Kenilworth Castle

The medieval fortress of Kenilworth Castle is one of the largest historic visitor attractions in the West Midlands and one of the most spectacular castle ruins in England.

From medieval fortress to Elizabethan palace, Kenilworth Castle has been at the centre of England’s affairs for much of its 900 year history. Today, you can scale the heights of the tower built to woo Queen Elizabeth I and marvel at the mighty Norman keep. Explore the exhibition in the Gatehouse, and imagine the majesty of the Great Hall playing host to medieval monarchs and early Tudor kings.

Tower Views – for the first time in 350 years you can explore the full height of the tower built by Leicester to court Elizabeth I. Stand at floor level in the queen’s private rooms and soak up the same spectacular views that she enjoyed.

Elizabethan Gardens – walk in the footsteps of the great Tudor queen through the garden and imagine the opulence and splendour of Elizabethan Kenilworth.

Leicester’s Gatehouse – visit the fascinating exhibition about the famous royal romance between the queen and her ambitious courtier, Robert Dudley.

A Castle and it’s People – have fun with the family-friendly displays in our interactive exhibition bringing Kenilworth’s past to life. Housed in the magnificent Tudor stables, see how the castle has changed throughout its 900-year history, and what it looked like in its heyday.

Castle Keep – admire the mighty keep – the heart of castle life for 500 years. The Norman keep was a defensive powerhouse, built three stories high with walls 14 feet wide. It is still a dominant feature of the castle today.

Great Hall – John of Gaunt’s Great Hall was one of the finest of its kind and at the cutting edge of 14th century architectural design. Built to reinforce Kenilworth’s position of power and wealth it played host to medieval monarchs and Tudor kings.

Kenilworth is the perfect place for the whole family to explore where kings and queens once danced and dined!