Sudeley Castle Tours and Activities

Sudeley Castle featuring a church or cathedral, a park and heritage architecture
Sudeley Castle featuring flowers and a church or cathedral
Sudeley Castle featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a garden
Sudeley Castle showing interior views, religious elements and a church or cathedral
Sudeley Castle featuring château or palace and interior views


Uncover centuries of royal history amid the halls, gardens and art exhibitions of this 15th-century castle set in the shadow of the Cotswold Hills.

Visit the stately Sudeley Castle to walk in the footsteps of some of England’s most famous kings and queens. Browse displays of treasures from the Roman era to today. Explore a series of breathtakingly beautiful gardens, enjoy picturesque picnics and spot colorful birdlife. Sudeley Castle sits on a 1,200-acre (490-hectare) estate and is nestled in a valley surrounding by the rolling green landscapes of the Cotswolds.

Established as a Saxon manor house in the 10th century, the foundations for today’s castle were laid in 1442. Its prominence was during the Tudor years, when it welcomed royalty such as Richard III, Henry VII, Henry VIII and Katherine Parr. Today, visit the castle which is a tourist attraction, private residence and wedding venue.

Inside, exhibits adorn the elegant rooms and retell the stories of its former residents. Highlights include hand-written letters by Katherine Parr and items from her tomb, which is located in the castle’s Chapel of St. Mary. Learn about the life of Richard III and spot replica models of Henry VIII and his six wives. See the campaign bed of Charles I, 16th-century tapestries and the Portrait of Rubens painting by Anthony van Dyck.

Stroll around the award-winning gardens, which dazzle with their vivid colors and perfectly groomed layout. Marvel at the manicured Knot Garden, designed to resemble the pattern of a dress owned by Elizabeth I. Admire over 2,500 tulips in the Secret Garden and a collection of medicinal plants in the Herb Garden Walk. The East Garden takes inspiration from Andrew Marvell’s 17th-century poem The Garden.

Get close to rare and majestic birds from around the world at the small aviary. Relax with a picnic on pristine lawns. Kids will have fun on the adventure playground, complete with a wooden fortress, climbing towers and slides.

The castle is just a 5-minute drive from Winchcombe’s town center and has free parking. Sudeley Castle is open from March to October and has an admission fee. Visit the castle’s official website for details about guided tours and special events, including concerts and food festivals.

Plan a trip to see Sudeley Castle

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The Mount Pleasant Hotel
The Class Place
Charles Hope Birmingham Westside

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Sudeley Castle

Old Laundry -  a sudeley castle cottage that sleeps 12 guests in 6 bedrooms

Old Laundry - a sudeley castle cottage that sleeps 12 guests in 6 bedrooms

Winchcombe
Old Laundry - a sudeley castle cottage that sleeps 12 guests in 6 bedrooms
The White Hart Inn

The White Hart Inn

2.5 out of 5
High Street, Winchcombe, Cheltenham, England
The White Hart Inn
The Lion Inn

The Lion Inn

4 out of 5
37 North Street, Cheltenham, England
The Lion Inn
A sudeley castle cottage that sleeps 14 guests  in 7 bedrooms

A sudeley castle cottage that sleeps 14 guests in 7 bedrooms

Winchcombe
A sudeley castle cottage that sleeps 14 guests in 7 bedrooms
Stunning Grade II listed cottage on Vineyard Street in the heart of Winchcombe.

Stunning Grade II listed cottage on Vineyard Street in the heart of Winchcombe.

Winchcombe
Stunning Grade II listed cottage on Vineyard Street in the heart of Winchcombe.
Honey stone and style year round

Honey stone and style year round

Winchcombe
Honey stone and style year round
4 Star Cotswold Stone Cottage

4 Star Cotswold Stone Cottage

Winchcombe
4 Star Cotswold Stone Cottage
2 bed Cotswold Stone Cottage -Pyatt's Pad

2 bed Cotswold Stone Cottage -Pyatt's Pad

Winchcombe
2 bed Cotswold Stone Cottage -Pyatt's Pad
Stunning BIG COTSWOLD COTTAGE + Annexe sleeps 16

Stunning BIG COTSWOLD COTTAGE + Annexe sleeps 16

Greet
Stunning BIG COTSWOLD COTTAGE + Annexe sleeps 16
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sudeley Castle

While visiting Sudeley Castle, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including leisurely walks through its beautiful grounds, engaging art tours that showcase the castle's rich history and artistic heritage, and an exciting adventure playground for families. Additionally, consider indulging in a relaxing spa experience nearby to unwind after a day of exploration.

Shopping

For a shopping experience near Sudeley Castle, visit Old Mill, just 14.5km away, offering unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Gloucester Quays is 22.5km away with a vibrant atmosphere and numerous shops, while Cotswolds Woollen Weavers is located 114.5km away.

Recreation

At Cleeve Hill Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by stunning landscapes, just 6.4km from Sudeley Castle. For a more leisurely experience, visit Cutbridge Meadow, a serene spot 6.4km away, perfect for relaxation and connection with nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Prescott Speed Hill Climb, located 4.8km from Sudeley Castle, where adrenaline meets speed. For scenic hikes, explore the Cotswold Way, 16.1km away, offering breathtaking views and outdoor adventure. Families can enjoy the fun at Dragonfly Maze, also 16.1km from the castle.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife near Sudeley Castle! Catch a captivating show at the Everyman Theatre or the Roses Theatre, both offering a mix of culture and romance. For some family fun, head to Stroud Bowl for exciting arcade adventures just a short drive away.

Find the best attractions near Sudeley Castle

When visiting Sudeley Castle in Cheltenham, you'll find a wealth of historic attractions, including the castle itself, charming church, and engaging history museum. These points of interest cater to those seeking cultural experiences, family outings, and outdoor adventures. Be sure to explore the beautiful Sudeley Castle gardens and the surrounding estate for a memorable experience. This destination is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in England's rich history.

  • The Promenade: Experience the vibrant city vibes of The Promenade, a lively street filled with shops, cafes, and beautiful architecture. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or to indulge in some local delicacies.
  • Snowshill Manor and Garden: Immerse yourself in the rich culture at Snowshill Manor and Garden, a historic house showcasing an impressive collection of art and antiques. The stunning gardens offer a tranquil escape with picturesque views.
  • Cheltenham Town Hall: Discover the modern elegance of Cheltenham Town Hall, a civic building that hosts various events. Its architecture and community spirit reflect the town's vibrant business culture.

Best time to go to Sudeley Castle

Visitor numbers around Sudeley Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Sudeley Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.1°F (8.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July61.9°F (16.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
October52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
November45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sudeley Castle

To save money on your visit to Sudeley Castle, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Pittville Park and Belas Knap. The best time to visit is during the off-peak months of January and October to November, with Mondays being the cheapest days for accommodation. Use Expedia’s search tool to find eco-friendly hotels and package deals that combine flights, stays, and activities for added savings. Sorting by price can help you discover the best deals, while comparing hotel ratings ensures a satisfying stay.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sudeley Castle are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sudeley Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Sudeley Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Sudeley Castle with your flights and activities.