Top 5 Castles around Bacton
Castles around Bacton offer a glimpse into medieval history, featuring both well-preserved structures and significant ruins. The area, identified as Bacton in the guide data, includes historical sites primarily located in Herefordshire. These sites range from ancient earth-and-timber strongholds to later stone fortifications. Visitors can explore various types of castles, from those with extensive remains to picturesque ruins.
Best castles around Bacton
- The most popular castles is Grosmont Castle Ruins, a historical site that was originally built on a "gros mont" (big hill) and later replaced in stone. Access is free year-round, and it features an elegant 14th-century chimney.
- Another must-see spot is Kilpeck Church and Castle Ruins, a religious building and historical site. This location features the remains of a motte-and-bailey castle alongside its Romanesque church of St Mary and St David's.
- Visitors also love Kentchurch Court and St. Mary's Church, a historical site. Kentchurch Court is a Grade I-listed building dating back to the 14th century, which underwent a Gothic remodelling in the late 18th century.
- Bacton is known for motte-and-bailey castles, stone fortifications, and historical court buildings. The area offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from ancient ruins to remodelled historical residences.
- The castles around Bacton are appreciated by the komoot community, with 10 upvotes and 5 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
Grosmont Castle Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
The original earth-and-timber stronghold was built on a "gros mont" (French for ‘big hill’) and later replaced in stone.
Access is free, year round.
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Kentchurch Court and St. Mary's Church
Highlight • Historical Site
The historic Kentchurch Court is a Grade I-listed building that dates back to the 14th century. It has seen many revamps, not least in the late 18th century when it was given a gothic remodelling by John Nash.
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Snodhill Castle Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
The castle's former might, coupled with its strategic position, would have made it a fortress of some importance. It has undoubtedly played a role in the various wars that have been fought in this border country through the ages.
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Kilpeck Church and Castle Ruins
Highlight • Religious Site
It is notable for two landmarks in particular: the remains of a motte-and-bailey caste and its small but remarkable Romanesque church of St Mary and St David's.
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Longtown Keep
Highlight • Castle
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Tips from the Community
Grosmont Castle is maintained by Cadw, and at the moment there is a lot of work going on with the refurbishment of the timber footbridge spanning the castle ditch, i.e., the entrance. Therefore, the castle is closed between February 2026 and September 2026. It is still worth a visit as you can still walk around it and get some impression of mediaeval life from viewing this grand structure.
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Although there is not much left of the castle, this is an atmospheric place that is well worth the detour from the trail. It also looks like many of the stones from the castle were borrowed to build the nearby farm!
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A very fine church is beautiful surroundings. More info here - https://stmaryskentchurch.org/
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you can walk through to see the keep but when we were there (Nov 2022) it was having some restoration work done so you can't go right up to the keep
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Grosmont is a one of the "Three Castles of Gwent" a trio of strongholds (also including Skenfrith and White Castle). The original earth-and-timber stronghold was built on a "gros mont" (French for ‘big hill’) and later replaced in stone. Access is free, year round.
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Snodhill Castle is a romantic and picturesque ruin, perched above the tiny settlement of Snodhill in Herefordshire's Golden Valley. Recent investigations suggest it was one of the first castles in Britain to receive masonry defences in around 1100. Most castles at this time would have been constructed from wood. The castle's former might, coupled with its strategic position, would have made it a fortress of some importance. It has undoubtedly played a role in the various wars that have been fought in this border country through the ages.
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Below the gentle slopes of the surrounding hills, Kentchurch is a lovely village by the River Monnow in Herefordshire. According to some, it was the home of the legendary Jack o' Kent, a popular bogeyman figure in Herefordshire and Monmouthshire folklore. The Bridge Inn does excellent food. The historic Kentchurch Court is a Grade I-listed building that dates back to the 14th century. It has seen many revamps, not least in the late 18th century when it was given a gothic remodelling by John Nash.
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Nestled in classic border country, Kilpeck is a pleasant Herefordshire village. Part of the Welsh Kingdom of Ergyng until the 9th century, it became part of Archenfield after the Norman conquest. In the 16th century it became part of England, though Welsh was still commonly spoken here until the 19th century. It is notable for two landmarks in particular: the remains of a motte-and-bailey caste and its small but remarkable Romanesque church of St Mary and St David's.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I explore around Bacton?
The castles around Bacton, primarily located in Herefordshire, offer a mix of historical sites. You can find ancient earth-and-timber strongholds, later stone fortifications, and even remodelled historical residences. Examples include the impressive ruins of Grosmont Castle Ruins, the motte-and-bailey remains at Kilpeck Church and Castle Ruins, and the 14th-century Kentchurch Court.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit near Bacton?
Yes, several castles around Bacton are suitable for families. Grosmont Castle Ruins and Kentchurch Court and St. Mary's Church are both categorized as family-friendly, offering historical exploration in engaging settings.
Which castles around Bacton are free to visit?
Grosmont Castle Ruins offers free access year-round, allowing visitors to explore its historical grounds and elegant 14th-century chimney without an entry fee.
What historical significance do the castles in this region hold?
The castles around Bacton, particularly those in Herefordshire, are rich in history. Sites like Snodhill Castle Ruins are believed to be among the first in Britain to feature masonry defences around 1100, showcasing early medieval military architecture. Others, like Kilpeck Castle Ruins, represent the Norman motte-and-bailey style, often alongside significant religious buildings.
Can I combine a castle visit with other outdoor activities?
Absolutely. The area around Bacton offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including easy, moderate, and difficult options, as well as easy hiking trails. For detailed routes and guides, explore the Cycling around Bacton guide, Road Cycling Routes around Bacton guide, and Easy hikes around Bacton guide.
Are there any castles with unique architectural features?
Yes, Grosmont Castle Ruins is notable for its elegant 14th-century chimney. Kentchurch Court, while a historical court building, is a Grade I-listed building that underwent a significant Gothic remodelling in the late 18th century, offering a blend of medieval and later architectural styles.
What should I know before visiting Longtown Keep?
Longtown Keep is accessible for walks to see the keep. However, it has recently undergone restoration work, so direct access right up to the keep might be limited depending on the ongoing conservation efforts.
Are there any castles that are more ruinous but still worth visiting for their atmosphere?
Snodhill Castle Ruins is described as a romantic and picturesque ruin. Although not much of the original structure remains, its atmospheric setting above the tiny settlement of Snodhill in Herefordshire's Golden Valley makes it well worth a detour for those who appreciate historical ambiance.
What is the best way to experience the history of Kilpeck?
In Kilpeck, you can explore both the remains of a motte-and-bailey castle and the remarkable Romanesque church of St Mary and St David's. This combination offers a deep dive into the region's medieval history, showcasing both military and religious architecture from the period.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles around Bacton?
Visitors appreciate the historical depth and picturesque settings of the castles. For instance, Snodhill Castle Ruins is noted for its atmospheric quality, despite being largely ruins. The overall appeal lies in exploring ancient fortifications and historical sites that tell stories of the border country.
Are there any pubs or places to eat near the castles?
Yes, for example, near Kentchurch Court and St. Mary's Church, the Bridge Inn is mentioned as serving excellent food, providing a convenient option for refreshments after your visit.
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