Sudeley Castle: All You Need To Know In 5 Minutes

Standing tall in the heart of Cotswold since the 15th century, lies the Sudeley Castle. Home to some of the most renowned English Monarchs such as Edward IV, Henry VIII, Katherine Parr, and even to a secret Queen of England – Eleanor Boteler, this castle has seen its fair share of royalty. With its thousand years of rich, captivating history, the castle played an essential role in England’s chaotic past and evolution.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast fascinated by the castle and the secrets it contains or looking to unwind whilst appreciating grand architecture and breathtaking ruins, Sudeley Castle is bound not to disappoint. Interested? Read on to find out everything you need to know about Sudeley Castle!

Sudeley Castle’s Main Attractions

The Castle Gardens

Photo by The Lion Inn Winchcombe

Located around the castle, against the picturesque views of Cotswold Hills is the perfect setting for not only 1, but 10 award-winning gardens of Sudeley Castle. One of the key features this castle boasts is the Queens’ Garden. Named after 4 of England’s Queens – Anne Boleyn, Katherine Parr, Lady Jane Grey, and Elizabeth I, the garden holds over 80 varieties of roses. Go ahead and surround yourself with nature and breathe in the sweet, spicy scent of roses.

‘Royal Sudeley 1,000 Trials, Triumphs & Treasures’ Exhibition

With a long and extensive history of war, romance and royalty, this exhibition highlights the crucial historical moments of Sudeley Castle. Marvel at the collection of invaluable, rare objects showcased, giving us a glimpse into the lives their owners once led. Such items include a tragic queen’s love letters, one of the six ‘Bohun Book of Hours’ in the world that pre-dates the Black Death, and a Roman Stone God that was discovered in one of the castle’s cupboards after being missing for over a hundred years.

Pheasantry

Take a look at the 17 species of pheasants kept at Sudeley Castle Pheasantry! Together with the World Pheasant Association, the Pheasantry assists in the breeding and conservation program for many rare species of pheasants. This makes it home to one of the largest public collections of rare, endangered species of pheasants.

How To Get To Sudeley Castle

For those travelling by car, Sudeley Castle is located near Winchcombe, 8 miles north east of Cheltenham on the B4632 (A46), or 10 miles from junction 9 of the M5. Their postcode is GL545LP. Free parking and disabled parking is provided. 

Don’t have a car? Fret not, just hop on a bus travelling between Winchcombe, Cheltenham or Broadway, or travel to Sudeley Castle with Marchant Coaches on their W1, W2 and 606 services. Additionally, for those taking the train, the nearest station located to the castle is Cheltenham Spa.

Sudeley Castle Opening Hours

Sudeley Castle typically opens daily from 4th March to 22nd December, from 10AM to 5PM. Their last admission (4PM) is an hour before closing time. The castle will be closed from 22nd December 2019 to early March 2020.

Sudeley Castle Tickets & Guided Tours

Ticket Prices

Save 10% off your tickets and book online on their official website. Be sure to take note that online tickets can only be purchased at least a day in advance!

Historic Houses Association (HHA) Members are entitled to a free admission when presenting a valid membership card though a physical purchase at the Visitor Centre.

All ticket prices include a 30% charity donation to the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

Guided Tours

Art Tours are provided for those looking to appreciate the exclusive, private art collection of Sudeley Castle. It is priced at £25.00 per person, and held weekly from Mondays to Thursdays at 2PM. Be sure to book early in advance by calling the Visitor Center at 01242 604244 as a limited number of guided tours are held! Unfortunately, the tour is deemed unsuitable for those under 12 years old and those with mobility difficulties. 

Sudeley Castle Dining Options

Castle Kitchen Restaurant

The Castle Kitchen Restaurant provides a variety of scrumptious options with its locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Menu items include a myriad selection of sandwiches, light lunches, hot meals, cakes and of course, not forgetting the popular baked good that tops all other British afternoon tea snacks – scones! In fact, Cotswold Afternoon Tea is held here as well. Bring along your admission ticket and make a booking 48 hours in advance to treat yourself to an Afternoon Tea worthy of royalty.

Castle Kitchen Pantry

The Castle Kitchen Pantry is located within the Visitor Center, near the entrance of the castle. Consisting of an indoor garden room and an outdoor terrace seating area, visitors can lounge around and relax while snacking on light bites and admiring the scenery.

Accommodation At Sudeley Castle

Sudeley Castle Cottages

Photo by Sudeley Castle

With a perfect view of the Cotswold Hills, and a range of 16 castle cottages to choose from, Sudeley Castle Cottages may just be your ideal cottage to settle in whilst touring the countryside. Each castle cottage possess their own individual appeal. There are even 8 pet-friendly cottages for those who can’t bear to part with their furry friends. These cottages are comfortably furnished, include well-equipped kitchens and a Wi-Fi system. For the duration of their stay, guests can enjoy complimentary admission to Sudeley Castle.

Tourist Attractions Near Sudeley Castle

St. Mary’s Church

Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Beside the castle stands a small church of St Mary’s containing the marble tomb of Queen Katherine Parr – the last of the 6 wives of King Henry VIII, earning her status as the only English queen to be buried on private land. Aside from the Parr memorial and the beautifully crafted Victorian woodwork, another major highlight of the church is its striking colored stained glass windows, depicting both religious themes and historic figures connected with Sudeley Castle. 

St. Peter’s Church

Photo by Medieval Mossiac

Located at Gloucester Street, 0.6 miles away from Sudeley Castle is one of the major wool churches in Cotswold. The church is riddled with historic charm inside and out. Key highlights include the altar frontal stitched by Queen Catherine of Aaragon herself, the Saxon coffins of King Kenwulph and his son, St. Kenelm, as well as the comical gargoyles – one of which poses as the possible model for the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland.

Final Thoughts On Sudeley Castle

A castle not only saturated with historic facts, but spectacular views, it is no wonder Sudeley Castle is one of the top tourist sights of Winchcombe. History fanatics will be sure to marvel at the castle’s rich royal connections and Tudor history, along with its amazing landscape and architectural excellence.