Conisbrough Castle — Attraction in Doncaster

Conisbrough Castle is situated in the village of Conisbrough, South Yorkshire, approx. 3 miles SW from the A1M, just off the Doncaster to Rotherham road. Strangely I had never heard of this castle until recently, perhaps because it managed to avoid any major sieges and slipped under the net due to its ruinous condition by the time of the English Civil War.

Once I saw a photograph I was hooked, but it's even better in real life, as the Keep soars majestically, even from a distance, with an English Heritage flag proudly fluttering above the roof.

There is a free car park for visitors, at the bottom of the lane leading up to the castle, and the rural setting is very pleasant in itself.

Tickets are purchased from the Visitors Centre which has a shop, drinks and an exhibition area displaying items relating to the history of the castle. There is also a picnic area with wooden tables, next to the Centre. The staff on duty were very knowledgeable and I got the impression they were proud of the place and why not?

Over several hundred years the castle and its surrounding walls fell into disrepair and the curtain wall surrounding the Keep is still in ruins, however, after 1950, a great deal of time and money went into renovating the Keep itself, particularly replacement of the wooden floors and the fitting of a new roof, together with some neat audio visual equipment.

Nowadays, you can enter the Keep and climb the stone staircases to each floor including the roof where the views are superb. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the inside of the Keep is not suited to people with a severe walking disability.

I understand that English Heritage are active in encouraging children's activities at the castle and I can imagine it would be a great day out for a school trip.

The history of the castle involves many interesting events, several connected with royalty, most information of which can be found on 'the web or in the English...

Review: Conisbrough Castle, Conisbrough, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Conisbrough Castle is a notable historical monument nestled in the town of Conisbrough, close to Doncaster. This medieval fortress warrants a commendable four-star rating for its cultural significance, engaging exhibits, and the immersive experience it offers.

The castle, with its imposing keep and striking architecture, transports visitors back to the Norman era. Its robust stone walls whisper tales of knights, nobles, and conquests, making you feel like you've stepped into a history book. The panoramic views of the South Yorkshire landscape from the top of the castle are breathtaking and worth the climb.

The visitors' centre at the castle does an excellent job of contextualising the castle's history. Through a series of informative displays and interactive exhibits, it brings the castle's past to life in a way that is engaging for all ages. They've also recreated a medieval lord's chamber within the keep, which adds another layer to the historical immersion.

The castle grounds, maintained by English Heritage, are well-kept and ideal for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions or share an interesting fact about the castle's history.

However, the site falls a bit short when it comes to amenities. More facilities such as refreshment options and restrooms would significantly enhance the visitor experience. Accessibility might also be a concern for some visitors, as navigating the steep steps to the castle keep could prove challenging for those with mobility issues.

In conclusion, Conisbrough Castle is a treasure trove of history and offers a unique day out for both history buffs and families. Despite minor shortcomings in amenities, it holds strong with a four-star rating for its educational value, fascinating history, and the distinctive experience...

Conisbrough Castle is a medieval fortification. The castle was initially built in the 11th century by William de Warenne, the Earl of Surrey, after the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Hamelin Plantagenet, the illegitimate, parvenu brother of Henry II, acquired the property by marriage in the late 12th century. Hamelin and his son William rebuilt the castle in stone, including its prominent 28-metre (92 ft)-high keep. The castle remained in the family line into the 14th century, despite being seized several times by the Crown. The fortification was then given to Edmund of Langley, passing back into royal ownership in 1461. Sir Walter Scott used the location for his 1819 novel Ivanhoe and by the end of the 19th century the ruins had become a tourist attraction. The keep comprises a central circular tower, 62 feet (19 m) in diameter, with six, large solid buttresses projecting outwards to form an hexagonal design, unique in England. It is an important medieval survival, the historian Sidney Toy considered it to be "one of the finest keeps in England", the archaeologist Oliver Creighton describes it as an "architectural gem" and Stephen Johnson as "one of the finest examples of late Norman defensive architecture". A great keep, with loads of information, has some really great views from the top as well, it's a very interesting castle, there's also a holy well outside the castle and across the road, with a good story, it's worth a visit if you're in the area. Dogs are welcome, free for Cadw members (in their 2nd year 👍) and free for English...