Whittington Castle

near Oswestry, Shropshire. 

A fairy tale Castle, ivy clad ruined walls, medieval moat and a twin towered gatehouse entrance are the iconic features of Whittington Castle near Oswestry in Shropshire. This Castle which was the first community run Castle in the country, was re launched in 2007 after a huge restoration project and it has been drawing visitors from far and wide since.

The Castle makes the ideal group outing it has a tearoom serving sandwiches, cakes and refreshments and the speciality The Castle Cream Tea. The Castle has a well-stocked second hand bookshop area and sells souvenirs and gifts. A new bridge gives access to the inner bailey area and tower and the moat has been extended and the pavilion replaced to give view of the landscape which was once a medieval garden. Disabled toilets are available. Throughout the year there are many events from Historic Medieval Re-enactments, Living History days as well as Plant and Craft Fairs to Outdoor Theatre Productions – visit the website for a full list of events. Costumed Guides are available (if pre-booked) for groups of 8 people or more. The tours offer visitors the chance to see into some of the locked rooms and hear stories of the Castle’s fascinating history.

The castle is steeped in historical tales of bitter warfare, treachery, death, myths, legends and of course many ghosts and strange happenings. It is said that “The Holy Grail” was once hidden here as well as a cursed chest which is opened would bring death. The Castle is also connected to some very famous historic figures like Dick Whittington once Lord Mayor of London and Shropshire’s very own Robin Hood  Fulk FitzWarine III. The FitzWarine family acquired Whittington Castle and in the late 12th Century Fulk FitzWarine III was outlawed by King John.

The Castle is available for Civil Ceremonies, Knight and Princess Birthday Parties as well as Paranormal Investigations, Group tours and School groups. The Castle has a Membership scheme and welcomes new members and those who wish to help at the Castle as volunteers. The Castle is now completely self funded.

2024 Events:

Siege! 27^th & 28^th April
A re-enactment of 1404’s siege of Whittington Castle when Owain Glyndwr besieged Whittington and the castle burned.
Living History, demonstrations, and fighting knights!

Napoleonic Living History Weekend – 11^th & 12^th May
See the forces of the Napoleonic era clash in dramatic fashion. Living history encampment, crafts, exciting displays, and demonstrations from both allied and French forces.

Green Fair – 16^th June
Visit ethical traders and organizations who will share information about how to live a green life and potentially save some money in the process.

The Tempest – 16^th June
Enjoy a summers evening of outdoor theatre as Festival Players Theatre Company bring Shakespeare’s shipwreck tale The Tempest to the grounds of Whittington Castle.

Plant Hunters Fair – 30^th June
A wide selection of plants and advice for any size of garden from artisan nurseries across the country.

Cats at the Castle – 13^th July

Jaguars of all sizes and ages fill the grounds including rare and private collection models.

As You Like It – 25^th August
Bring your deck chair and a picnic and enjoy the outdoors Shakespeare comedy classic As You Like It is brought to life by Folksey Theatre.

Multi-Period Reenactment 5^th & 6^th October
Where else will you see Victorians in conversation with Romans? Join us for a journey through the ages, watch Knights in combat, meet WW2 soldiers, visit a Georgian hospital all in one place.

See www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk for more information and a full list of events.
Telephone 01691 662397 or e-mail info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk for more information.