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Tattershall Castle
Magnificent 15th century red brick castle - what wealth and power looks like
Sleaford Road, Tattershall, Lincolnshire, LN4 4LR
Important notice
On Thursday 10 July 2025 the Castle will close a little earlier than usual, at 3pm instead of 4.30pm. Last entry will be at 2pm.
Opening times for 4 July 2025
Asset Opening time Castle Closed Until Sunday 28 September 2025, and on days that the Castle is open, admission to the Castle and grounds is from 10.30am and last admission is at 3.30pm. The Castle and grounds close at 4.30pm and the car park closes at 4.45pm. On Thursday 10 July 2025 the Castle will close at 3pm instead of 4.30pm, with last entry at 2pm.
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Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £11.00 £10.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £5.50 £5.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £27.50 £25.00 1 adult and up to 3 children £16.50 £15.00 Group (Adult 18+) £9.50 Group (Child 5-17) £4.75 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Bookshop
Our second-hand bookshop is located in the visitor reception building.
- Car park
Accessed by a single track drive with overhanging trees.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs must be kept on a short lead. Assistance dogs only are permitted inside the Great Tower.
- Licensed for civil weddings
Our charming wedding venue accommodates up to 80 people.
- Toilet
Toilet facilities are located approximately 80m from visitor reception and approximately 180m from the Great Tower. There are no toilet facilities in the Great Tower.
Drop-off point available. Accessible toilet. Grounds contains gravel paths and uneven grassy areas. Accessible ramp leading to ground-floor parlour chamber. 149 steps to the top of the tower. No lift to upper floors.
- Accessible toilet
A toilet with adaptations is next to the ladies toilet in the main toilet block. The toilet block is at the end of an 80 metre gravel path and the gravel can be relatively deep in places. The accessible drop-off point is close by; visitors making use of the drop-off point may drive as far the toilet block provided a member of staff is notified in advance.
- Drop-off point
Our drop-off point is approximately 30 metres from our visitor reception building, is through a gate which is normally partially closed. Please phone (01526 342543) or email (tattershallcastle@nationaltrust.uk) in advance if you would like to use the drop-off point so we can direct you to the correct gate and ensure it is opened for you upon your arrival.
- Induction loop
Our visitor reception building has an induction loop.
- Level access to shop
We have a small shop and second-hand bookshop on the ground floor of our visitor reception building, which has ramped access.
- Level access/terrain
On days when we host weddings the ground floor of the Great Tower is inaccessible for a period of approximately 90 minutes. Please contact us if you have a query relating to the accessibility of the Great Tower on a particular day.
- Photograph album
An information folder in the Parlour chamber of the Great Tower (ramped access) contains photographs of and information about the upper floors of the building.
- Ramped access/slopes
There is ramped access to the visitor reception building and to the Parlour (ground floor) chamber of the Great Tower.
- Seating available
There is seating on all floors of the Great Tower except for the Basement, roof level and battlements. There are numerous benches around the Castle grounds.
- Steps/uneven terrain
The grounds contain gravel paths and uneven grassy areas.
- By road
We are 15 miles north-east of Sleaford. The Castle is accessed from the A153, on the south-west side of Tattershall village. From the direction of Sleaford, having passed by the 30mph sign into the village, start to look for signs to the Castle on your right. From the direction of Horncastle, after you pass Tattershall market place on the right, start to look for signs to the Castle on the left.
Parking: There are four driveways at the entrance to the car park - take the driveway on the extreme left. Access to the car park is via a single track drive with a high restriction of 8ft. The car park is free to use and open whenever the property is open. The distance from the car park to the Castle entrance is approximately 140 metres.
- By train
Our nearest train stations are Ruskington, Metheringham, Boston, and Sleaford.
- By bus
Buses pass regularly through the village, including services between Lincoln and Boston.
- Cycling
NCN1 passes within 1 mile
Planning your visit
Access at Tattershall Castle
Access information for Tattershall Castle
Article
Visiting with your dog
The National Trust’s pawprint system gives all the places in its care a rating. More information is in the National Trust members’ handbook. Tattershall Castle is a two pawprint rated place.
Summer of Play
Families can enjoy a season of outdoor fun and imagination at Tattershall Castle
Venue hire
Article
Weddings at Tattershall Castle
Find out why Tattershall Castle is one of the most appealing venues for wedding ceremonies, photographs and drinks receptions throughout the whole year.
Highlights
Great Tower
An imposing 15th-century red-brick keep, constructed by an influential medieval lord as a statement of wealth and power, with seven storeys to explore.
Grounds
A double moat surrounded by well-tended grounds supporting a variety of plants and wildlife and the last-remaining ruins of the wider Castle complex.
Visitor Reception
A compact and charming 15th century building where you will find our friendly team. It's also where you can pick up a souvenir, buy a cold drink or snack, and browse our second-hand bookshop.
The View
Ascend the Great Tower for stunning views across the Lincolnshire countryside from the Fens to the Wolds. Expect to see up to 18 miles on a clear day.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Tattershall Castle
Discover the many things that you can see and do on your visit to Tattershall Castle. During your visit you might enjoy walking the battlements and admiring the stunning views, enjoying a family picnic in the grounds, or exploring the fascinating historical graffiti in the Great Tower. Click on the image for more ideas.
Article
Family-friendly days out at Tattershall Castle
Entertain the whole family Tattershall Castle. Discover unique stories in the tower, go on an adventure in the grounds and take a break with a tantalising selection of food and drink from visitor reception.
Top trails
Trail
Tattershall Castle Archaeology & Wildlife Walk
A free 1.2-mile walk, outside the castle grounds, mixing highlights of the historical landscape with the natural world.
Eating and shopping
Article
Eating and shopping at Tattershall Castle
Find out what you can purchase and where you can eat when you visit Tattershall Castle.
Places to stay
1 Castle Cottage
A cosy cottage within the grounds of Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire.
2 Castle Cottage
A cosy cottage in the historic grounds of Tattershall Castle just beyond the outer moat, a short walk from the historic village of Tattershall.
Upcoming events
Event
Outdoor Yoga at Tattershall Castle
Recharge your mind, body and soul by practising Yoga outdoors this summer at Tattershall Castle.
Event
'Thy Towers, Tattershall' : A talk from Professor Andrew Jackson
Join us at the Castle to hear Professor Andrew Jackson, talk about the fascinating local writer Bernard Samuel Gilbert and hear him read some of Gilbert’s striking prose and poetry.
Event
Tai Chi at Tattershall Castle
Recharge your mind, body and soul by practising Tai Chi this summer at Tattershall Castle.
Event
The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth I at Tattershall Castle
Elizabethan theatre is flourishing. But will a brand-new Tudor musical romp, in which Good Queen Bess takes to the stage herself, be the making of this heroine or spell the beginning of her downfall?
Event
Summer of Play at Tattershall Castle
Burn off your summer energy with a whole host of lively and exciting outdoor activities to enjoy on our castle grounds.
Event
Secrets of the Tower Tour at Tattershall Castle
Embark on a journey through time at Tattershall Castle! Join our expert guide to learn all about the secrets hidden within its architecture.
Event
A Story at the Castle
Join us for a live reading of Julia Peculiar and the Daisy Chain Disaster nestled in the corner of ancient ruins.
About Tattershall Castle
Rising proudly from the flat Lincolnshire fens, Tattershall Castle, with its huge Gothic fireplaces and church-like windows, was designed to impress. Built by Lord Ralph Cromwell, Treasurer of England, it was designed to show off his wealth, position and power.
The Great Tower is one of the earliest and finest surviving examples of English medieval brickwork and was saved from exportation to America by Lord Curzon of Kedleston in 1911. Take the winding staircase, wander through vast echoing chambers and walk out onto the battlements revealing the beauty of the Lincolnshire countryside.
History
Article
The history of Tattershall Castle
Delve into the rich and dramatic past of Tattershall Castle.
Art and collections
Tattershall Castle's objects and collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Tattershall Castle on the National Trust Collections website.
Our work
News
Our response to National Grid's proposal to build a new transmission line from Grimsby to Walpole
The National Trust has shared concerns about National Grid's plans to build a new high-voltage electricty transmission line between Grimsby and Walpole.
Article
Our work at Tattershall Castle
Discover the work that goes into maintaining the historically significant medieval castle at Tattershall.
Support us
Article
Volunteering opportunities at Tattershall Castle
Join the great team of volunteers bringing Tattershall Castle’s medieval history to life.