Acton Burnell Castle — Attraction in Acton Burnell

We came from visiting Wenlock Priory, so google satnav took us down a country road that became a muddy track, down a steep slippy bend to a Ford...it was certianly a memorable challenge in a 3.5t mwb van.. A larger vehicle would get stuck, so just be advised Google maps might suggest that route and its that muddy i would not recomend motorcyclists going down it. Anyway once at the Castle,parking is a bit limited eg aprox 7 vehicles at a push, on hard standing i could see. The castle was just a short walk through a bit of a wood and was very interesting. The artists impression on the plaque in the grounds shows a fortified building with windows on both its largest sides, but Physically you can see there is some windows but a Massive archway on each wall( once blocked over).

After we visited the old cemetary which appeared to be missing grave stones and we went to the church. The sign on main door that you walk up to tells you to enter by the north entrance, but it would have been helpful to put an arrow up, as we dont carry a compass. The church has some impressive marble carvings, a plaque and flags to those fallen in the Great War. The church have a bit of a creapy feeling to me, maybe because of the creaky entrance door or the life like statues or that we arrived as it was starting to get darker outside and there was no lighting lol

Probably the best way to get to this place is from the A5 asthe route selected by goggle to take us to the nearest petrol station was along a...

Amazing ruins, with picturesque location and the history of the place.

Built in the late 13th century by Robert Burnell , the Bishop of Bath and Wells and Chancellor of England from 1273-1292.

Burnell was a friend and confidant of King Edward I, who gave the bishop permission to use timber from a royal forest to construct his castle.

Acton Barret was a symbol of power authority, but was also a spacious and comfortable man. The castle was his country residence, where he was conducting business and entertaining his friends.

After Robert's death, the castle was inhabited by his descendants until around 1420. One of them features in a 14th-century monumental brain the nearby church, which is worth visiting too.

Open at any reasonable time in daylight hours.

Parking is nearby ( right in front of the church graveyard ) and a short walking distance...

Acton Burnell Castle is a fascinating place to visit, set in a peaceful corner of the Shropshire countryside. The ruins, though not extensive, give a real sense of the grandeur the building once had, with its tall red sandstone walls and striking medieval windows. What makes it particularly interesting is its connection to Robert Burnell, one of the most powerful men of Edward I’s reign, and the tradition that Parliament once sat on the estate. Walking around the remains, you can imagine the castle as a residence rather than a fortress, built for status and comfort rather than battle. The surrounding village adds to the charm, making the location both scenic and atmospheric. It may be a ruin now, but it is one that tells a rich story and rewards those who enjoy history in a quiet, beautiful setting. Worth a visit if you are...