crucial role in medieval England, witnessing sieges and royal ownership, including periods when it was held by figures like Thomas Becket and Richard, Earl of Cornwall. TikTokReddit

Over centuries, the castle evolved, with additions and modifications made to its structure. However, by the late 15th century, it had fallen into disrepair and was largely abandoned. Today, the impressive earthworks, including the prominent motte and surrounding moats, along with remnants of the stone walls and the iconic kitchen fireplace, offer a vivid impression of its former grandeur. These visible remains allow visitors to connect with the castle's long and storied past. TikTok

Exploring the Castle Grounds

Visiting Berkhamsted Castle is an immersive experience in history. The site is characterized by its substantial earthworks, including a large motte (an artificial mound) and a complex system of moats that once protected the inner bailey. Visitors can walk along the ramparts of these earthworks, gaining a sense of the castle's defensive layout. TikTokReddit

Within the castle's footprint, you can explore the ruins of various structures. The most notable is the well-preserved kitchen fireplace, a fascinating glimpse into medieval domestic life. Information boards are strategically placed around the site, providing historical context and details about the different features you encounter. The grounds are spacious, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of this ancient monument. TikTokReddit

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