Tutbury Castle
Staffordshire, England
Photo: Dave Harris, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Robert Powell, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Thomas Quine, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Duchy of Lancaster (leased to Bespoke Inns)
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Limited tour days
- Nearest station
- Tutbury & Hatton, 0.5 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Reopening summer 2026 after major repairs
Pinpoint
Castle St, Burton upon Trent, Burton-on-Trent DE13 9JF
Telephone 01283 812129
A ruin with a notable prisoner - Mary, Queen of Scots was held here on four separate occasions - currently closed for major repairs and due to reopen in summer 2026. Under previous management, reviewers praised long-serving curator Lesley Smith by name for the history presentations that brought the place to life.
At a glance
Who to know
Mary, Queen of Scots · held prisoner here on four separate occasions
Worth the trip
The Mary, Queen of Scots connection - reviewers say the guided history presentation made her imprisonment here feel vivid rather than just a name on a plaque.
Before you go
It's currently closed for repairs with a summer 2026 reopening planned; the site has also been through a change of curator and management recently, so what's on offer when it reopens may differ from these reviews.
What visitors say
Tutbury Castle reviews · 4.4 / 5 across 923 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently point to the site's connection to Mary Queen of Scots' imprisonment and knowledgeable guided history as the highlight, alongside good views and a small tearoom.
One review flags a risk to opening hours tied to staffing changes, and it's worth noting only ruins remain of the original structure.
“Fantastic place to visit.. so much history.. my 7 year old daughter loved it. Stunning vistas of the surrounding counties.. well worth a visit. Would love to go back when they have a historic event on too!”- StewBacca, visitor review
Within reach of Birmingham (27 miles) - see what else is nearby.
History
Henry de Ferrers
Henry de Ferrers established Tutbury as his headquarters after the Norman Conquest, endowing a priory nearby around 1080. The site was heavily damaged in 1264 and 1274 following rebellions, then given to Edmund Crouchback in 1269 where it remained Duchy of Lancaster property. Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned here four times between 1569 and 1585.
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
- “There’s a small parking in front of it, so it’s easy to go there by car.” - Nikola Chalakov
- Guided tours
- “A great place with a great history presentation from the guide.” - Richard Abbott
- Facilities
- “Cheap entry fee and a tea room and access to the house and ruins.” - Richard Abbott
Common questions about Tutbury Castle
Where is Tutbury Castle?
Tutbury Castle is in Staffordshire, England, at Castle St, Burton upon Trent, Burton-on-Trent DE13 9JF.
How do you visit Tutbury Castle?
Tutbury Castle opens on limited tour days rather than every day, and is looked after by Duchy of Lancaster (leased to Bespoke Inns). Because the dates are restricted, check the official site and book ahead before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Tutbury Castle?
The Mary, Queen of Scots connection - reviewers say the guided history presentation made her imprisonment here feel vivid rather than just a name on a plaque.
Is Tutbury Castle a ruin or still intact?
Tutbury Castle is a ruin - Reopening summer 2026 after major repairs.
