Goodrich Castle

Goodrich Castle family guide

Explore a mighty medieval castle that was ravaged under siege during the English Civil War. Climb the ruins of the castle towers, creep under historic arches and doorways and brave the dungeon if you dare. With plenty of space to let off steam, Goodrich Castle is a historic adventure for the young and young at heart. 

Two girls walk into Goodrich Castle

Family Essentials

  • Food and drink: Light refreshments are served in the tearoom by the entrance. Choose from a ploughman's lunch, homemade soup, sandwiches, cream teas and cakes. Or, pack a picnic lunch and roll out the rug by the castle for lunch with a view.
  • Toilets: Male, female and accessible toilets are available. There are also baby changing facilities.
  • Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.
  • Parking: There's a large car park close to the visitor centre, which is accessed by steps. To avoid slopes and steps, please park closer to the refreshment area. A parking charge of £3 applies.
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A family sit outside one of the towers at Goodrich Castle

CHILDREN'S CHOICE

It's the children that want to come because they enjoy it for a fun day out. They like exploring the rooms to find out what it was like living here.

'We asked the kids what they wanted to do today and the first thing they asked for was to come and visit Goodrich Castle.

Caroline Strachan, visitor 

© Historic England Sketch of Goodrich Castle

RELIVE THE SIEGE

Grab a free audio guide to discover the story of the Civil War siege that partially destroyed Goodrich Castle in 1646. As one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles, imagine what Goodrich Castle was like in its prime as you scale the castle ruins. The guide will also point out the medieval murder holes in the castle walls and help you find the stained glass window in the 13th-century chapel. 

More on the history

Don't miss...

The latrine tower with a view through the windows
  • Prison: Discover a doorway at the bottom of the south-east tower and climb inside a medieval prison. This was once a dark and often flooded vault which was closed from the outside with a drawbar. Can you brave a look?
  • Roaring Meg: See the mortar that destroyed much of Goodrich Castle during the siege of 1646. Roaring Meg, as she was known, was able to fire a gunpowder-filled shell or grenadoe weighing about 85kg.
  • Garderobe: See a medieval loo that was once used by the whole household at Goodrich Castle. In the garderobe tower, chutes dropped the 'business' to a cesspit at the bottom where a servant had the unfortunate job of clearing it up. Discover more about toilets through time on our blog.
  • Family Game: Pick up our free family game from the ticket office and immerse yourself in a fun tour of the castle. The game features nine cartoon characters of people who at one time lived at Goodrich and you can choose how they might have answered questions – or make up your own cheeky replies!
Children playing as part of an Easter event at Goodrich Castle

Events at the castle

Throughout the year Goodrich Castle hosts events for the family. From 'Hands-On-History' activities in the summer to theatrical performances, take a look at our events and see what's on this season.

Find an event