Stokesay Castle - Craven Arms

Address: Ludlow Rd, Craven Arms SY7 9AH, United Kingdom.
Phone: 3703331181.
Website: english-heritage.org.uk
Specialties: Castle, Historical landmark, Historical place museum, Tourist attraction.
Other points of interest: On-site services, Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Good for kids, Paid parking lot.
Opinions: This company has 2102 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.7/5.

📌 Location of Stokesay Castle

☎️3703331181

⏰ Open Hours of Stokesay Castle

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10 AM–4 PM
Thursday: 10 AM–4 PM
Friday: 10 AM–4 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM
Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM

Okay, here’s a detailed description of Stokesay Castle, crafted to be helpful and informative, suitable for someone considering a visit:

Stokesay Castle: A Historical Gem in Shropshire

Stokesay Castle stands as a remarkably well-preserved medieval fortress, a testament to 13th-century architecture and a captivating historical landmark. Located in the picturesque village of Craven Arms, Shropshire, England, it offers a unique and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. The castle’s address is Ludlow Rd, Craven Arms SY7 9AH, United Kingdom. You can reach them by phone at 3703331181, and for comprehensive information, please visit their website: english-heritage.org.uk. Its specialties include its status as a castle, a significant historical landmark, a historical place museum, and a popular tourist attraction.

A Look at Stokesay Castle’s History and Features

Stokesay Castle was originally built in the late 13th century by William Heron, a wealthy merchant and Justice of the Peace. It wasn't designed as a defensive castle in the traditional sense, but rather as a powerful statement of wealth and status. The castle’s design is notable for its sophisticated layout and the quality of its stonework. Visitors can explore the impressive gatehouse, the Great Hall, and various chambers, gaining insight into the daily lives of those who once resided within its walls. The castle’s location, strategically situated on a slight rise, afforded it a commanding view of the surrounding countryside.

The castle has been meticulously maintained, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience medieval life. The on-site services are well-organized, ensuring a comfortable visit. Furthermore, the castle prioritizes accessibility, offering a wheelchair-accessible car park and wheelchair-accessible entrance, making it inclusive for a wider range of visitors. It’s also a fantastic destination for families, particularly good for kids, who can enjoy exploring the castle’s nooks and crannies. Convenient paid parking lot facilities are available.

Visitor Information & Amenities

Stokesay Castle offers a truly immersive experience. The castle boasts a free, handheld audio tour guide, allowing guests to delve into the castle’s rich history at their own pace. The views from the South Tower are particularly rewarding, providing a panoramic vista of the Shropshire landscape. For those seeking a little refreshment after their exploration, the Tea Rooms, located adjacent to the car park, offer a welcome treat – and the deluxe hot chocolate is particularly praised

Recent Feedback & Reputation

The castle has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback. Currently, it holds 2102 reviews on Google My Business with an average rating of 4.7/5, demonstrating a consistently high level of visitor satisfaction.

Final Recommendation

Stokesay Castle presents a remarkable opportunity to connect with England’s medieval past. For those seeking a memorable and engaging historical experience, we strongly encourage you to explore the castle's website at english-heritage.org.uk to plan your visit and discover all the details of this impressive historical site. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them directly to secure your tickets and make the most of your journey back in time

👍 Reviews of Stokesay Castle

David W.

5/5

Our visit was Feb 2nd 2025, it was a cold day and inside the castle was also cold. Although this didn’t ruin our experience.

Wonderful little gem and so glad we found it. Beautiful buildings, the free speaking hand held tour guide is fab and gives you all the history on the place at your own pace. Views from the top South Tower are beautiful.

We finished off our visit with a hot drink in the Tea Rooms next to the car park. Deluxe hot chocolate was divine 😋😊

Thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would recommend it for sure.

Amanda

5/5

Great castle with beautiful views, story telling form a free device while in castle that you can hear at your leisure.
Also great segments of story telling from fable tales to historical events from amazing actors set up on the grounds.
Parking is not free but ample, tea room/cafe has plenty of choice and nice food, castle is very reasonably priced with access to all areas.
Highly recommend

Andrew T.

5/5

Fantastic medieval manor house with a fortified tower, and unmistakable 17th century half-timbered gatehouse. Arguably one of English Heritage's prettiest places.
With some of the best preserved medieval architecture in the UK, a small but attractive garden, and picturesque surroundings, Stokesay comfortably exceeded my expectations.
The audio guide helped bring the past to life, explaining the history of the great hall, tower and much more besides. It leads you around the entire site, finishing with a short walk around the moat.
Advance tickets bought online are £8.60, which seems like good value. There's parking just outside the grounds, and facilities include a tearoom, outdoor picnic tables and a small gift shop. Worth also taking a look inside the historic church just outside the grounds while visiting.

Hollie M.

5/5

Absolutely beautiful place! The staff are so lovely and really ensure you have a good experience. There was a very lovely man in the grounds who gave me a quick overview of the history and even recommended watching ‘Catherine, called Birdie” which was partly filmed there. Additionally, a helpful, friendly woman assisted me this morning in starting up a membership. She was so helpful and really made me feel welcomed. After my walk around the castle, I went to the tea room for a well-priced latte and brownie (which both were delicious!) - again the staff there were lovely.

Lyn B.

5/5

Great place to look and walk around. We took the self guide hand sets, and it gave a great insight into the castle and its history. A walk round the path gives good vantage points from all angles and isn't far.

Hannah G.

5/5

Great presentation of a compact castle. Lots of information available and beautiful site. You can use an audio tour at no extra cost or go around yourself. The heart shaped tower is particularly pretty and where the original timbers are in tact, breathtaking when you consider the age.
Plentiful parking nearby and fantastic views of the hills.

Moiya H.

5/5

A beautiful castle, it has not been restored so your imagination can run wild as to what most the rooms were used for and how it would have looked.
A lot of stairs but most are wide with banisters. My 87 year old mum found the tower top floor and roof too difficult to get up, but no difficulty elsewhere.
Educational stuff for kids, areas for picnicking and lovely gardens with great views. Entry was inexpensive or free to English heritage users.
A lovely cafe on the grounds and a beautiful 12th century church nearby.

Well worth a visit.

Suejo J.

5/5

Really interesting to visit. The rooms are all bare, but you can see how this fortified manor was developed. Lovely views if you are brave enough to go up the turret.