Summary
Approach Kenilworth Castle across its Warwickshire parkland and your first impression might be of yet another crumbling pile of ancient stones. However, first impressions are often misleading. This captivating site boasts nearly 900 years of romantic tales—including royal conflict, religious strife, and possibly the most poignant case of unrequited love in English history. Here’s what you need to know for your visit.
A Brief History
The castle was constructed around 1120 for Geoffrey de Clinton, chamberlain to King Henry I, who was the fourth son of William the Conqueror. The Normans, just a few generations removed from their Viking roots, were known for their warring tendencies and internal conflicts. Henry fought against his brothers for the throne, and after his only legitimate son drowned, he attempted to designate his daughter Matilda as his heir. However, in 1120, England was not ready for a woman on the throne, leading it to pass to her nephew, Stephen of Blois.
Matilda eventually exacted her revenge. Civil war erupted between her supporters and Stephen almost immediately after he claimed the throne. Eventually, Stephen reconciled with Matilda’s faction but only under the condition that her son, whom we now know as Henry II, would be his heir.
Henry II fortified Kenilworth Castle as it transformed from a significant country estate into a military establishment, thus responding to ongoing family rivalries and wars. This castle stood resilient, even enduring a six-month siege—the longest recorded in English history.
Nevertheless, politics ultimately led to its decline. During the early English Civil War between Parliamentarians and Royalists, Oliver Cromwell’s forces captured the castle. Though it never faced direct combat, in 1649, Parliament ordered its destruction to prevent new rebellions, leading to its current ruinous state.
Elizabeth and Dudley
Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, the 1st Earl of Leicester, were childhood friends who reconnected while imprisoned in the Tower of London during the reign of Mary, her half-sister. Dudley faced execution due to his family’s support of Lady Jane Grey, while Elizabeth was incarcerated due to suspicions regarding Wyatt’s Rebellion. After their release, Dudley remained Queen Elizabeth’s favored companion for years.
Rumors circulated about their potential marriage, especially following the mysterious death of Dudley’s estranged wife, Amy. However, scandals surrounding Amy’s demise—a fall that led to her death—prevented their union.
Despite this, their bond endured. Elizabeth gifted Dudley Kenilworth Castle, often visiting him there. In a last-ditch effort to woo her, Dudley transformed the castle, adding a hunting park, a grand gatehouse, a privy garden embellished with a jeweled aviary, and a special four-story tower within the castle for the exclusive use of Elizabeth and her closest attendants.
Kenilworth regained popularity in the 19th century when the tragic story of Amy inspired the romantic novel Kenilworth by Sir Walter Scott, the author of Ivanhoe.
Things to Do at Kenilworth
- Tower Views: In 2014, English Heritage opened a series of safe stairways and platforms to the top of the Leicester Building, allowing visitors to enjoy views unseen for 400 years, specifically designed for Queen Elizabeth I’s enjoyment.
- Elizabethan Garden: Explore the recreated privy garden designed for the Queen, based on historical illustrations, descriptions, and research conducted by contemporary gardeners. The revival includes Elizabeth’s jeweled aviary.
- Leicester’s Gatehouse: This grand entrance, converted into a private home in 1650, now houses an exhibition detailing the romance between Elizabeth and Robert Dudley, complete with an Elizabethan bedroom and an alabaster fireplace once found in the Queen’s private chambers.
- Family Fun: Kenilworth is an inviting destination for families, featuring live events, an engaging Step-Inside Activity Pack tailored for children, and a family-friendly menu at the Tudor-styled Stables Tearoom.
Essentials
- Where: Kenilworth Castle, Castle Green, Off Castle Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1NG
- When: Open daily from the end of February to October; weekends only from November to mid-February. Check the website for seasonal hours and half-term openings.
- How much: Adult tickets priced at £11.80 in 2019; family tickets for two adults and up to three children available at £30.70. Discounts for students, seniors, and children; entry is free with the Overseas Visitor’s Pass.
- Getting There: To reach Kenilworth from London, take the M40 to the A46. Follow signs from Kenilworth town center to the castle via the B4103. The drive is approximately 105 miles and typically takes around two hours in good traffic. Alternatively, consider taking the train; the nearest stations, Coventry and Warwick, are both five miles away, accessible by taxi and local buses. For train times and prices, refer to National Rail Enquiries.
- Website
What Else is Nearby?
- Stratford-upon-Avon: The birthplace of Shakespeare, located approximately 15 miles away via the A46.
- British Motor Museum: Showcasing classic British cars, situated on Banbury Road in Gaydon, about 17 miles away via the M40 and Warwick Bypass.
- Baddesley Clinton: A charming Tudor manor house surrounded by a moat, located nine miles away along the A1477.
- Warwick Castle: A heavily reconstructed medieval castle operated by Merlin Entertainments, only five miles away, offering a different family-friendly experience.
