Built in the 12th century, Kenilworth Castle is a striking symbol of medieval power and royal intrigue. It’s best known in history for a spectacular celebration hosted by Robert Dudley in 1575 to impress Queen Elizabeth I (which was immortalized in Sir Walter Scott’s novel, Kenilworth). Wander through the Norman keep, the Elizabethan Garden, and the Great Hall ruins, where centuries of drama and grandeur come to life.
Why visit Kenilworth Castle?
Things to know before booking your tickets to Kenilworth Castle
Ticket options: Choose from general admission tickets for full castle access or guided tours for deeper insights into the castle's history. English Heritage members enjoy free entry.
Types of tickets: Choose from general admission tickets for full castle access or guided tours for deeper insights into the castle's history. English Heritage members enjoy free entry.
What’s included: The tickets include entry to Kenilworth Castle, access to the Elizabethan Garden, as well as the castle’s Great Hall, Leicester's Gatehouse, the Norman Keep, and other structures.
Discounted tickets: By booking before 8:45 AM on the day of your visit, you can avail a 10% discount on your tickets.
Cancellation Policy: You can cancel your tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins to receive a full refund.
Best time to visit: Spring and summer offer the best experience, with the Elizabethan Garden in full bloom and special live-action events during school holidays.
Family-friendly activities: Children can enjoy hands-on exhibitions in the Tudor stables, dressing-up opportunities, and seasonal events like medieval reenactments.
Kenilworth Castle Highlights
Leicester’s Building
Climb the tower Robert Dudley built to impress Queen Elizabeth I. Enjoy panoramic views and explore the queen’s private chambers through interactive displays.
The Elizabethan Garden
Stroll through the garden Robert Dudley designed for Queen Elizabeth I. Admire vibrant flowerbeds, a Renaissance-style aviary, and a striking marble fountain.
Leicester's Gatehouse
Dive into the story of Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley in this historic gatehouse. Explore rooms like the Elizabethan bedroom and the Oak Room, featuring an ornate alabaster fireplace.
The Norman Keep
Stand before the massive Norman keep, built in the 12th century with 14-foot-thick walls. It served as the castle’s heart for 500 years and was later transformed by Robert Dudley.
Great Hall
Step inside John of Gaunt’s Great Hall, once a symbol of medieval power. Explore the grand space that hosted monarchs and pass through Mortimer’s Tower—the castle’s original entrance.
Tudor Stables
Experience 800 years of history in the Tudor stables. Kids can try on period costumes and handle trebuchet balls from the legendary 1266 siege.
Plan your visit to Kenilworth Castle
Opening hours:
Summer (April – October): 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Winter (November – March): 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing
Closed on: 24-26 December & 1 January
Duration: Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours for a thorough visit of Kenilworth Castle. If you're taking a guided tour or using an audio guide, allow at least 3 hours.
Weekdays: Visiting on weekdays offers a tranquil experience with fewer visitors, allowing you to explore the castle's rich history and expansive grounds at a leisurely pace.
Weekends & Holidays: Weekends, bank holidays, and school vacations tend to be busier, with increased footfall and special events. To avoid peak crowds, consider arriving before 11 a.m. or after 2 p.m.
Spring & Summer: The warmer months showcase the Elizabethan gardens in full bloom, enhancing the beauty of the castle grounds. However, these seasons can attract more visitors, especially during holidays and weekends.
Autumn & Winter: These seasons provide a quieter atmosphere with fewer tourists. While the cooler weather adds a mystical ambiance to the ruins, it's advisable to check the forecast and dress appropriately, as some areas may be exposed to the elements.
Address: Castle Green, Off Castle Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1NG
By train: West Midlands Railway line Nearest stations: Kenilworth Station (1.6 km walk) or Coventry Station (8 km away)
By bus: Bus numbers 11 and 11X Nearest stop: Holiday Inn (Stand C) or Shops (Stand B) in Kenilworth (12-minute walk)
By car: Via A46 and A452 Nearest parking: On-site parking available at the castle
Restrooms: Unisex and accessible toilet facilities are located within Leicester's Gatehouse at Kenilworth Castle. These restrooms include baby-changing amenities for visitors with young children.
Gift Shop: A selection of souvenirs and gifts are available for purchase.
Picnic Areas: Designated spots are available for those who prefer to bring their own refreshments.
Parking: Free on-site parking is available for visitors. There are dedicated spaces for disabled visitors near the entrance. It is recommended to arrive early during busy periods to secure a spot.
Audio Guides: You can access a free audio tour on-site by scanning a QR code upon arrival. The audio guide is available in English, French, and German.
