The English countryside is not by any means short of castles, in fact until a week ago I didn't even know Berkeley Castle existed. Berkeley is not a huge imposing edifice battle-scarred and falling into ruin, it is a wonderfully preserved Norman fortress which has morphed over the centuries into a genteel and appealing family home.Parts of the castle are open to the public and for special events all the year round and the family reside in the remainder.
The castle is characterised by a lived-in feeling which few other castles (being mostly ruins) can boast. The walls are decorated with pictures and hangings, there is original wood-panelling and ornately carved period doors. This is not to say that it lacks some austere features, and is reported to be the place where Edward II was murdered.The Berkeley family is deeply rooted in English heritage and has many claims to fame including links to Shakespeare and Sir Francis Drake and of course Berkeley Square in London.
The castle is a jewel in the beautiful Cotswold landscape, offering history, culture, tea rooms and a lovely picnic area.Entry prices:
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