Richard's Castle
Herefordshire, England
Key facts
- Operator
- Private owner
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Ludlow, 3.5 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Earthwork motte and bailey of one of the earliest Marcher castles, beside St Bartholomew's Church.
Pinpoint
Ludlow SY8 4ET
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check with the operator before you travel.
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
An earthwork motte-and-bailey castle on the Herefordshire-Shropshire border, among the earliest Marcher castles raised after the Norman Conquest, sited beside the parish church of St Bartholomew.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The earthworks themselves - one of the best-preserved early Marcher mottes, best appreciated alongside the adjoining medieval church.
Before you go
As an unstaffed rural earthwork, expect no facilities on site.
What visitors say
Richard's Castle reviews · 4.3 / 5 across 52 Google reviews
Reviewers describe Richard's Castle as a free, atmospheric and very overgrown motte-and-bailey ruin in a spectacular hilltop setting overlooking the valley.
Many pair it with the adjacent St Bartholomew's Church, which they recommend in its own right, and reach the ruins through the churchyard.
A repeated caveat is poor signage, so it can be hard to find.
“Overgrown and ruined it may be, but Richard’s Castle is great. I may be biased because my name is Richard, but I really enjoyed my visit. Both the castle and St Bartholomews church are very atmospheric, and gave real…”- Richie Hession, visitor review
Within reach of Birmingham (38 miles) - see what else is nearby.
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
- “There is a small car park near the church” - Michael Coleman
- Terrain & accessibility
- “A step into a little changed error.” - Natalie
Common questions about Richard's Castle
Where is Richard's Castle?
Richard's Castle is in Herefordshire, England, at Ludlow SY8 4ET.
Is Richard's Castle free to visit?
Yes - Richard's Castle is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by Private owner. 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 Richard's Castle?
The earthworks themselves - one of the best-preserved early Marcher mottes, best appreciated alongside the adjoining medieval church.
Is Richard's Castle a ruin or still intact?
Richard's Castle is a ruin - Earthwork motte and bailey of one of the earliest Marcher castles, beside St Bartholomew's Church.
