The 6 Best Castles in Leicestershire, England

Set on a hill overlooking five counties, Rockingham Castle was built by William the Conqueror. The Castle was a royal residence for 450 years. In the 16th Century Henry VIII granted it to Edward Watson and for 450 years it has remained a family home. The pre-dominantly Tudor building, within Norman walls, has architecture, furniture and works of art from practically every century including, unusually, a remarkable collection of 20th century pictures. Twelve acres of formal and wild garden command splendid views over the surrounding countryside. The Castle is open to day visitors on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from Easter through to September and from June on Tuesdays as well. Groups are welcome on open days or by pre-arrangement for a private guided tour on weekdays. The beautifully appointed Castle Gift Shop is situated in the courtyard along with our licensed Walkers House Tearooms which serve lunches, cream teas and wonderful homemade cakes.

Belvoir Castle is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Rutland. The family have lived at Belvoir in an unbroken line for almost a thousand years. Crowning a hill in Leicestershire, its turrets and towers rise over the Vale of Belvoir like an illustration in a romantic fairytale. Belvoir is also a venue for weddings, private and corporate events, an estate rich of history and tradition farming and forestry practices. With dedication to charitable foundations and local community.

A visit to Ashby Castle makes a great family day out in Leicestershire. The property began as a manor house in the 12th century and reached castle status in the 15th century. Come and find out about the castle’s colourful history with our lively audio tour. Hear how Edward IV’s Chamberlain Lord Hastings added the chapel and the impressive keep-like Hastings Tower – a castle within a castle. Visitors can still climb the tower today despite it suffering massive damage during the Civil War. There are great views from the top! Then make sure you discover the underground passage from the kitchen to the tower, probably created during this war, which can still be explored today. Don't Miss •Walk the underground passage between the tower and the kitchen •Be amazed that you can still climb to the top of the half ruined tower •Find out more about the castle's dramatic history in the company of our amusing audio guide Last admission is half an hour before closing. DISABLED PARKING ONLY.

This picturesque fortified mansion was built for Lord Hastings, who was dramatically seized and executed by Richard III in 1483. Hastings’ descendants still believe they have a direct line to the throne of England. Explore the atmospheric moated remains, the fine gatehouse, and complete corner tower of this brick-built mansion, which have been extensively conserved by English Heritage. Make it part of an enjoyable family day out in Leicestershire with a picnic in the grounds or take a walk around the moat.