Pictures of Berkeley Castle

a Castle in the town of Berkeley, in the county of Gloucestershire

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About Berkeley Castle

This wonderful historic castle standing a short distance inland from the River Severn estuary has long been associated with the secrets surrounding the murder of King Edward II in 1327. The King was murdered on the orders of his wife, Queen Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer. A strange phenomenon of this event that has continued to puzzle, is that within a few short years of the murder the castle was completely gutted and rebuilt inside its old walls, giving rise to speculation as to what dark mysterious secrets the old castle held!

Berkeley Castle is owned by the illustrious family of the same name. It was originally built by William FitzOsbern, a staunch supporter of William the Conqueror and was passed the Berkeley's in 1153. It is steeped in history and was besieged by Cromwell's troops in 1645. Since this time, the castle would appear to have led a fairly peaceful existence.

Today, it is an interesting place to visit and to see the changes brought about by 24 generations of Berkeley's, who dominate Berkeley Square in London and have given their name to several other places renowned around the world.

The Great Hall is the most eye-catching of all the castle's rooms, this is from the rebuilding of 1340-1350 and is raised on the foundations of the old hall. The old Great Hall was the place the Baron's set out from for Runnymede and the signing of the Magna Carter by King John in 1215.

The sumptuous state apartments contain rich displays of tapestries, furniture and paintings including both English and Dutch old masters. There is rare silver and porcelain and in the state bed chambers you can take a look at bedcovers used by Queen Elizabeth I.

Berkeley is a naturally delightful place where visitors can revel in the lurid stories of the past as they explore the dungeons, or on occasions watch a jousting tournament within the castle grounds.

Recently, this magnificent place was the setting for a "Stately Supper" cooked by celebrity chef James Martin, whilst his co-star, Alistair Appleton enjoyed a personal tour of parts of the castle, its glorious contents and grounds.

Berkeley Castle provides the perfect setting for wedding receptions, and special dinners. It is available for corporate functions, it also forms an historic backdrop for the Sealed Knot who give a thrilling performance depicting scenes of when Cromwell's troops stormed the castle at the time of the Civil War. This is held between the 29th April and Ist of May, it is a rowdy, hilarious event which everyone can enjoy.
Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Berkeley Castle.

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Distances and directions shown below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Berkeley Castle

Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust	(4.8 miles, 7.6 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Frampton Court	(6.9 miles, 11.2 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Frampton Manor	(7.0 miles, 11.2 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Oldown Country Park	(8.0 miles, 12.9 km, direction SW)	Pictures
The Royal Forest of Dean	(8.4 miles, 13.5 km, direction NW)	Pictures
St. Briavels Castle	(8.8 miles, 14.1 km, direction NW)	Pictures
Littledean Hall	(8.8 miles, 14.2 km, direction N)	Pictures
Westbury Court Garden	(9.7 miles, 15.5 km, direction N)	Pictures
Flaxley Abbey	(10.5 miles, 16.9 km, direction N)	Pictures
Westonbirt Arboretum	(11.6 miles, 18.6 km, direction SE)	Pictures

All attractions in Gloucestershire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Berkeley Castle

Berkeley, in the county of Gloucestershire (0.4 miles, 0.6 km)
The town is mostly Georgian, with the most dominant feature being its centuries old castle, surrounded by buttressed walls which are 14 ft-thick in parts.
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Sharpness, in the county of Gloucestershire (2.7 miles, 4.3 km, direction N)
Sharpness is best known for the fascinating waterway of the Gloucester and Sharpness canal, and the Victorian bonding houses built alongside it at Gloucester.
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Dursley, a Historic Market Town in the county of Gloucestershire (4.5 miles, 7.2 km, direction E)
Dursley is an ancient place, set in lush greenery to the edge of the Cotswolds in the midst of the beautiful Vale of Berkley, close to the River Severn.
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Slimbridge, in the county of Gloucestershire (4.6 miles, 7.4 km, direction NE)
A visit to Slimbridge in the county of Gloucestershire not only offers the opportunity to explore a wealth of wildlife habitation, but the chance to savour some of the loveliest scenery in the Shire.
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Wotton under Edge, in the county of Gloucestershire (6.2 miles, 9.9 km, direction SE)
This charming Cotswold village boasts a finely restored 14th-15th century church which retains some good brasses and an old Organ...
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Frampton on Severn, a Picturesque Village in the county of Gloucestershire (7.2 miles, 11.6 km, direction NE)
An ancient interesting village with a village green surrounded by beautiful half timbered properties
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Parkend, in the county of Gloucestershire (7.6 miles, 12.2 km, direction NW)
Parkend is a quiet forest village, situated a few miles from Lydney.
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St Briavels, in the county of Gloucestershire (8.8 miles, 14.1 km, direction NW)
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Nailsworth, a Historic Market Town in the county of Gloucestershire (10.2 miles, 16.5 km, direction E)
Nailsworth is a handsome town that has a history stretching back to beyond Roman times.
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Severn Beach, in the county of Gloucestershire (12.4 miles, 19.9 km, direction SW)
From this pleasant spot it is possible to get the most marvellous views of the two impressive bridges spanning the River Severn.
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All towns in Gloucestershire
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

M5 Junction 14	(3.4 miles, 5.5 km, direction S)
Lydney Station	(3.8 miles, 6.1 km, direction NW)
Cam & Dursley Station	(4.7 miles, 7.5 km, direction NE)
M5 Junction 13	(7.7 miles, 12.3 km, direction NE)
Bristol International Airport	(23.7 miles, 38.2 km, direction SW)
Cardiff International Airport	(43.5 miles, 69.9 km, direction SW)
Berkeley Castle to London	(101.0 miles, 162.4 km, direction E)

Accommodation & Hotels near Berkeley Castle

Hotel Name
Days Inn Hotel Gloucester - (North Bristol)	(2.0 miles, 3.2 km, direction SE)
Park Hotel	(4.4 miles, 7.0 km, direction S)
Viney Hill Country Guesthouse	(4.9 miles, 7.9 km, direction N)
Thornbury Golf Lodge	(6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction SW)
Alveston House Hotel	(7.4 miles, 11.9 km, direction SW)
Stonehouse Court Hotel	(8.0 miles, 12.9 km, direction NE)
Swan House Newnham	(8.2 miles, 13.1 km, direction N)
Hunters Hall Inn	(8.2 miles, 13.2 km, direction E)
The Wyndham Arms Hotel	(9.3 miles, 15.0 km, direction NW)
The Speech House	(9.3 miles, 15.0 km, direction NW)
All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts