Severndroog Castle and Tea Room — Attraction in London

This castle is in fact a "folly" that a lady built in memory to her husband. The inside is only open on certain days of the week, so best check this before visiting. Winding stairs present access to small, historically-decorated floors and some interesting history. The view from the roof is the real highlight and it's probably worth picking a clear, dry day. Consider taking binoculars too!

Compared to the attraction itself, the cafe on the ground floor is open on more days of the week. It does light bites and serves some alcoholic beverages (eg wine) as well as soft drinks, coffee, tea and nice cake. From here there are good walks in the woods and you can also walk across to Oxleas Wood cafe (also visible from Google Maps). Some paths require outdoor-style or walking- boots if it had been raining, and there are muddy puddles to avoid on these woodland paths. The remains of an old house or estate add interest to the landscape. In late summer the wild blackberry bushes offer free fruit.

Overall, a recommended tourist attraction that is off the...

Open Sundays 10am-4pm. 30-minute bus486 ride from North Greenwich to Memorial Hospital Bus stop took us to the smallest castle on the highest point in London, and from the viewing platform we were mesmerised by the spectacular 360-degree views over London. The staff were friendly and lent us a telescope. We bought a castle keyring as a souvenir. The rose garden was still in bud.

Severndroog Castle was designed by architect Richard Jupp in an ornate Gothic style with no practical utility at all, called a Folly, 63 ft (19 m) high and triangular in section, with a hexagonal turret at each corner. It is commonly referred to as a castle because of its turrets, but due to its small size and the fact that it never functioned as a castle.

It was built in April 1755 to commemorate Admiral Sir William James, who attacked and destroyed the Maratha island fortress Svarnadurg (Severndroog in English) on the west coast of India between Mumbai and Goa. James died in 1783 and the follies were erected as a memorial to him by his widow, Lady...

Great views from the top of the castle. This is what they say about the castle: Severndroog Castle is an elegantly preserved Gothic tower situated on Shooter’s Hill, one of the highest points in London. From our viewing platform, you will be captivated by the spectacular 360° view of the capital and beyond.

This historic Grade II*-listed 18th-century folly is nestled in ancient woodland, making it the ideal hidden gem to explore away from the London bustle.

You can find the castle off Shooters Hill and it is easy to find. Check opening times though. Again from the website: Severndroog Castle was built in 1784 as a memorial to Sir William James by his wife Lady Anne James. It celebrates his most famous exploit, the capturing of the island fortress of Suvarnadurg.

Severndroog Castle is 132 metres (432 feet) above sea level, gifting it with one of the best panoramic views of the London cityscape, the Thames River and the edges of London's seven...