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tuated in the heart of England, Tutbury Castle sits on wooded slopes...
tuated in the heart of England, Tutbury Castle sits on wooded slopes overlooking the winding River Dove, with spectacular views across the plain of the Dove to the beautiful Derbyshire hills. Its commanding view and natural defensive position makes this an obvious site for a castle. Occupied since the Stone Age, the castle is first recorded in 1071, as one of the new castles built to stamp the authority of the Norman conquerors across the Midlands. Since then, the castle has played an important part in English history on many occasions, in warfare and in peace. The castle is best known as one of the prisons of Mary Queen of Scots, who was held here on four occasions. It was here that she became involved in the plot that ultimately led to her bloody execution at Fotheringhay. Seat of the de Ferrers family, and later of the earls and dukes of Lancaster, Tutbury was also one of the great centers of power in medieval England. It was visited by many English kings, and home to the great John of Gaunt, 2nd Duke of Lancaster, who established a great annual feast. This tradition lasted for hundreds of years. It also had its bloodier side, as it was besieged, destroyed and rebuilt several times. It was destroyed for the last time by Act of Parliament in 1647-48, after holding out for Charles I in the Civil War. The destruction was incomplete, leaving the dramatic ruins that we see today, and the castle has never been completely abandoned. Since 2000, the castle has taken on a new life, welcoming thousands of visitors every year. With historical re-enactment, archaeological excavation, an authentic Tudor garden and mediaeval herbery, the ‘haunted’ Great Hall and King’s Bedroom, and of course the tearoom, there’s something for everyone.
I love Tutbury Castle and have been most pleased that Lesley Smith brings it to life. It has a long and noble history from the time of de Ferrars, to John of Gaunt, Mary Queen of... read more
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66 reviews
25 attraction reviews
32 helpful votes
Great day out the English heritage were there The mock village in the castle ruins was fascinating depicting life in a bygone age The people very friendly and very informative There was a mock battle a reenactment of battles in the early medical days Places for refreshments good parking was ideal to spend a few hours will go again very... More
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Contributor
141 reviews
57 attraction reviews
46 helpful votes
Great day out, lovely little castle and it fills an afternoon or morning. Tea room isn't that badly priced and the food was nice too. Parking for £1 is not bad either.
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Contributor
35 reviews
25 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote
I love Tutbury Castle and have been most pleased that Lesley Smith brings it to life. It has a long and noble history from the time of de Ferrars, to John of Gaunt, Mary Queen of Scots and the Civil War and the Victorians. It is a lovely site with spectacular views over Staffordshire. Even today it entertains the Queen... More
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Contributor
45 reviews
24 attraction reviews
26 helpful votes
A wonderful and eventful night spent at Tutbury Castle and Lesley Smith did an amazing job recreating the history in our minds. You couldn't ask for a nicer person to give you a tour of this magnificent building. You can feel how passionate she is about Tutbury and it is an absolute joy to hear somebody so knowledgeable speaking from... More
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Contributor
11 reviews
8 helpful votes
An unplanned visit, expected it to last an hour or so but were privileged to meet the owner/curator Lesley Smith who acted as our guide. Her generosity knowledge and enthusiasm were infectious, she made the place come to life. I would go back again, if only for the views from the top, you can see why it was built to... More
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Contributor
5 reviews
3 attraction reviews
4 helpful votes
We visited on bank holiday Monday following a special deal brought off wowcher. We reside in Birmingham so the drive was about 45 minutes. Myself and my 12 year old and 17 month old visited. Not being local to the site we weren't aware that there wasn't an actual castle, just castle ruins, this was quite disappointing. The grounds were... More
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Contributor
22 reviews
10 attraction reviews
8 helpful votes
What a genuinely fantastic day. Something for everyone. Bouncy castle, colouring corner and games for children. Re-enactments for all ages. The chance to dress up and become a Viking. Food stalls, craft stalls, a bar that served all drinks alcoholic. Non alcoholic. Tea/coffee etc. Guided tours of the great hall. Viking lectures with a professional historian. Viking tents and stalls... More
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Contributor
12 reviews
11 helpful votes
Spent 2 hours travelling here to be told that the castle was not open, we were not the only couple who travelled a long distance to see this castle. No notice of this was made on the official website for the Easter holidays, worse still was the arrogant and unsympathetic attitude of the staff who dismissed our disappointment explaining that... More
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Contributor
14 reviews
8 attraction reviews
9 helpful votes
A great day out at Tutbury Castle with the family, inc. 3 disabled with 1 in a wheelchair. The Vikings where there with a village re-enactment demonstrating all things Viking which was great, especially as 1 of the grandkids had been studying Vikings at school. We chatted to some of the Vikings who where more than welcome to share their... More
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Contributor
23 reviews
8 attraction reviews
5 helpful votes
Every year we go for the fire work display which is extremely good. We did go again for a ghost hunt night but it was very disappointing the lady put on a good show but basically described a panic attack to a ghostly encounter. Then the dungeons had people hiding in the corners to jump out on you as the... More
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