Berkeley Castle
Gloucestershire, England
Key facts
- Operator
- Berkeley Castle Charitable Trust (Berkeley family)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Lydney, 3.6 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Berkeley GL13 9PJ
Telephone 01453 810303
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Home to the Berkeley family for around 900 years, making it one of the longest continuously occupied castles in England - and it shows in the depth of detail on the guided tour, which reviewers say regularly overruns its scheduled time because the guides know so much. The gardens are extensive and well kept.
Worth the trip
The guided tour - reviewers consistently say it runs well past its advertised length because there's simply too much history to compress into the slot.
Before you go
Gift Aid your ticket and you get a free return visit within the year, which reviewers rate as excellent value; the £2.50 guided tour add-on is repeatedly recommended over the self-guided option.
Reviewers are highly enthusiastic about Berkeley's history, beautifully kept gardens, and especially the guided tours, several praising knowledgeable, engaging guides who extended tours well beyond the scheduled time. One reviewer described a notably poor experience with two guides who seemed unwelcoming toward children in their group, though she also praised other guides as kind and attentive - an isolated but specific complaint amid otherwise glowing feedback.
Occupied by Berkeleys for ~900 years
“Free parking, entry via giftshop/ cafe, with accessible route to the Castle and Formal Gardens. Lots to see with interesting stories and history. Used for filming, including Wolf Hall. Worth a visit.”- James Pearson-Jenkins, 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.
- Parking
- “Free parking, entry via giftshop/ cafe, with accessible route to the Castle and Formal Gardens.” - James Pearson-Jenkins
- Guided tours
- “The website says allow 1 hr 15 mins for the guided tour, ours lasted 1 hrs 45 mins as the guide was so knowledgeable about the castle.” - John Watts
- Facilities
- “We had tea and cake in the cafe which was lovely and reasonably priced.” - Tara Sanders
Common questions about Berkeley Castle
Where is Berkeley Castle?
Berkeley Castle is in Gloucestershire, England, at Berkeley GL13 9PJ.
Do you need a ticket to visit Berkeley Castle?
Yes - Berkeley Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Berkeley Castle Charitable Trust (Berkeley family). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Berkeley Castle?
The guided tour - reviewers consistently say it runs well past its advertised length because there's simply too much history to compress into the slot.
Is Berkeley Castle a ruin or still intact?
Berkeley Castle is largely intact - Occupied by Berkeleys for ~900 years.
