Name: Kenilworth Castle
Rating: 5.0

Kenilworth Castle

Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Castle Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 1NG, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

Kenilworth Castle’s story spans more than nine centuries. Its massive Norman keep dates from the 1120s and the fortress endured one of the longest sieges in medieval English history in 1266. Kenilworth’s greatest period began when Elizabeth I’s childhood friend, Robert Dudley took possession of the castle in 1563. He spent fortunes turning it into a showpiece mansion to impress the queen.

Climb up to the queen’s apartments for fantastic views over the castle and surrounding countryside. 2025 marks the 450th anniversary of Elizabeth’s most famous visit, in July 1575. Explore our restoration of the spectacular garden Dudley created just for this visit, including a Renaissance aviary, plant beds full of scent, colour and fruit, and an imposing fountain.

Price starts from £14.50 for Adults, £9.00 for Children(5-17) and £23.50 for Family of four. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Enjoy tower views: You can now explore the full height of the tower built by Robert Dudley, the 1st Earl of Leicester to court Elizabeth I. Climb up to the queen’s apartments in Leicester’s Building to take in fantastic views over the castle and surrounding countryside.
Explore the Elizabethan Garden: Walk in the footsteps of the great Tudor queen through the gardens and imagine the opulence and splendour of Elizabethan Kenilworth.
See the Wicked Game installation: A new art installation will mark the 450th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth I’s 19-day visit to Kenilworth Castle. The temporary artwork by acclaimed contemporary artist, Lindsey Mendick, will go on display in the Great Hall from 9 July to 31 October 2025.
Discover the Sights, Scents and Sounds of the Elizabethan Garden: Step into the world of Queen Elizabeth I and experience the beauty of Kenilworth Castle’s Elizabethan Garden like never before with our brand new Sensory Trail.
Discover a royal romance: In 1575, Queen Elizabeth I spent 19 memorable days at Kenilworth Castle as the guest of Robert Dudley, the first Earl of Leicester, who hoped to win her hand in marriage. This summer, we celebrate the 450th anniversary of her visit with a season of special events at the castle and across the town.
Admire the castle keep: Admire Kenilworth’s 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.
Take in the 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.
Discover magical creatures: Looking for an adventure with your little ones? Uncover English folklore with our Folktale Creature Trails, where children can discover magical creatures from English myths and legends.
Meet Kenilworth Castle'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 through its 900-year history, and what it looked like in its heyday. Children can get hands-on with history as they try on our dressing up clothes.
Take a break: Unwind with a visit to the Stables Tearoom at Kenilworth Castle. There’s plenty of seating inside and out.
Discover a motoring pioneer: Whilst exploring the castle, take a moment to enjoy our exhibition 'Speed and Power: John Siddeley, Pioneer of the Motor Age'.

Facilities

Parking: Free for English Heritage members displaying a valid car sticker. Non-members must pay. Visit warwickdc.gov.uk for alternative car parks near Kenilworth Castle.
Food and Drink: There’s a tearoom serving a selection of soups, cakes and light lunches inside the grand Tudor stables. Please be aware the Kenilworth site is cashless, payment can only be made by card.
Toilets: Unisex toilet located in Leicester's Gatehouse with baby changing facilities. Accessible toilet is located at Leicester's Gatehouse.

What to see

Events:

Sunday Music at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden: Sun 7, Sun 21 & Sun 28 Sept 2025. 10am - 5pm. Location- Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden.
Halloween Half Term at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden: Sat 25 Oct - Sun 2 Nov 2025. 10am-4pm. Location- Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden.
Kenilworth Round Table Fireworks Spectacular: Sat 8 Nov 2025. Sat 8 Nov 2025. Location- Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire.
Father Christmas at Kenilworth Castle: Weekends from 29 Nov - 21 Dec 2025. 10.20, 11.00, 11.40, 12.20, 13.40, 14.20, 15.00. Location- Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden.
Festive Fun at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden: Sat 29 & Sun 30 Nov, Sat 6 & Sun 7 Dec, Sat 13 & Sun 14 Dec, Sat 20 & Sun 21 Dec 2025. 10am-4pm. Location- Kenilworth Castle.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Advance online tickets:

Adult: £14.50 with donation & £13.10 without donation.
Child(5-17 years): £9.00 with donation & £8.10 without donation.
Family(2 adults, up to 3 children): £38.00 with donation & £34.30 without donation.
Family(1 adult, up to 3 children): £23.50 with donation & £21.20 without donation.

On the day tickets:

Adult: £17.50 with donation & £15.90 without donation.
Child(5-17 years): £11.00 with donation & £10.00 without donation.
Family(2 adults, up to 3 children): £46.00 with donation & £41.80 without donation.
Family(1 adult, up to 3 children): £28.50 with donation & £25.90 without donation.

Membership: Become a member today from just £42

For more information please visit: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kenilworth-castle/prices-and-opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open daily: 10am - 5pm (last entry at 4.30pm)

Address: Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Castle Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 1NG, UK

Post Code: CV8 1NG

Council: Warwick

County: Warwickshire

By Road: In Kenilworth off A46. Clearly signposted from the town centre, off B4103.
By Bus: The 24 bus service passes the castle site; Travel West Midlands 11 & 11X also serve Kenilworth from surrounding area.
By Bicycle: National Route 52 links Coventry, Kenilworth and Warwick. Find your cycling route to Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden at sustrans.org.uk, the National Cycle Network.
Parking: Free for English Heritage members displaying a valid car sticker. Non-members must pay. Visit warwickdc.gov.uk for alternative car parks near Kenilworth Castle.