Duffield Castle
Derbyshire, England
Photo: Beep boop beep, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Beep boop beep, CC BY-SA 4.0 ยท The British Library, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Duffield, 0.3 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Foundations only of huge Norman keep; free entry
Pinpoint
Milford Rd, Duffield, Belper DE56 4DW
Telephone 01332 842191
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 31 August - 27 December | Castle - Daily Dawn - Dusk |
Checked against the official page on 25 August 2026.
Foundations only of what was once one of the largest keeps in Norman England - no wall stands above ground, just the footprint and a view over the valley from the motte. Reviewers are candid that there's less to see here than the "castle" name suggests.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The scale of the footprint - even reduced to foundations, it's large enough that visitors are routinely surprised at how big the original keep must have been.
Before you go
Park at the nearby rugby club, not the site itself, and watch for the gate - reviewers flag it's easy to miss from the main road.
What visitors say
Duffield Castle reviews · 3.3 / 5 across 222 Google reviews
Reviews of Duffield Castle consistently describe a very small site with little more than the outline of the former structure and a well remaining, so visitors need to bring some imagination.
Several found it a quick, quiet stop worth combining with a nearby attraction, but at least one reviewer felt there was too little to see and too little information provided to justify the visit on its own.
“You can just look the land, castle no more exist.Only picture available.”- Mubasher Sian, visitor review
Within reach of Birmingham (39 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Getting in - what National Trust says
There are no toilets and no car parking on site. The terrain is steep in places, with steps and uneven ground. Seating is available. A full Accessibility Guide is published on AccessAble.
Taken from National Trust’s own website and read 28 July 2026 - check the current version. Access can change with building work, weather and staffing - if the visit depends on it, ring ahead.
History
Henry de Ferrers · 1066
Built by Henry de Ferrers (around 1066) as an outpost to protect his estates in Derbyshire. The castle featured one of medieval England's largest keeps, measuring approximately 31 metres on each side. It was destroyed in 1269 by order of Henry III after Robert (7th earl) rebelled and was defeated at the Battle of Chesterfield. Stone from the demolished structure was subsequently scavenged for local buildings. The site remained overgrown and forgotten until its rediscovery in 1885.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “We parked near the rugby club (free) and walked up to the castle.” - Flutterbyfairy
- Terrain & accessibility
- “The walk up the steps was nice and there were great views from the top; you do have to use your imagination of what the castle might have looked like.” - Flutterbyfairy
Common questions about Duffield Castle
Where is Duffield Castle?
Duffield Castle is in Derbyshire, England, at Milford Rd, Duffield, Belper DE56 4DW.
Is Duffield Castle free to visit?
Yes - Duffield Castle is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by National Trust. There may still be a charge for nearby parking, and open-access arrangements can change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel.
What is the highlight of visiting Duffield Castle?
The scale of the footprint - even reduced to foundations, it's large enough that visitors are routinely surprised at how big the original keep must have been.
Is Duffield Castle a ruin or still intact?
Duffield Castle is a ruin - Foundations only of huge Norman keep; free entry.
