Stokesay Castle

4 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

5/5

Review type

Things to do

Location

Date of travel

August, 2017

Product name

Product country

Product city

Travelled with

Husband

Reasons for trip

Described as the best-preserved medieval manor house in England, I cannot recommend a visit to Stokesay Castle more highly. Continue down the A49 from historic Shrewsbury to Craven Arms, in Shropshire, and the signage is clear. The castle is off to the right, just outside of the small town.

Stokesay was constructed at the end of the 13th century by Laurence of Ludlow, the leading wool merchant in the area and one of the wealthiest men in England at that time. The most striking aspect of the castle complex, which comprises a walled, moated enclosure, is the gatehouse. The ochre colour of this 17th century timber and plaster construction lifts it from its surrounds, and the wood carvings when you get up close are quite remarkable.

Entering through the gatehouse you look across at a stone hall and solar block, protected by twin towers. I was there during the school holidays and medieval games had been set up on the green to entertain the youngsters, and raise a smile or two from us olders. The south tower is an unusual pentagon shape, 3 storeys high and with magnificent views from the turrets. Of course, I should point out at this stage that disabled access, with care, is limited to the ground floor.

If you are able to climb steps, however slowly and carefully, the solar block is well worth exploring. The great hall itself has a 13th century wood-beamed ceiling and is a vast empty space. You can linger here and listen to stories of the castle and its sometimes tumultuous times on the audio set that is included in the admission price. Cavaliers and Roundheads had skirmishes in the area but the castle never sustained any real damage. The steps are off to one side in the level hall, and take you up to the solar, where the family would have spent much of its time. Wood paneled walls, and a mighty fireplace with intricate carvings are the showpieces. There’s a strong feeling of how life must have been lived in this home.

The garden is attractive and there’s a small area where you can take refreshments, in addition to the English Heritage shop. Should you want something more substantial, beside the visitor car park there is an attractive restaurant which could round off your visit nicely. Although I have mentioned disabled access, the English Heritage website will give you more details, and I still think that you could be rewarded by a visit. I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to miss it.

“English Heritage”:http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stokesay-castle/ You might also want to visit my blog “Cornered at Stokesay”:https://restlessjo.me/2017/08/24/cornered-at-stokesay/

Johanna Bradley

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.