Sudeley Castle and Gardens, Gloucestershire. Paid entry
Details
Accessibility
Disability Toilets, Disability Parking
"Please view our full Access Statement. https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/cms-assets/downloads/Access-Statement.pdf
August 2021: Due to recent works some paths have deep gravel in sections and may be unsuitable for wheelchairs/mobility scooters. We apologise and are working on fixing this problem. Where possible you are welcome to use the grass verge instead, and we have 2 x off-road manual wheelchairs which can be used. The wheelchairs can be reserved by contacting our Visitor Centre team on 01242 604244 or enquiries@sudeley.org.uk
Please note that the castle rooms and exhibition areas are unsuitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility difficulties whilst restrictions are in place.
Parking:
We have a large, free visitor car park next to the Visitor Centre and designated disabled car parking spaces available closer to the castle. Please head to the Visitor Centre on arrival and directions will be given. Two manual wheelchairs are available for hire at the Visitor Centre, please phone 01242 604244 to pre-book.
Gardens:
A circular route around the gardens is wheelchair accessible although some visitors may require assistance from their companion.
August 2021: Due to recent works some paths have deep gravel in sections and may be unsuitable for wheelchairs/mobility scooters. We apologise and are working on fixing this problem. Where possible you are welcome to use the grass verge instead, and we have 2 x off-road manual wheelchairs which can be used.
WCs/Toilets
Public WCs are available at the Visitor Centre and by the Terrace Café in the Castle, both on ground level. Limited mobility toilets are available in the Visitor Centre and by the Terrace Café in the Castle and includes an emergency pull cord. Baby changing facilities are available in both of the limited mobility toilets.
Health & Safety Advice
This is an ancient building. In the gardens and grounds there are uneven surfaces, steep terraces and steps, deep water features, non-edible plants, low branches and slippery surfaces in wet weather. Please take care.
Inside the castle there are also steep stone steps, uneven and slippery floors, other steps not immediately obvious and low doorways. Children must be accompanied and supervised at all times.
Contact Information
For any queries not covered in our Access Statement or on this page, please contact us on 01242 604244 or enquiries@sudeley.org.uk "
Brief description
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudeley_Castle
"Sudeley was once a royal residence, closely associated with some of the most famous English monarchs, including Edward IV, Richard III, Henry VIII, Lady Jane Grey, Katherine Parr, Elizabeth I and Charles I.
The Castle was even home to a secret Queen of England, Eleanor Boteler, whose royal status was unknown for centuries.
Modern-day visitors can explore the original 15th century west wing of the Castle and its fascinating exhibition rooms, before visiting the east wing which is home to a number of stunning rooms, still occasionally in use by the family today.
The South Hall contains a sweeping staircase as well as fine panels of Dutch painted glass, one section dated 1580 and the other 1620. At the top of the stairs is an iconic Elizabethan painting – The Allegory of the Tudor Succession. The renowned artwork was created by Flemish artist, Lucas de Heere, and depicts Henry VIII, his three children, and Queen Mary’s husband, Phillip of Spain. It was commissioned in 1572 and celebrates the harmony established by Queen Elizabeth.
The artwork was purchased by former Sudeley Castle owner, John Coucher Dent, at the sale of the collection of Horace Walpole at Strawberry Hill in 1842, but it has been in the care of the National Museum of Wales since 1991. This important piece of Elizabethan history has now returned to Sudeley, and is on display in South Hall."
Gardens: "The castle has 10 notable gardens covering some 15 acres within a 1,200-acre estate nestled within the Cotswold hills." https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/what-to-do/visit-the-castle-gardens
Address
Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5JD
Phone
01242 604244
Website
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudeley_Castle
Directions
"By Car:
Sudeley Castle & Gardens is situated near Winchcombe, 8 miles north east of Cheltenham on the B4632 (A46) or just 10 miles from junction 9 of the M5. For Satnavs, our postcode is GL54 5LP. We offer ample FREE parking and disabled parking.
Coaches and large vehicles please note: due to a height and weight restricted main entrance, we ask that all coaches and large vehicles enter through our ‘Exit’ gate. From Winchcombe’s High Street, turn into Rushley Lane and at the end of the road you’ll find our gate is opposite you to the right of the lodge."
Opening Times
Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change
https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/plan-your-visit/opening-times-and-prices
Transport
By Bus
"Bus services operate between Winchcombe and Cheltenham or Broadway. You can travel to Sudeley Castle with Stagecoach on their W bus service, or with Pulhams on their 606 service.
By Train
The closest train station to Sudeley Castle & Gardens is Cheltenham Spa.
There is also a Winchcombe Station Shuttle Service, from the GWSR train station to Winchcombe Town and the Castle. This service is run by, A Private Hire, and operates when the trains are running."
Amenities
"Shop https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/shop
The Pheasantry with rare breeds of pheasants is accessible.
An adventure playground with a huge wooden fort, slide and zip wire is set in a family picnic area. The adventure playground area is accessed by a large wooden bridge – this is accessible to wheelchair users and pushchairs although via the ramp which may require assistance. The fort itself includes ladders and has several levels so would not be recommended to visitors with limited mobility. The whole area is enclosed with access only via the bridge.
Dogs and Pets: Regrettably no dogs or pets allowed in the Castle or grounds, only service dogs. Dogs are welcome in the Visitor Centre and Castle Kitchen Pantry with a water bowl available.
Weddings: https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/weddings
Events: "Immerse yourself in the Castle experience by getting involved in some of our great events all year round." https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/events
Eating at Sudeley https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/plan-your-visit/eating-at-sudeley
"Castle Kitchen Pantry:
A range of light bites and snacks are available from the Castle Kitchen Pantry, within our Visitor Centre at the entrance to Sudeley Castle.
The Castle Pantry is the perfect pit-stop for cyclists and walkers, being well-placed on Winchcombe’s vast network of public footpaths. Castle admission tickets are not needed to visit the Pantry.
Dogs are welcome in the Visitor Centre and in the Castle Kitchen Pantry but regrettably are not allowed within the castle, playground or gardens.
Terrace Café:
A range of hot and cold lunch options are available from the Terrace Café located within the Banqueting Hall in the castle. Options include breakfast baps, jacket potatoes, soup, quiche, sausages rolls, sandwiches and cakes. Admission tickets are required to access Terrace Café."
Travel Information
For further travel information please see: www.traveline.info
Or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33
(Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge)
Location
Nearest Venues
St Mary's Church, Sudeley, Gloucestershire
70 metres*
Winchcombe Museum, Gloucestershire
877 metres*
Winchcombe Railway Museum, Gloucestershire
1,076 metres*
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.