Maxstoke Castle & Gardens

Maxstoke Castle is one of the finest examples of a moated castle in the country and has been in the ownership of the Dilke (later Featherston- Dilke) family for some 400 years. The castle is formed of a perfect square and its origins date back to the early part of the 14th century. For a period, it was the home of Sir Henry Stafford and Margret Beaufort, the mother of Henry VII. The castle interiors feature a number of antiquities, including the chair it is thought was used in the coronation of Henry VII after the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.  Today the castle is set in some five acres of gardens and grounds with roses, herbaceous plants and trees in the courtyard and immediate surroundings. Rosemary Featherston-Dilke created a new sunken garden on the top of a 1930s swimming pool. On the castle side, this features a raised walk lined by limes with the centre laid out as a box-edged parterre featuring lavender, geraniums and penstemons to give a colour palette pink and white shading to blue and white.

We have arranged for a brief introductory talk on arrival covering the history and architecture of the castle which will be held in the courtyard, weather permitting. This will be followed by a supplementary talk on the gardens. There is then the option of following the standard tour to enter the castle and view the ceremonial rooms and artefacts, followed by the gardens at your own pace, or to spend more time in the gardens by going there directly after the introductions. Whichever option you choose, there will be afternoon tea featuring some homemade cakes and biscuits.

Please note that suitable outdoor clothing and footwear should be worn. The grounds are wheelchair accessible but not the castle.

There is a minimum group size of 20 required for the visit to proceed.

Cost is £30.00 inclusive of refreshments to members/£35.00 to non-members

Directions:

Maxstoke Castle, Coleshill, Warwickshire, B46 2RD is situated 2.5 miles east of Coleshill. From Warwick/Leamington/Kenilworth take the A452 via Balsall Common. At the 3rd roundabout after Balsall turn right into Hampton Road and then left at Meriden -B4104 and 1st right into Maxstoke Lane. Continue to Maxstoke and turn left at the T junction and follow the road into Castle Lane. Castle Drive is on the left, adjacent to the golf course.