Explore historic countryside castles

England’s castles are a majestic feature of the landscape, bearing witness to centuries of change – and the perfect destination for a family day out in the countryside. CPRE members can enjoy special offers on entry at all of these historic castles.

Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire

Used as a location for BBC TV dramas Wolf Hall and Poldark, this castle dates back to the 12th century. Visitors can marvel at the 14th-century Great Hall, hung with rich tapestries, and explore the medieval larders and kitchen. Set in terraced gardens, the castle is a great destination for families, with outdoor games and a butterfly house open from May to September. Make sure to visit the Yurt Tea Rooms for light lunches and afternoon teas.

CPRE members get two tickets for the price of one.

Tiverton Castle, Devon

An historic castle originally built in 1106, which has been altered down the ages. Tiverton Castle was once home to medieval Earls of Devon and Princess Katherine Plantagenet. It was besieged and taken by Fairfax in 1645, it now houses a fine Civil War Armoury – try some on! Interesting furniture and pictures. It boasts a beautiful garden set in romantic ruins.

CPRE members get half-price admission.

Chillingham Castle, Northumberland

Winner of the Independent on Sunday’s ‘Top 50 castles in Europe’, 800-year-old Chillingham has seen visits from royalty including Edward I and James I. Discover the spectacular Tudor galleries and grimace at the former castle dungeon and torture chambers, the inspiration for Chillingham’s claim to be ‘Britain’s most haunted castle’. Designed by royal gardeners Capability Brown and Sir Jeffrey Wyatville, the castle’s grounds are beautiful, with ornate Italian gardens, lakes and woodland walks.

CPRE members get half-price admission.

Lullingstone Castle and the World Garden, Kent

Henry VIII and Queen Anne were just some of the regular visitors to this family estate with origins reaching back to Domesday. The 15th-century manor house and gatehouse are set within 120 acres, offering picturesque lakeside and country views. The acclaimed World Garden contains more than 8,000 unusual plants, laid out by their countries of origin. Close by are the Lullingstone Country Park and English Heritage’s Lullingstone Roman Villa, if you want to explore even further back in time.

CPRE members get half-price admission (excluding events).

Chiddingstone Castle, Kent

An historic and beautiful house which dates back to Tudor times and was remodelled in Gothic style in the 19th century. Chiddingstone Castle is set on 35 acres of rolling
countryside boasting a Victorian Orangery, a stunning lake, award-winning tea rooms and glorious views across West Kent. The building has an impressive museum collection of Ancient Egyptian, Japanese, Jacobite and Stuart, and Buddhist objects.

CPRE members get 10% off the ticket price.

Hedingham Castle, Essex

The majestic Hedingham Castle stands in the heart of its ancient ramparts and medieval park, which have evolved into beautifully landscaped gardens. Privately
owned by the Lindsay family, descendants of the Earls of Oxford who built it, Hedingham Castle is not just one place. Romantic, exquisite, significant, magnificent and ageless, it is a haven which has had great meaning for 900 years. The estate spans 120 acres and includes beautifully restored gardens featuring a lake, a formal pond and historic woodland.

CPRE members get two tickets for the price of one.

Cholmodeley Castle Gardens, Cheshire

While you can’t enter the castle itself, it provides the perfect backdrop to these stunning gardens. Discover the romantic Temple and Folly Water Gardens, Rose Garden, Glade, Arboretum, and the ornamental woodland upon Tower Hill. The newly created Lavinia Walk is a 100m long double herbaceous border and is dedicated to Lady Lavinia
Cholmondeley and continues her legacy within the heart of the garden.

CPRE members get two tickets for the price of one.

Join us

Being a CPRE member doesn’t just mean you’ll be helping ensure a thriving countryside for everyone. There are almost 100 attractions like these that you’ll get discounted entry to, as well as other discounts. Find out more here.