Tutbury Castle,

The first castle recorded on this site was in in 1071, Tutbury Castle was built to stamp the authority of the Norman conquerors across the Midlands. Tutbury Castle has played an important role in history on many occasions.

The castle was used as one of the prisons of Mary Queen of Scots. It was at Tutbury castle that she became involved in the plot that led to her bloody execution.

The castle 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. Apart from the 12th century chapel the ruins date from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Tutbury Castle is believed to be haunted by a number of ghostly characters. There is the ghost of a soldier seen wandering the parapets and also the ghost of the white lady who appears in the window of the Tower. The most significant activity is thought to be in what is described as the King's bedroom where people were feeling overcome and fainting even in daylight. There have also been many sightings of the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots.

Since 2000, the castle has been a tourist attraction hosting historical re-enactment, archaeological excavation, an authentic Tudor garden and mediaeval herbery. There is also a tea room providing refreshments.

(Photograph courtesy of Trish & Chris Seymour).

Opening Times

October to March inclusive
Saturday & Sunday 11.00am – 4.00pm

April to September inclusive
Wednesday to Sunday 11.00am – 5.00pm

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Ticket Prices

Adults: £2.50
Concessions & Children: 5-12 £2.00
Children Under 5: free

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Disabled Facilities

The path can take a wheelchair on the flat from the top car park right to the main building where there is a ramp and then double doors into the tea-room. The tea-room has the gift shop within it. Both wheelchair and frame users will find the tea-room accessible.

The main compound of the Castle is grassy and flat so in dry weather the whole compound, ruins 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 of the Castle is not accessible as stairs are the only access. 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.

Toilets with bars can be found in the main car park. The toilets in the marquee are also “on the flat” and disabled access is available.

Guide dogs are very welcome and water is provided. People with sight difficulties may pick and smell herbs in the herbery – they are all safe.

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More Information

Telephone: 01283 812 129

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