Attraction in Cheltenham
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Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswold Hills, Sudeley
Castle is regarded as one of England's most romantic castles. It has royal
connections spanning a thousand years and has played an important role in
the turbulent and changing times of England's past.
Sudeley was once the magnificent palace of Queen Katherine Parr, Henry
VIII's last and surviving wife who is buried in the Castle church. Henry
VIII, Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I stayed at Sudeley Castle.
Charles I resided here while his nephew Prince Rupert established Sudeley as
his garrison headquarters during the English Civil War.
After its desecration by Cromwell's troops the castle lay sadly neglected,
much of it in ruins. Sudeley's fortunes were however to change some 200
years later when it was acquired by the Dent brothers, famous glove
manufacturers from Worcester. They set upon an ambitious programme of
restoration. Upon their death this task was taken up by their nephew John
Croucher Dent and his wife, Emma Brocklehurst. Today Sudeley is home to the
Dent-Brocklehurst family.
The Dent-Brocklehurst family have extended their living space with the
growth of the family, into the East Wing, which was previously open to
visitors. The family are keen that the Castle‚s collection is still
showcased to the public, and have launched a number of exhibition areas
incorporating Tudor and Victorian artefacts which include a stunning Textile
Exhibition. The Letters from Khartoum‚ exhibition tells the story of Johnny
Brocklehurst, Emma Dents nephew, as he treks across the Sudan desert and his
part in the highly dangerous scheme to smuggle letters, reduced
photographically to the size of a postage stamp, through the enemy lines. A
film based on unique archives re-creates the historical event and
compliments the exhibition.
Surrounding Sudeley Castle are ten magnificent gardens each with their own
special beauty and charm. Centrepiece is the Queen's Garden, named after
Katherine Parr and famous for its magnificent collection of old-fashioned
roses interspersed with fragrant herbs and surrounded by yew hedges and fine
examples of topiary. A Knot Garden was created to commemorate a visit by
Queen Elizabeth in 1592, the design of which was inspired by the fabric from
the Queen's dress depicted in a painting which hangs in the Castle.
The Pheasantry was established in 2004 in association with the World
Pheasant Association (WPA) and houses a collection of rare and endangered
species. The threats to individual species and to whole areas of the
environment where we live are accelerating and Sudeley is proud to work with
the WPA to support their programme of conservation and protection.
2008 sees an exciting new programme of Events at Sudeley, including a
chocoholic's weekend, jousting, ballooning exhibitions, meet the Tudors
weekend, Wedding shows, extreme sport weekend and a fabulous Christmas
event. With the re-opening of the adventure playground Sudeley is the ideal
location for family days out and those wishing to explore a piece of English
history. Check the website for more details.
Click here for 20% off admission price with Discount Britain
Details
Nearest Train Station: Cheltenham
Click here to plan and book your train journey
Group Affiliations: HHA
Months Open: March - October
Groups/Parties Welcome: Yes
Discount for Groups: Yes - Group rates available
Contact Name for Groups: Debbie Hillyard
Admission Price: Adults: £7.20; Conc: £6.20; Children: £4.20
Family (2+2): £20.80
Catering: Coffee Shop
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