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. No visitor review data is available for this listing, so treat the practical details below as general guidance rather than confirmed advice.
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
No visitor reviews were available to draw practical advice from - 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.
