What a lovely little place! There is an audio tour guide for free (as we refuse to pay for the books after paying an entrance fee) which is very amusingly strict. You are left to your own devices/pace which is nice so we felt we could have a proper look at the bits that interested us. There is only one building that you cant explore but the guide tells you all about it anyway. We had a really lovely time finished off by tea and scrummy cake :)The opening times for english heritage in the winter months are a little annoying especially when I think there are possibly a max of 3 staff here but I suppose it's understandable when quiet. Also a little annoying to have to pay for parking but as it is slightly off site I expect this is because they have to rent the land.Also don't be ignorant when visiting places like this and expect to use your card, always have a bit of cash, it's not difficult.
If you like this sort of place then you'll love Stokesay Castle. It has a strange attraction, because apart from the outer walls, there is almost nothing left, no 'proper furnished rooms' just the echoes of 700+ years of family living.Your really do need some help to understand the site, so the guide book (which we used) or the audio is a must I think.We were there on a cold dark damp December Sunday, and we all loved it. There was a Tea shop and gift shop open, staffed by friendly helpful people. Shame the Gate house is not open to see, except for the tea room area.
Very unusual,interesting and welcoming. English heritage have done a good job. I got a real feel for the place and could imagine what it might have been like to live there in the 14th century.
We had a really nice afternoon looking around the Castle, very interesting. Kids and adults alike will enjoy all it has to offer, the views over the river from the towers are lovely. Just a good place to amble around at your leisure. There is a very nice tea shop on site and gift shops also.
If you are near Stokesay do stop off and visit it. And do use the audio guide which is full of quirky facts and makes the whole thing come alive. A super cafe with great soup, coffee and cakes rounds off the trip.
We visited at the end of February on a damp and drizzly day. To be transformed back in time, to the building of the castle ground level to turrets. Room by room with informative audio information, that gave you such a sense of the who, why and what questions. Loved it and the fabulous rooms...but see for yourself!!! And take the moat walk too. Worth a visit. From ages 11- 70+ we all enjoyed it so much.
Went on a wet and grey winter day but the castle still and felt looked fabulous. Small but very interesting. Was given a map but found it difficult to orientate in the castle . Some simple interpretation boards would have helped significantly.
A great place to stand and take yourself back to the times when whole villages were centred around a castle, and had to defend themselves against attack. This is a strange combination of fortified castle and manor house. Brilliant visit.
Wonderful building with excellent free audio guide . Good carrot cake in tea room too. The church next door is well worth a visit, it has box pews and the remains of medieval wall paintings can be seen
Visited years ago and laws looking forward to the return trip. It did not disappoint this time either. Lovely day abpnd a most interesting tour of the castle, church and grounds. Steeped in history brought to life by children taking part in Medieval Events: sword use, jousting practice and lots of educational fun. The small cafe serves proper fresh cut sandwiches and cream teas (and more). A great day out for all ages.