Accessible Pathways: While much of the site is outdoors with uneven terrain, accessible paths lead to key areas like the gardens and the visitor center, tearoom, and some exhibition areas that are wheelchair-friendly. There are also benches provided along these paths.
Wheelchairs for loan: Manual wheelchairs are available on request at the visitor centre. If you have your own mobility scooter, they are also welcome
Accessible restrooms: Wheelchair-accessible toilets can be found at..... (where can they be found?)
Registered assistance dogs: Service dogs are welcome throughout the site.
Leicester’s Gatehouse Access: You can access all floors of the gatehouse via a lift.
Accessible Parking: There are designated accessible parking spaces located close to the entrance.
Photography: Snap away for personal use, but tripods may be restricted.
Drones: Not allowed without prior permission to protect the site and visitors.
Pets: Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds but not inside exhibits or the tearoom.
Smoking: Not permitted anywhere on the castle grounds.
Outside Food & Drink: Picnics are welcome in designated areas—just clean up after!
Flora Preservation: Enjoy the gardens, but don’t touch or pick the flowers.
Baby Strollers: Allowed in most areas, but some spots may be tricky due to the historic layout.
At Kenilworth Castle:
Stables Tearoom: Located in the beautifully restored Tudor stables. Enjoy a selection of light lunches, cakes, and drinks made from locally sourced ingredients. There are child-friendly options, and you can find allergen information on-site.
More options nearby:
The Cross at Kenilworth(0.6 km): Experience Michelin-starred dining at The Cross, where Chef Andreas Antona crafts exquisite British cuisine in a charming 19th-century inn.
Ego Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar(0.7 km): Savor a variety of Mediterranean dishes, from Italian pasta to Spanish tapas, in a vibrant setting. Ego offers a diverse menu that caters to all tastes.
Disclaimer: The prices listed are approximate and subject to change based on availability, seasonal rates, and booking dates.
Abbey Fields (0.6 km): A scenic park featuring the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey and St. Nicholas Church. Ideal for a relaxing stroll or a family picnic.
Stoneleigh Abbey (6.4 km): A stunning stately home with Jane Austen connections.
Jephson Gardens (9 km): Beautiful Victorian gardens with exotic plants, a tranquil lake, and a glasshouse—perfect for a peaceful escape.
Warwick Castle (10 km): Explore this medieval fortress with live shows, interactive exhibits, and stunning grounds that bring over 1,100 years of history to life.
Coventry Transport Museum (11 km): Discover the largest collection of British vehicles, including vintage cars and iconic bicycles, celebrating the country's automotive heritage.
Coventry Cathedral (12.8 km): A fascinating mix of old and modern architecture.
Visitor tips
Make sure you have enough time: You need 2–3 hours to fully explore the castle grounds, gardens, and the tower and the interactive exhibits. Check for seasonal events: Look out for medieval reenactments, family activities, and holiday-themed events, especially during summer and school breaks. These add an extra layer of excitement to your visit.
Dress for exploration: The castle grounds are partially ruined, so wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven surfaces, especially if you plan to climb the tower or walk the gardens.
Visit the exhibition: Don’t miss the exhibition at Leicester’s Gatehouse, where you can dive into the fascinating relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley through historical displays.
Enjoy family-friendly activities: Traveling with kids? The castle offers interactive displays, costume dress-ups, and siege-themed experiences to keep younger visitors entertained.
Confirm the opening hours on the day of your visit opening times: As you’ve seen above, Kenilworth Castle has differing opening hours throughout the year, so confirm these hours and any special closures before your trip to plan smoothly.
Frequently asked questions about Kenilworth Castle tickets
Key attractions include the Norman keep, medieval great hall, and the beautifully recreated Elizabethan Garden.
Kenilworth Castle offers occasional guided tours during special events and peak seasons. You can also use free audio guides available through the English Heritage app to explore at your own pace.
Yes, tickets are valid for the entire day, allowing re-entry. Keep your ticket handy for verification.
A typical visit lasts between 2 to 3 hours, allowing ample time to explore the castle ruins, gardens, and exhibitions.
Yes, the castle hosts various events throughout the year. Check the official events calendar for details.
Yes, the castle can be hired for private events, including weddings. Contact the venue directly for more information.
The castle offers family-friendly activities and often hosts events suitable for children. Check the events calendar for upcoming activities.
The castle is open on most public holidays, but it's advisable to check the specific closure dates and times before you make a plan.
Visitors are advised to stay on designated paths and supervise children at all times due to uneven surfaces and historic structures.
