Venture out of Bristol and you’ll find a wealth of fascinating castles that offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich and varied history. From imposing fortresses built to stop Welsh attacks to fortfied homes, the castles around Bristol are steeped in legend, folklore, and architectural marvels.
And the good news is, all of these you can visit, some for free. Here are eight castles within reach of Bristol:
1.
There are many beautiful and well preserved castles around Bristol - here are eight of them:
2. Farleigh and Hungerford Castle
A ruined fortified mansion and gardens occupied by the Hungerford family for 300 years. Today, it offers the perfect setting for a day out with open spaces for picnics and information boards detailing the castle’s interesting history. It is located nine miles 20 miles from Bristol, positioned the other side of Bath. It costs from £6.80 to visit the English Heritage site.
3. Nunney Castle
Although this castle is in ruins, the structure’s four round corner towers stand well preserved and the moat is still visible. Nunney Castle dates back to the 1370s and was the home of knight Sir John de la Mare. It was damaged during the English Civil War in 1645. It is located 26 miles away from Bristol, near the town of Frome. It is free to enter the English Heritage site.
4. St Briavels Castle
Located on the other side or the River Severn near Coleford, this moated Norman castle was built between 1075 and 1129, and was a hunting lodge for King John in the 13th Century. It was also the site of a crossbow factory with wood use from the surrounding Forest of Dean. English Heritage manage the site, and it’s free to enter.