Tutbury Castle is a largely ruined medieval castle at Tutbury, Staffordshire, England, in the ownership of the Duchy of Lancaster. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Situated in the heart of England, Tutbury Castle sits on wooded slopes overlooking the winding River Dove, with spectacular views across the plain of the Dove to the beautiful Derbyshire hills. Its commanding view and natural defensive position makes this an obvious site for a castle.
Occupied since the Stone Age, the castle is first recorded in 1071, as one of the new castles built to stamp the authority of the Norman conquerors across the Midlands. Since then, the castle has played an important part in English history on many occasions, in warfare and in peace.
The castle is best known as one of the prisons of Mary Queen of Scots, who was held here on four occasions. It was here that she became involved in the plot that ultimately led to her bloody execution at Fotheringhay.
Seat of the de Ferrers family and later of the earls and dukes of Lancaster, Tutbury was also one of the great centres of power in medieval England. It was visited by many English kings, and home to the great John of Gaunt, 2nd Duke of Lancaster, who established a great annual feast. This tradition lasted for hundreds of years.
It also had its bloodier side, as it was besieged, destroyed and rebuilt several times. It was destroyed for the last time by Act of Parliament in 1647-48, after holding out for Charles I in the Civil War. The destruction was incomplete, leaving the dramatic ruins that we see today, and the castle has never been completely abandoned.
Since 2000, the castle has taken on a new life, welcoming thousands of visitors every year. With historical re-enactment, archaeological excavation, an authentic Tudor garden and mediaeval herbery, the ‘haunted’ Great Hall and King’s Bedroom, and of course the tearoom, there’s something for everyone.
Accessibility
Although we are an 11th century castle with very obvious difficulties in terms of access to some areas, we do try to provide visitors who are disabled with the best possible visit.
The path leading up to the castle can take a wheelchair on the flat from the top car park right to the main body of the building, where there is a ramp and then double doors into the tea-room/gift shop. Both wheelchair and frame users will find the tea-room accessible.
The main compound of the castle is mostly grassy and flat, although it is bumpy in parts. In dry weather the whole compound and box gardens are accessible.
The herbery is a sensory garden and entrances are made so a wheelchair or frame can get right into the herbery. The same applies to the boxed flower gardens.
The Great Hall is not accessible as stairs are the only access, however we do have a policy that a guide will go down to the tea-room or terrace with artefacts and spend time with a disabled person, answering questions and explaining elements of the castle that may be of interest. Do remember to tell us in the Great Hall of anyone waiting downstairs.
There is a disabled toilet at the ticket office located in the main car park on arrival. The toilets in the marquee also have disabled access.
Guide dogs are very welcome and water is provided. Visitors with sight difficulties may pick and smell herbs in the herbery – they are all safe!
We welcome visitors with a range of special needs. If a party booking is being considered, do call us first and we will arrange for a guide without extra charge.
CAUTION
Tutbury Castle is a Scheduled Monument, and contains many uneven and slippery surfaces, and some steep slopes and staircases. Visitors are advised to proceed with caution, especially in wet or icy weather. Some parts of the Castle may not be accessible to all visitors, and visitors with mobility difficulties or unsuitable footwear should consider which parts of the Castle they can visit safely. Parents are responsible at all times for ensuring that their children behave in a safe manner.
