Sudeley Castle and Gardens
Surrounded by stunning views of the Cotswold hills, the setting for Sudeley Castle and Gardens is truly breathtaking. The castle itself has royal connections which span a thousand years and it has played an important role in the turbulent and changing times of England’s past. Today, Sudeley Castle is the only private castle in England that has a Queen buried within its grounds – Queen Katherine Parr.
The castle and grounds are shrouded in history, with King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Queen Elizabeth I, and Richard III have all played their part in Sudeley’s story. Following its ‘slighting’ on Cromwell’s orders at the end of the Civil War, the castle lay neglected for nearly 200 years before it was rescued by the wealthy Worcester glove-makers John and William Dent. They began an ambitious restoration programme which was later taken on by their nephew, John Coucher Dent and his wife Emma Brocklehurst. Emma threw herself into the restoration and it was due to her dedication that the castle and grounds are what they are today.
Sudeley Castle and Gardens is now home to Lady Ashcombe and her family who are committed to the continued preservation of the castle, its treasures and the regeneration of the gardens. It makes for the perfect day out when staying in the Cotswolds. Book yourself a guided tour of this historic building or take yourself on a self-guided tour to soak up all of its history.
