Top 4 Castles around Checkendon
Best castles around Checkendon are found in the historic Chiltern Hills, an area known for its rich past and diverse landscapes. While Checkendon itself features a 12th-century Norman church and a Tudor mansion, the region offers several notable historical sites categorized as castles or castle-related. These sites provide insights into the area's history, from medieval fortifications to grand country estates. Visitors can explore various historical structures and their surrounding grounds.
Best castles around Checkendon
- The most popular castles is Wallingford…
Last updated: October 9, 2026
Wallingford Bridge
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Greys Court
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Greys Court
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As "Redrefield" it was the …
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St Nicholas College Ruins, Wallingford Castle
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Basildon Park Mansion
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Wallingford Castle is a typical Norman tower hill castle. One of the castle's most famous residents was the Empress Matilda, who was the only legitimate daughter of King Henry I.
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The Grade I listed, National Trust-owned Basildon House is a sensational country manor house located in Berkshire, between the villages of Upper Basildon and Lower Basildon. The mansion is surrounded by glorious parkland, including an impressive rose garden, created by Lady Iliffe and recently restored
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The charming gardens of Grey's Court estate offer plenty to discover. Enjoy mazes, a great tower, a donkey-powered well, a cafe, and the most pristine gardens featuring cherry trees and wisteria.
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Very beautiful stone bridge with fragments from the 13th century. The Wallingford Bridge is almost 270 m long. From the bridge you have a beautiful view of the Thames and the "Boat House".
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Greys Court, the start point, is one of the best National Trust properties in the Henley-on-Thames area. The walk is straightforward, varied and very beautiful.
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Greys Court is a Tudor country house and gardens in the southern Chiltern Hills at Rotherfield Greys, near Henley-on-Thames in the county of Oxfordshire, England. As "Redrefield" it was the principal manor of the six manors held in 1086 (as listed in the Domesday Book) by the Norman knight Anchetil de Greye (c.1052- post-1086), ancestor of the prominent Grey family. The mainly Tudor-style house has a courtyard and gardens. The walled gardens contain old-fashioned roses and wisteria, an ornamental vegetable garden, maze (laid to grass with brick paths, dedicated by Archbishop Robert Runcie on 12 October 1981) and ice house. Within its grounds are the fortified tower built circa 1347, the only remains of the medieval castle, overlooking the gardens and surrounding countryside, as well as a Tudor wheelhouse. The house remains furnished as a family home, with some outstanding 18th-century plasterwork interiors. It is a Grade I listed building. Cit. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greys_Court The house is now owned by the National Trust and is open to the public. It has been used as a filming location for TV series like "Downton Abbey", "Agatha Christie's Poirot" and as "Midsomer Priory" in the "Midsomer Murders" series.
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A major castle during medieval times, Wallingford Castle was one of the most important royal castles in the 12th and 13th centuries. The castle has lived through interesting eras of British history, from surviving sieges during the Civil War to hosting royalty. Henry VIII abandoned the castle as a royal residence which lead to its decline. Today, although much of the castle is destroyed, you can visit the remains of St Nicholas College, two sections of castle wall, the motte hill, and the castle grounds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of historical sites can I explore around Checkendon?
The area around Checkendon offers a variety of historical sites, including medieval bridges like Wallingford Bridge, country estates with gardens such as Greys Court, and castle ruins at Wallingford Castle Meadows. You can also find impressive mansions like Basildon Park Mansion.
Are there family-friendly castles or historical sites near Checkendon?
Yes, several sites are great for families. Greys Court offers mazes, a donkey-powered well, and beautiful gardens. Wallingford Castle Meadows provides open spaces, wildlife areas, and castle ruins to explore. Basildon Park Mansion also welcomes families to its parkland and house.
What kind of walks can I find around these historical sites?
Many of these sites offer pleasant walks. For instance, you can stroll through the colorful gardens and wildlife area at Wallingford Castle Meadows, or explore the varied grounds of Greys Court. The area around Wallingford Bridge is also a great base for walks along the River Thames.
Are there any easy hiking routes near the castles around Checkendon?
Yes, there are several easy hiking routes in the wider Checkendon area. You can find options like the 'English Farm Barns – English Lane Bridleway loop from Stoke Row' or the 'Warren Hill Farm Track loop from Ipsden'. For more details and routes, check the Easy hikes around Checkendon guide.
Can I go cycling near the historical sites around Checkendon?
Absolutely. The region offers various cycling routes. You could try the 'Chilterns National Landscape – Wallingford Bridge loop from Checkendon' or the 'Ipsden Wood – River Thames loop from Checkendon'. Explore more options in the Cycling around Checkendon guide.
What natural features can I expect to see when visiting these sites?
You'll encounter diverse natural beauty. Wallingford Bridge offers views of the River Thames. Greys Court and Basildon Park Mansion feature extensive gardens, meadows, and woodlands. Wallingford Castle Meadows is a nature reserve with a wildlife area.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles and historical sites?
Spring and summer are generally ideal for visiting, as the gardens at places like Greys Court and Basildon Park Mansion are in full bloom. The milder weather also makes walking around the castle ruins and river paths more enjoyable.
Are there any pubs or cafes near these historical attractions?
Yes, you'll find amenities nearby. Greys Court has its own cafe. The town of Wallingford, close to Wallingford Bridge and Wallingford Castle Meadows, offers a good range of eating places and pubs.
What should I wear for exploring castles and historical sites in this region?
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended, especially if you plan to explore the grounds, gardens, or nearby trails. Layers of clothing are also advisable, as the weather can change, and some areas might be exposed to the elements.
Is there parking available at these historical sites?
Parking is generally available. For example, Wallingford Castle Gardens has a paid parking area near its main access gate. National Trust properties like Greys Court and Basildon Park Mansion typically have dedicated visitor parking.
What is the historical significance of Wallingford Castle?
Wallingford Castle was one of Britain's most important castles, with building commencing in 1067 on the instructions of William the Conqueror. It was a typical Norman tower hill castle and played a significant role in history, including being a residence for Empress Matilda and a site of a Civil War siege. Today, you can explore its ruins and extensive earthworks at Wallingford Castle Meadows and St Nicholas College Ruins.
Are there any challenging cycling routes near the castles?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, routes like the 'Goring-on-Thames village – Ipsden Wood loop from Woodcote' or the 'Mapledurham Estate Bridleway – Chilterns National Landscape loop from Tilehurst' offer more difficult terrain. You can find these and other options in the Gravel biking around Checkendon guide.
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