Brancepeth Castle — Attraction in Brancepeth

Arriving at the Castle for a guided tour I was awestruck by the classic look of the castle - and somewhat uncertain as to what I would see inside. We were taken round the inside and outside by the present owner, whose deep love and empathy for this treasure was clear for all to see. He narrated the story of his family which bought the castle in the 1980's, and the work done with English Heritage to better understand the architecture and the development of the building and the gardens in the valley. Whilst it is clear that it may well take many generations to restore the site to a level that will preserve and enhance the rich cultural significance that the building has, it was interesting to see first hand the germs of reawakening, ambition, and honesty that is required to even contemplate being custodian of such an ancient building. For me, this was a profound and important lesson in heritage restoration, the strength of the human spirit, and a glorious joining together of the fragments and windows into history that makes English History come alive with the characters and events of yesteryear. I write this review after a few months of a road trip, and such was the passion of the owner the detail, the stats, the minutiae - all lives on in my mind as clear as the moment it was said. An inspirational day at a beautiful castle, with a passionate and impassioned owner of a jewel in the canon of English History. I will forever treasure this day and the personal view of the owner as his family wrestles with priorities to bring this building back to a...

The castle is pretty much complete, with gatehouse, courtyard, and rooms around the courtyard, and set in rolling grounds of grassland and trees - it really gives a feel for how these castles would have been in peaceful times. Really great to visit. They also run regular events - we went to an art show. The galleries and halls are perfectly suited to displaying art, with lots of light and height and space. They also put out chairs and settees for when you need a break, and there are two cafés (the regular one in the gatehouse which is lovely but tiny, and an exhibition one who is more utilitarian). Disabled and wheelchair access, once inside the floors are flat and with plenty of space...

Brancepeth is still privately owned so we went for a tour on a heritage open day. The castle is vast and crazy, with sections dating from the late 11th century mixed in with large sections of later editions from the Tudor and later periods. The vaulted lower chambers with their bare walls hold stories of indoor plumbing and failed revolts against against Henry VIII, while the more elegant apartments upstairs show how the regal design features of later years were imposed upon its walls, ceilings and towers. It is amazing to see behind the scenes at the castle, and hear the stories of plots and plunder and Pyrex! Brancepeth castle hosts craft fairs and special events. Check it out...