Group visits to Ashby de la Zouch Castle
The property began as a manor house in the 12th century and reached castle status in the 15th century. Come and find out about the castle’s colourful history with our lively audio tour. Hear how Edward IV’s Chamberlain Lord Hastings added the chapel and the impressive keep-like Hastings Tower – a castle within a castle. Visitors can still climb the tower today despite it suffering massive damage during the Civil War. There are great views from the top!
Group Discount
We offer a 15% discount (10% for Stonehenge) for travel trade and organised groups of 11 or more paying visitors when payment is made in a single transaction.
Per group you also receive:
- free entry for one tour leader
- free entry for one coach driver
The tour leader, coach driver and any English Heritage members do not count towards the group totals.
Join our mailing list for more exclusive offers, Travel Trade news and useful updates from English Heritage.
Join the mailing listBooking information
Opening times:
Please be aware of the site's opening times when making your enquiry. Some of our smaller sites close during the winter, so you may expect a longer than expected response time.
Making a booking:
Contact information for making your group booking can be found in the Visit & Contact Information section below.
Please include the property name and date of visit in the subject line of your email along with the following information:
- Group name
- Name of property
- Tour reference/booking reference (if applicable)
- Date and time of arrival
- Number of visitors
Payment method:
Payment can be made on arrival by: cash, credit/debit card, cheque (made payable to The English Heritage Trust), Agency Voucher Scheme (AVS).
Visit & Contact information
- Prices and opening times: Please check here. The 'without donation' price applies to groups and travel trade.
- Coach parking: As there is no coach parking available, please drop off at the site entrance and coach parking may be available at Tesco.
- Catering: There is no café on site, but a vending machine offers tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Ice cream is also available to purchase.
- Gardens: The grounds consist of large, level areas of grass, as well as the mysterious castle garden, which is famous for its elaborately shaped sunken features. Please note: Visitors can climb the 24 metre (78 feet) high tower built by Lord Hastings.
- Audio tour: The free audio guide provides an amusing account of the castle's dramatic history, drawing upon a masque performed here for Alice Spencer, Countess of Derby, in the early 17th century. Please note that the guides will not be available on event days, and it is recommended that group visits book in advance.
- Access: Wheelchair access is limited to the grounds only.
- Average length of visit: 45 minutes.
Address: South Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1BR
Email: ashby.castle@english-heritage.org.uk
Telephone: Ashby de la Zouch Castle: 01530 413343
Guided tours
Make your group visit extra special by adding one of our guided tours.
Please allow for the indicated minimum notice below when booking a guided tour.
Guided tour of Ashby de la Zouch Castle
The tour covers the exciting history of the castle – the links to Ivanhoe and royalty not to mention how Ashby de la Zouch Castle grew in importance at the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Tudor period.
- Duration: 45 minutes.
- Minimum-maximum pax: 11 - 20 pax.
- Advance booking required: Yes, a minimum of 6 weeks notice is required
- Price: Price available on enquiry.
Group Travel Support
Further support and useful resources available to group travel organisers can be found on our dedicated Group Visits webpages.
For educational groups, please visit our School Visits webpages.
Join our mailing list for more exclusive offers, Travel Trade news and useful updates from English Heritage.