7 Reasons to Visit Sudeley this Summer

1. Wednesday is the best day of the week

Summer holidays at Sudeley can only mean one thing – the return of Children’s Wednesdays every single week! From 25 July until 29 August, every Wednesday will be packed full of fun for children of all ages. From a bouncy castle and inflatable activity centre for under-fives, to a seven metre rock climbing wall for older thrill seekers. Activities are included in the price of a general admission ticket and the fun starts at 10am each week – it’s not to be missed!

2. The gardens are blooming marvellous

Set against the backdrop of the Cotswold Hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sudeley boasts ten award-winning gardens, each with their own character and charm. The centrepiece is the Queens’ Garden, so named because four of England’s queens – Anne Boleyn, Katherine Parr, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I – once admired the hundreds of varieties of roses found in the garden.

3. It’s a real adventure for little lords and ladies

New for 2018 is the castle’s exciting play fort. The huge wooden structure is full of hidey-holes, towers, slides, a climbing wall and even a zip-wire – so there is plenty to keep the most vivid of imaginations entertained! If all that sliding, climbing and zip-wiring hasn’t tired them out, there is also a ten-piece obstacle course, adventure trail and maze!

4. You learn something new on every visit

2018 saw a complete refurbishment of the castle’s exhibitions, so visitors can explore the story of Sudeley and uncover the castle’s secrets in new and interesting ways. The ‘Royal Sudeley 1000 – Trials, Triumphs and Treasures’ is a new collection of exhibitions dedicated to the castle’s turbulent and exciting past.

5. It’s one of a kind

Did you know Sudeley is the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within the grounds? The last of Henry VIII’s six wives, Katherine Parr, lived and died in the castle, where she still remains today entombed in a beautiful 15th century church found within the award-winning gardens.

6. It’s in the heart of the Cotswolds

The history of Sudeley extends far beyond the castle gates, which is apparent upon a visit to the vibrant Cotswold town of Winchcombe. With its traditional honey-hued stone buildings and a unique range of attractions, shops and eateries, it’s the perfect base for anyone looking to explore the Cotswolds this summer. Take a stroll along the River Isbourne or cycle around the town’s impressive centuries-old architecture. While it may not be the largest town in the Cotswolds, Winchcombe is certainly one of the most beautiful.

7. You won’t go home hungry

Hungry visitors have the choice of the Sudeley Castle Pantry or the Sudeley Castle Kitchen restaurant during their visit, and can enjoy a full menu of locally sourced produce, prepared specially by the castle’s new head chef. Visitors can also take the time to indulge in a sumptuous afternoon tea and glass of bubbly, with stunning views of the 1,200 acre estate and beyond.