Pictures of Ashby de la Zouch Castle

a Castle in the town of Ashby de la Zouch, in the county of Leicestershire

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About Ashby de la Zouch Castle

The ancient, crumbling walls of Ashby de la Zouch castle keep once rose to a towering 95ft and had four floors. It belonged to William, Lord Hastings who was granted a license to crenellate in 1474. He added a seven floor tower extension to the castle's northern side, this formed the residential living quarters which had its own well.

Lord Hastings was rich and powerful, he had a fortified home at Kirby Muxloe, and was one of the celebrated characters of his day. He rose to become Lord Chamberlain at the court of Edward IV, this was a reward for his unstinting loyalty to the King during the turbulent Wars of the Roses. When Edward died, Hastings felt unable to give the same level of support to King Richard III, for this he was beheaded.

The lands and castle did not, as was usual in such cases, revert back to the Crown but remained with the family passing to William's son. For a long period the family enjoyed prosperity, laid on great entertainments for Kings, Queens, and the great and the good of decades. Eventually, the Hasting family where created Earls of Huntingdon, and for many years during the 18th century the castle was the home of Selina, Countess of Huntingdon.

After many turbulent and historic years the castle fell slowly into disrepair. These days the wilderness ruins of Ashby de la Zouch castle are used for many events including medieval battles organised by English Heritage. A visit here is highly rewarding, not only are the dramatic ruins hauntingly atmospheric of dark and mysterious deeds, but its lofty site offers stunning views of the beautiful surrounding Leicestershire countryside.
Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Ashby de la Zouch 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 Ashby de la Zouch Castle

New Lount Nature Reserve	(2.1 miles, 3.4 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Staunton Harold Church	(2.5 miles, 4.0 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Staunton Harold Hall	(2.6 miles, 4.2 km, direction N)	Pictures
Moira Furnace Museum	(3.4 miles, 5.4 km, direction W)	Pictures
Conkers	(3.5 miles, 5.7 km, direction W)	Pictures
Sence Valley Forest Park	(4.0 miles, 6.4 km, direction SE)	Pictures
Calke Abbey	(4.0 miles, 6.4 km, direction N)	Pictures
Grace Dieu Priory	(4.3 miles, 6.9 km, direction E)	Pictures
Staunton Harold Reservoir	(4.4 miles, 7.2 km, direction N)	Pictures
Melbourne Hall	(5.1 miles, 8.1 km, direction N)	Pictures

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

Recommended towns near Ashby de la Zouch Castle

Ashby de la Zouch, in the county of Leicestershire (0.4 miles, 0.6 km)
This town takes its name from the La Souche family, lords of the manor from about 1160. The Norman prefix distinguishes Ashby from other towns of similar name.
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Staunton Harold, in the county of Leicestershire (2.4 miles, 3.9 km, direction N)
Staunton was mentioned in the Doomsday Book when it was held by Henry de Ferrers.
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Swarkestone, in the county of Derbyshire (7.3 miles, 11.7 km, direction N)
Swarkestone is a small enchanting village which grew up on the reeeded banks of the River Trent.
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Repton, in the county of Derbyshire (7.3 miles, 11.8 km, direction NW)
Repton is one of England's most ancient towns, it was once the capital of the Saxon Kingdom of Mercia and the church there is the burial ground of Saxon Kings.
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Burton upon Trent, in the county of Staffordshire (8.9 miles, 14.3 km, direction NW)
Burton-on-Trent is an attractive town, it has a pleasing market place surrounded by pleasant properties, some being timber-frame black and white.
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Loughborough, in the county of Leicestershire (10.7 miles, 17.2 km, direction E)
The joyous sound of bells made in Loughborough have been rung all over the world since 1858, the date that John Taylor of Oxford...
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Derby, in the county of Derbyshire (12.0 miles, 19.2 km, direction N)
This is the premier town of the Shire, it is steeped in history with roots stretching to Roman times - the legions had a camp...
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Tutbury, in the county of Staffordshire (12.0 miles, 19.4 km, direction NW)
This picturesque little town in the Dove Valley is dominated by the ruins of the medieval castle.
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Quorn, in the county of Leicestershire (12.3 miles, 19.8 km, direction E)
Quorn can be found between Leicester and Loughborough, it is surrounded by magnificent countryside and a wealth of visitor attractions.
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Anstey, in the county of Leicestershire (12.4 miles, 20.0 km, direction SE)
One of the most attractive features of Anstey is the famous 14th century five arched pack-horse bridge crossing the River Wreake.
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All towns in Leicestershire
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

M42 Junction 11	(5.4 miles, 8.7 km, direction SW)
M1 Junction 22	(7.6 miles, 12.2 km, direction SE)
East Midlands Airport	(7.9 miles, 12.7 km, direction NE)
Willington Station	(8.4 miles, 13.5 km, direction NW)
Burton-on-Trent Station	(8.6 miles, 13.8 km, direction NW)
Birmingham International Airport	(23.5 miles, 37.8 km, direction SW)
Ashby de la Zouch Castle to London	(102.8 miles, 165.3 km, direction SE)

Accommodation & Hotels near Ashby de la Zouch Castle

Hotel Name
The Queens Head Hotel	(0.5 miles, 0.8 km)
Hermitage Park Hotel	(4.2 miles, 6.7 km, direction E)
Ramada Birmingham East -A42	(5.3 miles, 8.6 km, direction SW)
The Hardinge Arms	(5.9 miles, 9.5 km, direction N)
The Priest House On The River	(7.3 miles, 11.8 km, direction NE)
The Grange Courtyard	(7.4 miles, 11.9 km, direction E)
Ramada Newton Park Burton	(7.5 miles, 12.0 km, direction NW)
Unicorn Inn	(7.5 miles, 12.1 km, direction NW)
Thistle Hotel and Conference Centre East Midlands Airport	(7.8 miles, 12.5 km, direction NE)
Donington Manor Hotel	(8.0 miles, 12.8 km, direction NE)
All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts