Beeston Castle

 

In Brief.

Beeston Castle, which is run by English Heritage, is a partly ruined, but strikingly located castle, much of which dates from the 13th century. The outer walls enclose a substantial partly wooded area, that leads up to the inner walls on a rocky outcrop. The entire site is elevated, and provides good views over the Cheshire plain.

The inner gatehouse and walls.

What's Here?

The site has a long history, with findings from dating back to the Bronze Age. The castellated ticket office dates from 1846, reflecting the fact that this has even been a visitor attraction for ages!  The ticket office also houses a worthwhile exhibition that outlines the history of the site, from Bronze and Iron Age metalwork, through the original construction of the castle for Earl Ranulf of Chester in the 13th Century, to sieges in the English Civil War. 

A commanding position offers rewarding views.

From the gatehouse, everything to be visited is above, but it is a short walk to what remains of the gatehouse of the outer walls. These are in reasonable shape near the outer gatehouse, and if the slope encourages periodic seats in benches provided, so do the views. The outer wall surrounds a substantial area of hillside, and provides views of the inner gatehouse and walls. 

The inner bailey or ward sits on a rocky crag, and is accessed by a modern bridge over a ditch that was cut out on the 13th century, the stone from which was used in the construction of the castle. Much of the gatehouse remains, as do portions of several towers and some of the walls. There is also a well, which is said to be 100m deep ... though of course only the first meter or so of this is on show.

Also of interest within the outer wall is a reconstruction of a Bronze Age roundhouse, of which evidence was found of several on the site.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 38 miles

Drive Time: 80 minutes.

Price: $$

Parking: Paid on site parking. 

Food and Drink: There is an outdoor cafe just down the road from the castle. Perhaps better for snacks than lunch, and particularly limited for vegetarians. The least satisfactory culinary experience to date while making this blog.

Retail therapy: There is a fairly typical English Heritage shop located with the ticket office, with a variety of toys, books, wines and beers, and a few woollen goods.

Child Friendly: There are places to run around, but not play areas as such.

Toilets: Yes - at the castle.

Do it justice in: 90 minutes.

Inside-Outside: 10:90

References.

Robert Liddiard and Rachel Swallow, Beeston Castle, English Heritage, 2007.

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