Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden
Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden
Enjoy a great day out in Warwickshire at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden. One of the largest historic attractions in the West Midlands, the whole family will enjoy exploring the spectacular castle ruins.
The ruins are best known as the home of Robert Dudley, the great love of Queen Elizabeth I. Dudley created an ornate palace here to impress his Queen in 1575.
Follow in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I in the authentically recreated Elizabethan Garden. Lost to the world for over 400 years, it is now open to visitors once more. Wander through carved arbours and marvel at the bejewelled aviary and marble fountain.
Meet the Queen
Practice your curtsey - Elizabeth I is returning to the castle! Visitors will see history bought to life in this unique experience as our authentically costumed Queen Elizabeth takes a stroll through the castle and grounds, getting a glimpse of what Elizabethans would have looked like up close as well as an opportunity to ask questions and chat with the interpreters.
See if you can spot the queen, dressed to impress in period costume on your visit. Find out more about the stunning costume at monthly 'dressing the queen' displays.
Don't Miss
- Our complimentary audio tour - and children's audio tour - which bring the site's 900 year history to life
- The beautiful Elizabethan Gatehouse, and the painting of Elizabeth I shrouded in mystery
Group Discount
15% discount for groups of 11 or more visitors paying together. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.
Guided Tours - From Fortress to Palace
This tour takes you into the castle ruins, where you will learn about the history and the development of the castle from a medieval fortress to a Tudor palace, starting at the 12th century Norman Keep and finishing with the story of the slighting of the castle in 1650.
Duration: Around 45 minutes.
Group size: Minimum of 12, maximum of 30 people per tour with one guide.
Advance booking required: Yes, minimum of 2 weeks.
Elizabethan Garden Tour
A Kenilworth Castle team member will lead the group through the Norman Keep and into the newly recreated Elizabethan Garden, just as Queen Elizabeth I would have entered her private garden erected in 1575 by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester.
Our guide will explain the inspiration behind this unique project and the recreation of the 16th century fountain, aviary and four obelisks, as well as the search for Tudor plants, flowers and birds.
This tour will also shed light on the love story between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley and her spectacular 19 day visit to Kenilworth Castle, in which Robert would attempt to win his Queen’s heart forever!
Duration: Around 45 minutes
Group size: Minimum of 12, maximum of 30 people per tour
Advance booking required: Yes, minimum of 2 weeks
