Skipsea Castle
East Riding of Yorkshire, England
Photo: Dr John Wells, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Neil Theasby, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Des Blenkinsopp, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Nafferton, 6.7 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Earthworks of Norman motte and bailey
Pinpoint
Beeford Rd, Skipsea Brough, Driffield YO25 8TH
Telephone 0370 333 1158
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
Open any reasonable time during daylight hours
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
Visitor essentials
- Access
- Reaching the mound means walking across a rough field, unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
- Facilities
- No on-site facilities; the nearby village of Skipsea has a pub, post office and service station.
- Dogs
- Dogs on leads are welcome.
- Safety
- Farm animals may be present on the grounds.
Just earthworks now - a Norman motte, built around 1086 by Drogo de la Beuvrière, on what may originally have been the largest Iron Age mound in Britain, repurposed for the castle. It was abandoned by 1200 and deliberately destroyed in 1221, so what's left is entirely the shape of the land rather than any stonework.
At a glance
Who to know
Drogo de la Beuvriere · built the Norman motte around 1086
Worth the trip
The mound itself - surprisingly tall in person, and reviewers note it's more impressive underfoot than in photos.
Before you go
The car park is tiny and sits on a sharp bend, so reviewers warn there's barely room to turn around; a couple of stiles lead up to the summit, making it a decent stop on a dog walk rather than a long visit.
What visitors say
Skipsea Castle reviews · 3.6 / 5 across 151 Google reviews
Reflecting its lower rating, reviewers are honest that little remains beyond the earthwork mound itself - several describe it as essentially a large grassy hill rather than a conventional castle - but most still enjoy the rewarding views from the top and appreciate the free, always-open access.
One reviewer warns the car park is tiny and awkwardly placed on a sharp bend.
“Iron age burial mound and also was a motte and Bailey castle , bit steep getting up to the top but once you're up there the views are amazing.... lovely and peaceful with the cows grazing nearby”- Elyse Storey, visitor review
History
Drogo de la Beuvrière · 1086
A Norman motte-and-bailey castle built around 1086 by Drogo de la Beuvrière on what may have been an Iron Age mound. The site controlled a strategic trade route and was surrounded by an artificial lake (Skipsea Mere) connected to the North Sea via a navigable channel, making it an inland harbour and administrative centre. The castle declined in importance after 1200 and was ordered destroyed in 1221 by Henry III following William de Forz's rebellion against the Crown.
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
- “Warning - the car park is tiny (just enough room to 3-point turn) and on a sharp bend.” - Neil B
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Iron age burial mound and also was a motte and Bailey castle , bit steep getting up to the top but once you're up there the views are amazing....” - Elyse Storey
Common questions about Skipsea Castle
Where is Skipsea Castle?
Skipsea Castle is in East Riding of Yorkshire, England, at Beeford Rd, Skipsea Brough, Driffield YO25 8TH.
Is Skipsea Castle free to visit?
Yes - Skipsea Castle is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by English Heritage. 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 Skipsea Castle?
The mound itself - surprisingly tall in person, and reviewers note it's more impressive underfoot than in photos.
Is Skipsea Castle a ruin or still intact?
Skipsea Castle is a ruin - Earthworks of Norman motte and bailey.
