Beeston Castle

Also known as the ‘Castle of the Rock’. Climb to the top of the crag where on a good clear day you can get views over 8 counties, from the Pennines to the Welsh mountains.

The ruins of Beeston Castle sits on the top of steep wooded hill which is accessed via a path from the car park at the bottom.

Legend says that Beeston still guards King Richard II’s lost treasure. There is an exhibition detailing the secrets of 4,000 years of it's history, from the Bronze Age settlement to Iron Age hill fort, where you can still explore the Iron Age ditch that runs around the outside of the outer bailey wall, and the Castle itself was begun in 1225. For centuries it was a Royal Fortress until it finally feel to Parliamentarian Forces during the Civil War.

There is also over 40 acres of unspoiled woodland trails, many dating back to the 19th century, to explore, get different perspectives of the castle and an abundance of nature including birds of prey and autumnal fungi displays. The walks, lasting an hour or more, also reveal previously hidden sections of the castles moat and ruined walls. There is a circular woodland walk which leads fairly gently downhill from near the outer bailey gate. Winding around the base of the crag through the woods, providing glimpses of the castle above, before reaching some sandstone caves. These caves are no longer accessible as they are very fragile.

Don’t forget your wellies!

Location: Beeston Castle and Woodland Park, Taporley, Cheshire Grid Reference: SJ538591 Ceremonial County: Cheshire Map Link: Multimap Aerial photo: Multimap Getting there: 11 miles SE of Chester on a minor road off the A49. Access: It is built on a very steep hill, and wheelchair access to the top and the woodland walk is not recommended. Please also note that much of the site has uneven surfaces. Website: English Heritage Other Useful Websites: Email: Address: Beeston Castle, Taporley, Cheshire Postcode: CW6 9TX Telephone: 01829 260464 Opening Times: 1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-6pm daily. 1 Oct-31 Mar 10am-4pm Thurs-Mon. Closed 24-26 Dec and 1st Jan. Charges: Adult £5.30; Child £2.70; Concession £4.50; English Heritage Members: FREE Nearby Locations: Other Location Pages: Chester Roman Amphitheatre, Chester, Cheshire Chester city walls, Chester, Cheshire Other Relevant Pages: Notes: Parking £2 to all visitors including members. The caves are no longer accessible as they are very fragile. You can use the castle green for picnics.

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By: Tracey Park	Section: Castles Section	Key:
Page Ref: beeston_castle	Topic: Castles	Last Updated: 12/2009

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