Ashby de la Zouch Castle
Leicestershire, England
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass
- Nearest station
- Burton-on-Trent, 8.4 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
South St, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 1BR
Telephone 01530 413343
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Visitor essentials
- Parking
- Disabled parking on-site; other visitors use paid town-centre car parks on South Street, at the Royal Hotel, North Street or Money Hill.
- Access
- Wheelchair access is limited to the grounds, with one disabled parking bay near the shop entrance ramp; historic steps and low walls are trip hazards.
- Facilities
- No cafe on site, but a vending machine sells hot drinks; one unisex toilet and one disabled toilet.
- Dogs
- Dogs on leads are welcome across the site.
The remains of a fortified manor built up by William, Lord Hastings, in the 1470s - his grand new tower was left unfinished when he was executed by Richard III in 1483, and the ruins later gave their name to the tournament setting in Walter Scott's Ivanhoe. A stone tunnel connects the kitchen to the tower, and reviewers say it's worth timing a visit for when it's open to walk through.
Who to know
William, Lord Hastings · built the fortified manor; executed by Richard III in 1483
Worth the trip
The underground tunnel linking kitchen to tower - a genuinely unusual feature reviewers single out over the ruins above ground.
Before you go
Bring your own food, as only basic snacks are sold on site; audio guides are free with entry, and English Heritage members get in free under the standard membership.
Visitors consistently rate Ashby de la Zouch as an enjoyable ruined castle, with several highlighting the underground tunnel and the free audio guide as particular highlights. Most describe it as good value and well presented, though more of a shorter visit (around an hour) than an all-day outing. A couple mention that food options on site are limited to basic snacks, so bringing a picnic is worth considering.
“Visited whilst on holiday, very nice castle, only took 1h so not an all-day kind of thing. Great if you’re in the town and looking for something historical and interesting!”- Sofia Alsamendi, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Guided tours
- “Audio guides are free with the price with notice boards skattered around with numbers on for the guidebook.” - Solitaire
- Facilities
- “I love visiting this castle nice place to have a picnic, the audio tour is one of the best I’ve had really make the place come alive and help’s you understand the layout.” - Pheno_Local guide
Common questions about Ashby de la Zouch Castle
Where is Ashby de la Zouch Castle?
Ashby de la Zouch Castle is in Leicestershire, England, at South St, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 1BR.
Do you need a ticket to visit Ashby de la Zouch Castle?
Yes - Ashby de la Zouch Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by English Heritage. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Ashby de la Zouch Castle?
The underground tunnel linking kitchen to tower - a genuinely unusual feature reviewers single out over the ruins above ground.
Is Ashby de la Zouch Castle a ruin or still intact?
Ashby de la Zouch Castle is a partial ruin.
