Goodrich Castle
Herefordshire, England
Photo: Scribwik, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Hchc2009, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Hchc2009, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass
- Nearest station
- Lydney, 11.8 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Castle Ln, Ross-on-Wye HR9 6HY
Telephone 01600 890538
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
Open daily, 10am - 5pm (last entry at 4.30pm)
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
Visitor essentials
- Facilities
- An on-site tearoom offers refreshments.
A largely intact ruin set high above the River Wye, with a big tower you can actually climb and a dungeon beneath - English Heritage keeps most of the structure accessible rather than roped off, which reviewers say makes it feel far more explorable than most ruins its size.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The view from the top of the tower over the River Wye, reached via genuinely narrow medieval stairs.
Before you go
Pay and pick up your free self-guided audio headset at the gift shop, not the entrance; the car park is reasonably priced, and reviewers rate the on-site mead as worth trying.
What visitors say
Goodrich Castle reviews · 4.7 / 5 across 2,714 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently praise Goodrich's well-preserved towers, dungeon, audio guide, and views over the River Wye, with several also enjoying the on-site cafe and mead, and noting the site is dog-friendly.
One reviewer felt the entry price (around £62 for a family of four plus parking) was becoming steep, though the rest describe it as very good value for a full day out.
“Our stop in Wales trip. It wasn't just few stones in middle of nothing. What's I like there was we could enter almost everywhere, up the tower through the very narrow stairs where is very nice view around, into lower…”- Mariusz Rybak, visitor review
Within reach of Bristol (29 miles), Cardiff (36 miles) - see what else is nearby.
History
Godric of Mappestone
Probably founded by Godric of Mappestone after the Norman Conquest as an earth-and-timber fortification, Goodrich was rebuilt in stone during the mid-12th century. It became the seat of the Talbot family and was successfully besieged by Parliamentary forces in 1646 using artillery, after which it descended into the picturesque ruin admired by Romantic-era poets.
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
- “My only grump is that £62 for 4 adults plus parking is pretty steep now.” - Carl
- Guided tours
- “We really enjoyed listening to the audio guide as we walked around.” - Jason Owen
- Facilities
- “There is a cafe on site offering delicious refreshments and a well stocked gift shop.” - emma perkins
Common questions about Goodrich Castle
Where is Goodrich Castle?
Goodrich Castle is in Herefordshire, England, at Castle Ln, Ross-on-Wye HR9 6HY.
Do you need a ticket to visit Goodrich Castle?
Yes - Goodrich Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by English Heritage. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Is Goodrich Castle dog-friendly?
Visitor reviews suggest dogs are welcome at Goodrich Castle - one reviewer noted: “…was surprising as it was half term. Our dog was also welcome in the Castle and he had doggy ice cream from the cafe.”. Policies can vary between parts of a site and change over time, so confirm with the operator before visiting with a dog.
What is the highlight of visiting Goodrich Castle?
The view from the top of the tower over the River Wye, reached via genuinely narrow medieval stairs.
Is Goodrich Castle a ruin or still intact?
Goodrich Castle is a partial ruin.
