Totternhoe Castle
Explore the historical earthworks of Totternhoe Castle amidst the stunning chalk hills of Totternhoe Knolls nature reserve.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for walks
Totternhoe Castle
Best Time
Pleasant weather for walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the historical earthworks of Totternhoe Castle amidst the stunning chalk hills of Totternhoe Knolls nature reserve.
"Found this place by accident, had a lovely walk around and such a peaceful place to visit."
👟 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Totternhoe Castle Earthworks
Totternhoe Knolls
Explore the remnants of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle, now a fascinating historical earthwork.
Chalk Hill Scenery
Totternhoe Knolls
Climb the steep, chalky hills for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Totternhoe Castle's Remains
Embrace the Natural Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 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.
🐶 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.
🔦 Bring a Torch (Evening)
If visiting for evening runs or walks, a torch is recommended for visibility.
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.
🗺️ Use GPS Carefully
Google Maps can be inaccurate here. Look for the Totternhoe Knolls car park and follow signs.
🐶 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.
🔦 Bring a Torch (Evening)
If visiting for evening runs or walks, a torch is recommended for visibility.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views from the hills are stunning, especially on a clear day.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Totternhoe Castle and the surrounding Totternhoe Knolls nature reserve are free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees.
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.
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.
Yes, Totternhoe Castle and the Knolls are accessible year-round. However, weather conditions can affect the terrain, especially after rain.
There are no official guided tours for Totternhoe Castle itself. Visitors typically explore independently, enjoying the historical earthworks and natural landscape.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
The area is a nature reserve, so you might encounter various bird species, insects, and potentially sheep grazing on the hills.
There are no specific facilities like toilets or cafes directly at the castle site. Visitors should come prepared with their own refreshments and essentials.
The terrain is varied, featuring open grassy areas, steep chalk hills that can be slippery, and some wooded sections. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the top of the chalk hills are spectacular. The historical earthworks themselves also make for interesting photographic subjects.
Absolutely. The rolling hills, chalk cliffs, and expansive skies offer fantastic opportunities for landscape photographers, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and warm tones on the landscape.
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.
The summit of the main chalk hills offers the most expansive viewpoints. Explore different angles as you ascend and descend.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🏃♀️ Runners and Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Totternhoe Castle
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.
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.
Exploring Totternhoe Knolls Nature Reserve
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.
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.
Practicalities for Visitors
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. 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.
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.





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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit