About
Ashby de la Zouch Castle was transformed by William, Lord Hastings into a statement of wealth and influence, with a great residential tower rising above the earlier buildings. The ruins also carry the story of a Royalist stronghold that endured a long Civil War siege before surrendering in 1646. An underground passage between the kitchen and Hastings Tower, probably created during that conflict, is a favourite part of the visit, and the castle later found new fame through Walter Scott's Ivanhoe. Visitors recommend the audio guide for explaining the rooms and bringing the people behind them to life. The lawns and unusually shaped sunken garden provide space for a picnic, with only basic drinks and snacks available on site. Wheelchair access is limited to the grounds, and most drivers need a town-centre car park because on-site parking is reserved for disabled visitors. Dogs on leads are welcome across the site.
OpenSee all times
- Ashby de la Zouch Castle10:00 – 17:00
Opening times may change at short notice.
Open Wednesday to Sunday 10:00-17:00 until 24 October 2026, then Wednesday to Sunday 10:00-16:00 from 25 October to 1 November. From 2 November to 2026-12-20, open weekends 10:00-16:00. Check the official calendar for holiday and later dates.
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Accessibility: Wheelchair access is limited to the grounds. One disabled bay and a shop ramp; disabled visitors can be set down near the entrance without prior arrangement.
Parking: On-site parking is for disabled visitors only. General visitors can use South Street or other charged town-centre car parks; current tariffs are not confirmed.
PricingFree with English Heritage membershipEH memberFree entryNon-member£10
Free entry with English Heritage membership
Entry
Non-member prices
Adult£10.00
Child (5-17)£5.00
Concession£9.00
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children)£25.00
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children)£15.00
Pricing details
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £9.00 off-peak and £10.90 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £4.50 off-peak and £5.40 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £8.10 off-peak and £10.00 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £22.70 off-peak and £27.20 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £13.60 off-peak and £16.30 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
ParkingParking not known
The Trust's page does not say how parking is charged.
Parking details
On-site parking is for disabled visitors only. General visitors can use South Street or other charged town-centre car parks; current tariffs are not confirmed.
Follow current signs and any operator conditions.
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