Free Entry
Open daily, summer 10am-6pm, winter 10am-4pm. Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day
Address:
White Hill, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LJ
Visit the substantial remains of a strong and important motte-and-bailey castle dating from the 11th to 15th centuries, with surrounding walls, ditches and earthworks. Richard Earl of Cornwall added a 13th-century palace complex.
Managed by Berkhamsted Castle Trust.
Read more about the history of Berkhamsted Castle.
Before You Go
Opening Times: Open 10am to 6pm during British Summer Time, and 10am to 4pm during Greenwich Mean Time except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day - see more details.
Parking: No parking on site but charged public parking, not managed by English Heritage, is available close by at the railway station or in the town centre. There is very limited on-street parking on White Hill and nearby streets but please park with consideration for residents and other road users.
Access: The main path into and through the castle is surfaced with gravel but is suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. There are steps up onto the earthworks and the motte.
Facilities: There are no facilities on site but it is close to Berkhamsted town centre. The castle is next to the rear entrance of Berkhamsted railway station and there are toilets at the station.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.
Please be aware: There is a moat that contains water for most of the year except for the summer months.
Climbing on the ruins is prohibited.
Drone flying: English Heritage does not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions. Please see our drone filming guidelines for more details, or email our Filming team.
Plan a Great Day Out
Make the most of your day out in history and head to St Albans where you can visit the ruined Tudor mansion of Old Gorhambury House, or the remains of the Roman Wall, which once reached a height of five metres.
Slightly further afield, Wrest Park is a 50-minute drive away from Berkhamsted. With dazzling parterres and fragrant borders, sweeping views and woodland walks, it’s a real treat for the senses. Once you’ve explored some of its 90 acres, treat yourself to something tasty at the café, learn more about Wrest at War in the exhibition, or let the kids run off some steam in the playground.
Heritage Open Days
Berkhamsted Castle Trust volunteers are offering free guided tours for 2024 Heritage Open Days. Join them and find out more about this fascinating castle. The tours are on:
September 8th at 3 pm
September 10th at 2 pm
September 12th at 2 pm
September 14th at 11 am and 2pm
Booking is required so please visit Berkhamsted Castle Trust's website.