Totternhoe Knolls - Image 1
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Totternhoe Castle

4.7
·85 reviews·Totternhoe, United Kingdom

Explore the historical earthworks of Totternhoe Castle amidst the stunning chalk hills of Totternhoe Knolls nature reserve.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather for walks

CrowdLow
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Totternhoe Knolls - Image 1

Totternhoe Castle

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather for walks

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the historical earthworks of Totternhoe Castle amidst the stunning chalk hills of Totternhoe Knolls nature reserve.

4.7
(85 reviews)

"Found this place by accident, had a lovely walk around and such a peaceful place to visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The terrain is bumpy with steep climbs. Good walking shoes are essential for navigating the chalk hills.

🗺️ Use GPS Carefully

Google Maps can be inaccurate here. Look for the Totternhoe Knolls car park and follow signs.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Totternhoe Castle Earthworks

Totternhoe Castle Earthworks

Totternhoe Knolls

Explore the remnants of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle, now a fascinating historical earthwork.

TikTok
Chalk Hill Scenery

Chalk Hill Scenery

Totternhoe Knolls

Climb the steep, chalky hills for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Reddit
Wooded Trails and Old Railway Bridge

Wooded Trails and Old Railway Bridge

Behind the hills

Discover hidden wooded areas and an old railway bridge, adding a touch of mystery to your walk.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Totternhoe Castle's Remains

Totternhoe Castle is more of a historical site than a traditional castle. Expect uneven terrain and steep climbs, so wear sturdy shoes. It's part of the Totternhoe Knolls nature reserve, offering beautiful walks but can be tricky to find. Instagram

Embrace the Natural Beauty

This isn't a preserved castle; it's a motte-and-bailey earthwork. The real draw is the stunning landscape of chalk hills and surrounding nature. Perfect for dog walkers and families seeking an active outdoor experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for walks
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer families and runners
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Cooler temperatures for activity
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tucked away at Totternhoe Knolls nature reserve is what remains of the site of the former Totternhoe Castle. #nationaltrust #nationaltrustsoutheast #nationaltrusteastofengland #wildlifetrust #totternhoe #totternhoeknolls #britishhistory #castleoftheworld #Castle #motteandbailey #normancastle #Bedfordshire #visitbedfordshire #experiencebedfordshire @nationaltrust @southeastnt @eastofenglandnt @wi...
ruthmelnykowicz
51 likes • 448 views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The terrain is bumpy with steep climbs. Good walking shoes are essential for navigating the chalk hills. Reddit

🗺️ Use GPS Carefully

Google Maps can be inaccurate here. Look for the Totternhoe Knolls car park and follow signs. Instagram

Join us tomorrow for Thursday Hills - 6:45pm Totternhoe Knolls Car park. Up and Down Castle Hill 1hr 🏃🏽‍♂️🏃🏽‍♀️ Bring a torch and hi-vis if you have. (Please note the turn for the lane is easily missed, it's between the Dinosaur house and the bus stop.) ➡️ Sign up Link in BIO ⬅️ (You will not see this castle, Google maps is incorrect 🤣) #running #castle #Totternhoe #bedfordshire #trailrunning
bedfordshiretrailrunners
3 likes • 72 views
Well done to our Thursday hill runners. New autumn location for some 3min reps up and down before a little run to Castle Hill (more hills). Enjoying the foggy views 😀🏃🏼‍♀️🌿🌳🏃‍♂️ #runtogether #trailsquad #CommunityRun #trailrunning #Bedfordshire #running #Bedfordshire #dunstable #Luton #totternhoe #eatonbray #leightonbuzzard #runforfun #runforfitness
bedfordshiretrailrunners
2 likes • 51 views

🐶 Dog-Friendly Paradise

A peaceful and safe place for dogs with plenty of routes to explore. Keep them on a lead if sheep are present. Reddit

🔦 Bring a Torch (Evening)

If visiting for evening runs or walks, a torch is recommended for visibility. Instagram

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The terrain is bumpy with steep climbs. Good walking shoes are essential for navigating the chalk hills. Reddit

🗺️ Use GPS Carefully

Google Maps can be inaccurate here. Look for the Totternhoe Knolls car park and follow signs. Instagram

🐶 Dog-Friendly Paradise

A peaceful and safe place for dogs with plenty of routes to explore. Keep them on a lead if sheep are present. Reddit

🔦 Bring a Torch (Evening)

If visiting for evening runs or walks, a torch is recommended for visibility. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic views from the hills are stunning, especially on a clear day. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(85 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Totternhoe Castle for its beautiful natural scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and the fun of climbing the chalk hills, making it a great spot for families and dog walkers. Some find it a bit tricky to locate and note the uneven, steep terrain, advising sturdy footwear. Reddit

"A very nice place, Not so easy to find of you are new to this place. Lots of walk ways around the area taking you off into different directions. Very bumpy area with steep climbs up the hills but great views once up them. Found a big open area at the back of the hills with some nice wooded area's and there is a old railway bridge here also. Lovely views across the fields from up here and lovely chalk cliffs around here."

