Grimsthorpe Castle

Stately stone edifice which is a confident and mature work of Sir John Vanbrugh, in fact his last major work - extending and refronting a house dating from the 13th century and which survives behind and around a Tudor quadrangle. The hall is considered to be Vanbrugh's noblest interior. State rooms and picture galleries contain magnificent contents and paintings, with ceilings painted by Italian Francesco Sleter.

Features: Formal and woodland gardens with good topiary, unusual ornamental vegetable gardens. 3,000 acre 'Capability' Brown park with lakes, ancient woodlands, red deer herd. Nature trail.

Visitor Opening TimesBack to top

Castle: April & May: Sundays, Thursdays & Bank Holiday Mondays. June-September: Sunday-Thursday. 1-5pm (last admission 4pm). Park & Gardens: As Castle, 11am-6pm (last admission 5pm). Groups: April-September: by arrangement.

Please contact the property for up to date opening times

Groups and special visitsBack to top

An architecturally stunning treasure house with beautiful contents, including paintings, furniture and tapestries. Surrounded by 3,000 acres of landscaped parkland, lakes and extensive gardens. Guided tours of Castle and Park, full catering facilities and shop. Special visits available on closed days during summer season or evening visits when closed to day visitors. Maximum number in group visits 50.

\"How Grimsthorpe works\". This day-long visit looks at the mixed fortunes of the estate over the centuries and includes a talk on the present day management of the trust. Morning coffee, lunch with wine, afternoon tea and private tour of the 3,000 acre park are combined with a guided tour of the castle. (Group size is limited to 32 for this special visit).

Groups can book the Head Gardener for a private tour to discover the less-visited parts of the gardens. Eddy Peeling has looked after the gardens at Grimsthorpe for over 30 years and he is happy to share his knowledge with visitors as they stroll through the gardens with him.

Groups who arrive in their own coach can take a tour of the historic park, accompanied by a member of the Trust's management team. Without leaving the comfort of the vehicle, visitors can discover more about the landscape architecture of the park, its ancient woodland and the current habitat management being undertaken to ensure the future survival of this gem.

Wedding FacilitiesBack to top

Wedding Reception Only