Best castles around Whittington are located in northern Shropshire, England, strategically positioned near the Welsh Marches. This region is characterized by its historical significance, having played a role in centuries of border warfare. Visitors can explore well-preserved ruins and impressive fortifications set within a natural landscape. The area provides opportunities to experience historical sites.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
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The castle was built in 1295 by Roger Mortimer de Chirk, uncle of Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March as part of King Edward I's chain of fortresses across the north of Wales, guarding the entrance to the Ceiriog Valley. It was the administrative centre for the Marcher Lordship of Chirkland. The castle was bought by Sir Thomas Myddelton in 1593 for Β£5,000 (approx. Β£18 million as of 2024). His son, Thomas Myddelton of Chirk Castle was a Parliamentarian during the English Civil War, but became a Royalist during the 'Cheshire rising' of 1659 led by George Booth, 1st Baron Delamer. Mullioned and transomed windows were inserted in the 16th and 17th centuries; the castle was partly demolished in the English Civil War and then rebuilt. Following the Restoration, his son became Sir Thomas Myddelton, 1st Baronet of Chirke. The castle passed down in the Myddelton family to Charlotte Myddelton (on the death of her father in 1796). Charlotte had married Robert Biddulph, who changed his name to Robert Myddelton-Biddulph, leaving the castle on his death to their son Robert. It then passed down in the Myddelton-Biddulph family.
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Whittington Castle is a castle in northern Shropshire, England, owned and managed by the Whittington Castle Preservation Fund. The castle was originally a motte-and-bailey castle, but this was replaced in the 13th century by one with buildings around a courtyard whose exterior wall was the curtain wall of the inner bailey. As a castle of the Welsh Marches, it was built on the border of Wales and England very close to the historic fort of Old Oswestry.
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Linear earthwork that runs 176 miles that runs along the border of England and Wales. It was named after King Offa the 8th century ruler of the Kingdom of Mercia. Beautiful spot for photo, very pieceful and a great walk.
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Spring is a wonderful time to visit the garden at Chirk Castle as fresh buds burst into bloom. The daffodils make a fabulous sight. Varieties include Narcissus cyclamineus and Narcissus King Alfred. One of the best places to spot them is opposite the long border in the meadow area affectionately known as βThe Daffodil Lawnβ, but they can also be seen along Lime Tree Avenue near the Hercules statue from where youβll also get a fantastic view of the castle.
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The castle was built in 1295 by Roger Mortimer de Chirk, uncle of Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March as part of King Edward I's chain of fortresses across the north of Wales. It guards the entrance to the Ceiriog Valley. It was the administrative centre for the Marcher Lordship of Chirkland.
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The figure, commissioned by Sir Robert Myddleton in June 1720, was one of two, the other being Mars, both being sited in the forecourt of the castle flanking the approach to the barbican, and within the iron gates. He is not present in Tilleman's painting of the front of the castle of c1720, but appears in the Badeslade print of 1742. At the re-landscaping of the park in 1770 undertaken by William Emes, a pupil of Launcelot Brown, Hercules was moved to the E arm of Deershed (Deerslidd) Wood and later lost. He was recovered in 1987 and restored, the armature replaced with stainless steel, and resited in the present position on an artificial eminence on the lime avenue on the eastern axis, a vista originally established by Sir Thomas Myddleton in the formal landscaping work of 1653. The sculptor, once believed to be Van Nost, is not recorded.
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The Hawk House, Chirk Castle, Wrexham The Hawk House, is a thatched, open-fronted garden house. The original bow-fronted conservatory was converted in 1912 by Lord Howard de Walden into a thatched mews for falcons. This was restored in the 1980's following a fire. Hawk House is within Chirk castle gardens.
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A great place to see an original part of the Offas Dyke path trench
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Whittington Castle holds significant historical importance as a medieval fortification on the Welsh Marches, a strategic borderland between England and Wales. It began as a motte-and-bailey castle before being rebuilt in stone in the 13th century. It was central to centuries of border warfare and is notably believed to be the only castle in Britain owned and operated by its local community, the Whittington Castle Preservation Trust.
Visitors to Whittington Castle can explore its striking twin-towered gatehouse and broad moat, the remains of a great hall, a stone keep, and a castle well within the inner bailey. The site also features extensive earthworks and plans are underway to recreate a 14th-century medieval garden discovered through archaeological findings.
Yes, Whittington Castle is considered family-friendly. Its picturesque grounds are ideal for peaceful strolls and picnics, and visitors can feed the diverse wildlife, including ducks and swans, in the moat. The castle also frequently hosts historical re-enactments and educational programs, providing interactive ways for families to engage with its past.
Most parts of the Whittington Castle grounds are wheelchair accessible. A bridge and disability ramps lead to the ruins, making it easier for visitors with mobility needs to explore the site.
Admission to the grounds of Whittington Castle is free, though there is a small parking fee that contributes to the castle's upkeep. For specific opening hours of the castle buildings, tea room, or any special events, it's advisable to check their official website directly, as these can vary. You can find more information on the Shropshire Council directory page for Whittington Castle.
Another significant site is Chirk Castle Gates, which leads to a magnificent medieval castle built in 1295. Chirk Castle features extensive gardens and parkland, including the Hawk House β Chirk Castle Gardens, a thatched garden house offering beautiful views. You can also find the Statue of Hercules at Chirk Castle within its grounds.
Yes, the area around Whittington offers various outdoor activities. For hiking, you can explore routes like the 'Lower Frankton Locks β Whittington Castle loop from Whittington' which is a moderate 16.3 km trail. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Whittington Castle β Whittington Castle loop from Gobowen', an easy 18.3 km ride. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Whittington and Cycling around Whittington guides.
The picturesque setting of Whittington Castle, with its moat and 12 acres of grounds, is home to diverse wildlife. Visitors can often spot ducks and swans enjoying the moat, and the natural surroundings provide a habitat for various other local species.
Yes, Whittington Castle is steeped in legends. One prominent tale suggests the castle was a guardian of the Holy Grail, with 13th-century stories claiming the Grail was kept in its chapel. There's also a connection to the legend of Robin Hood, as the life of Fulk FitzWarin III, a historical figure associated with the castle, shares parallels with the famous outlaw.
While specific dog policies can vary, the extensive grounds and outdoor areas of castles like Whittington Castle and Chirk Castle often welcome well-behaved dogs on leads in their outdoor spaces. It's always best to check the individual castle's website for their most current dog-friendly policies before your visit.
The castles around Whittington can be enjoyed year-round. While spring and summer offer lush gardens and warmer weather for exploring the grounds, the historical sites also have a unique charm in autumn with changing foliage, and even in winter, as noted for the Hawk House β Chirk Castle Gardens. Checking local event schedules can also help you plan your visit around historical re-enactments or other special occasions.
Yes, Whittington Castle has a tea room and a farm shop on-site, offering convenient options for refreshments. These facilities contribute to the castle's upkeep as it is community-run. Additionally, the village of Whittington and nearby towns will have various pubs and cafes.


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