ONwoods Upwoods

"Totternhoe is a peaceful safe place to walk and for your dogs. Lots of different routes to take."

joanne southern

"Lovely walks around the Tottenhoe Knolls. So peaceful amazing views"

A G

What People Like

Beautiful views
Peaceful atmosphere
Great for dogs

What People Dislike

Hard to find
Uneven terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Totternhoe Castle is located within the Totternhoe Knolls nature reserve. The easiest way to find it is to navigate to the Totternhoe Knolls car park. Be aware that GPS can sometimes be misleading, so look for local signage. Instagram

Yes, there is a car park at Totternhoe Knolls, which serves as the main access point for exploring the castle remains and surrounding nature reserve. Instagram

Public transport options are limited. It's best to check local bus routes that serve the Totternhoe area, but driving is generally the most convenient way to access the site. Instagram

There are many different routes to take around Totternhoe Knolls, offering varied experiences from wooded areas to open hills. Explore the paths that lead up the chalk hills for the best views. Reddit

While there are trails, the steep and uneven terrain of the chalk hills might not be ideal for all types of cycling. It's primarily a walking and running destination. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Totternhoe Castle and the surrounding Totternhoe Knolls nature reserve are free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees. TikTok

As a nature reserve, Totternhoe Knolls is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times, but it's best to visit when there is sufficient light for safety. Instagram

Parking at the Totternhoe Knolls car park is typically free, but it's always a good idea to check for any local signage regarding parking regulations. Instagram

Yes, Totternhoe Castle and the Knolls are accessible year-round. However, weather conditions can affect the terrain, especially after rain. Reddit

There are no official guided tours for Totternhoe Castle itself. Visitors typically explore independently, enjoying the historical earthworks and natural landscape. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Today, Totternhoe Castle is an archaeological site featuring the earthwork remains of a motte-and-bailey castle. It's set within the beautiful Totternhoe Knolls nature reserve. TikTok

Yes, children often love climbing the chalk hills and exploring the open spaces. It's a great place for active families, though supervision is recommended on the steep slopes. Reddit

The area is a nature reserve, so you might encounter various bird species, insects, and potentially sheep grazing on the hills. Reddit

There are no specific facilities like toilets or cafes directly at the castle site. Visitors should come prepared with their own refreshments and essentials. Reddit

The terrain is varied, featuring open grassy areas, steep chalk hills that can be slippery, and some wooded sections. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic views from the top of the chalk hills are spectacular. The historical earthworks themselves also make for interesting photographic subjects. Reddit

Absolutely. The rolling hills, chalk cliffs, and expansive skies offer fantastic opportunities for landscape photographers, especially during sunrise or sunset. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and warm tones on the landscape. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and National Trust guidelines (if applicable to the specific area) before flying a drone. TikTok

The summit of the main chalk hills offers the most expansive viewpoints. Explore different angles as you ascend and descend. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Totternhoe Knolls is a fantastic spot for families looking for an active day out. Children will love climbing the steep chalk hills and exploring the open spaces. The varied terrain provides an exciting adventure, and the chance to see sheep grazing adds to the fun. Reddit Remember to bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on site. Sturdy footwear is a must for everyone to navigate the bumpy ground safely. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

This is a dog-friendly paradise! Totternhoe Knolls offers peaceful and safe walking routes for your canine companions. There's plenty of space for them to explore, and the varied terrain provides good exercise. Reddit While dogs are welcome, it's always a good idea to keep them on a lead, especially if there are sheep in the vicinity, to ensure their safety and respect for the wildlife. Reddit

🏃‍♀️ Runners and Hikers

For trail runners and hikers, Totternhoe Knolls offers a challenging and scenic workout. The steep climbs up the chalk hills provide excellent interval training opportunities, as noted by local running groups. Instagram+1 The varied paths and open landscapes make for an engaging run or hike. If you're planning an evening session, bring a torch as visibility can decrease after dark. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Totternhoe Castle

Totternhoe Castle, though now just earthworks, was once a significant Norman motte-and-bailey castle built in the 11th century. Its strategic location on a prominent hill would have offered commanding views of the surrounding landscape. The castle's primary purpose was to assert Norman control over the region. Over centuries, the structure has eroded, leaving behind the distinctive mounds and ditches that visitors can explore today. TikTok

These earthworks are a testament to medieval defensive architecture. The motte (a large artificial mound) would have supported a wooden or stone keep, while the bailey (an enclosed courtyard) housed barracks, stables, and other essential buildings. Walking through the site, you can still discern the shapes of these historical fortifications, offering a tangible connection to England's past. TikTok

Today, the site is managed as part of the Totternhoe Knolls nature reserve, blending historical significance with natural beauty. It's a place where history buffs and nature lovers can both find something to appreciate, making it a unique destination for exploration. Reddit

Exploring Totternhoe Knolls Nature Reserve

Totternhoe Knolls is a designated nature reserve renowned for its chalk grassland and dramatic landscapes. The area is characterized by its steep, rolling hills, offering a challenging yet rewarding walking experience. The chalk soil supports a unique ecosystem, attracting various plant and insect species. Reddit

Visitors often describe the knolls as a peaceful and safe place for walks, with plenty of different routes to discover. The open spaces are perfect for families and dog walkers, providing ample room for children to play and dogs to roam. The views from the higher points are consistently praised, offering sweeping vistas across the fields and countryside. Reddit

Beyond the castle earthworks, the reserve also features interesting geological formations, including chalk cliffs, and can lead to areas with wooded sections and even remnants of old railway lines. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to escape into nature and enjoy an active outdoor adventure. Reddit

Practicalities for Visitors

When planning your visit to Totternhoe Castle and Totternhoe Knolls, remember that this is a natural landscape, not a manicured tourist attraction. The terrain is uneven and can be steep, especially on the chalk hills. Therefore, sturdy walking shoes or boots are essential. Reddit Many visitors mention getting muddy, so dress accordingly, especially if visiting after rain. Reddit

While the site is beautiful, it lacks amenities like toilets or cafes. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks. For those planning evening visits, particularly for running groups, a torch or headlamp is recommended for safety. Instagram Navigating to the site can also be a challenge, as GPS can sometimes be inaccurate; the Totternhoe Knolls car park is the best starting point. Instagram

Totternhoe Castle is a fantastic destination for a relaxed walk, a challenging hike, or a family outing. Its appeal lies in its natural beauty and historical intrigue, offering a genuine outdoor experience away from the crowds. Reddit

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