Berkeley Castle

The Berkeley’s of Berkeley Square in London and connections to Berkeley in California, University town.
They still own two castles: Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire and Spetchley Park. The family switches their seats between the castles dependent on the seasons. Well, at least the older generation.
Berkeley Castle is my favourite castle in England and will always special place in my heart. I discovered it whilst touring the Cotswold’s with my friends. In case you don’t know where the Cotswold’s are, it’s a scenic location between London and Cardiff, not far from Bristol or Bath. There are certain well known villages like Bourton on the Water, Lower Slaughter, Tewkesbury, Tetbury…
What makes Berkeley Castle special:
1. One of the oldest remaining castles in Britain still inhabited by the same family (built in the 1100’s)
2. Embedded in History (Edward II imprisonment and his tragic death in a most horrible way)
3. Ghosts (there are quite a few that have been sighted and sometimes you can join ghost tours arranged by associates of the castle)
4. Interior and architecture — its not fake. Just imagine you live in the middle ages and what it would have been like. Look around you and let your imagination be your guide, especially when it comes to the oldest part of the castle — the Keep! You can still see the dungeon, a hole, that is so deep you can hardly see anything. Poor king Edward, maybe he was stuck there?
5. Afternoon Tea — the best scones I had so far!
6. The people still occupying this place and working there — so friendly and inviting.
7. The gardens and the butterfly house
A visit worth.
If you come from the North a weekend away break would be re-​commended.

Interestingly, Berkeley Castle is England’s oldest inhibited castle, the word on the street is the 24 generations of the Berkeleys have passed through the thick brick walls.
Edward II was imprisoned in a cell here, and infact murdered! The Great Hall, is indeed Great and has been host to many a King and Queen over the centuries.
As an extra bonus, as well as exploring the house there is a tropical butterfly house with tens and tens of beautiful and exotically coloured butterfly’s flying around.
£7.50 for adults /​£4.50 kiddiewinks