Your Guide to Framlingham Castle

Overlooking the quintessential English village of Framlingham, with its pretty cottages, winding streets and ally ways, independent cafes, and boutique shops, sits the spectacular Framlingham Castle.

This ‘Castle on the Hill’ (to quote Ed Sheeran!) creates a stunning focal point with its curtain walls, plentiful towers, and ornate Tudor chimneys. Founded in the 11^th century, and surrounded by beautiful countryside, Framlingham Castle in Suffolk offers something for everyone.

Whether it’s a walk around the castle grounds to learn about its history or taking part in one of the many activity days held throughout the year, a trip to this Castle is a must.

Read on to learn more about Framlingham Castle… 

Framlingham Castle history

 

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Framlingham Castle is a medieval castle which once served as a royal residence. Built by the Normans in the 11^th century as part of their campaign to conquer England, it subsequently became home to a long list of royals.

This list includes Kings Henry II, John, Edward I, Edward III and Mary Queen of Scots (it was at Framlingham Castle that Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England in July of 1553).

Fast forward a few centuries to the 1600s and having fallen into disrepair, it was decided that the internal buildings should be taken down so that a poorhouse could be built. It remained this way until it closed to become a drill hall for soldiers and a county court.

 

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During World War II, Framlingham Castle was then used by the British Army as a regional defence against a potential invasion.

Nowadays, English Heritage has taken over the running of the castle, welcoming visitors to learn about the castle’s history, with its colourful and eventful past and holding events throughout the year for all ages to enjoy (plus dogs are welcome on a lead).

What to expect on your day out at Framlingham Castle

Start by purchasing your tickets at the ticket office outside the castle. You also have the option to buy an audio guide if you wish, which can be downloaded onto your phone – fun kid’s versions available too.

Then the adventure begins as you cross the bridge over the moat and enter the castle through the enormous wooden doors. Once inside Framlingham Castle, you can’t help but notice that apart from the old workhouse, all the other internal buildings are sadly long gone.

 

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However, there are lots of information signs to read dotted around the walls and a few structural remains visible, including the foundations of the old kitchens and the site of the chapel – a great opportunity to use your imagination and build a picture in your head as to what life could have been like all those many years ago.

Inside the poorhouse, you will find the castle exhibition, where you can learn more about the people who lived in it over the years – this is particularly good for the younger audience with its interactive design (the game to find out what people ate in the past is lots of fun!).

Also, inside, you will find the gift shop and café, which serves traditional Tudor dishes like vegetable porridge and ‘Tarte Owte of Lent’ (a yummy cheese tart!) as well as the regular fare, of course. You’re very welcome to bring a picnic if you’d rather, there are loads of picnic tables and plenty of room for children to run around safely on the lush green grass.

 

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During your time inside Framlingham Castle, walking along the top of the castle’s walls is a must (unfortunately, there is no lift access to the wall walk; therefore, it is sadly not wheelchair accessible).

You arrive at the top of the walks by climbing up an old spiral staircase (10.5 meters high!), and you can walk all the way around. The views of the beautiful Suffolk countryside are breath-taking (including the mere which once supplied the castle with water), and looking down into the inside of the castle is impressive.

As you walk around, you pass through the old towers, each with its own chimney – the oldest surviving Tudor chimneys in the country! On the way back down, you can stop in the small museum, which houses artefacts from the last 100 years (collected by local resident Harold Lanman).

Head back out of the castle and explore the dry moat – perfect for running down! Carry on to see the old bridge, which once served as an entrance into the castle from the castle gardens. In addition, there is also a ¾ mile-long circular walk around the mere – a nature reserve full of incredible wildlife, including birds, insects, and deer.

Events at Framlingham Castle in Suffolk

During the year, there are lots of activities to participate in, including quizzes, jousting, games, storytelling, sword fighting, medieval re-enactments, theatre productions and even ghost hunts!

How much is admission into Framlingham Castle?

 

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If booked in advance online, admission (as of January 10, 2023) for adults is £11.60, and children are £6.90. If you are going as a family, you can save some money by buying the family ticket, which includes two adults and three children, for £33.20 (an audio guide is included in your admission).

There may be extra charges for special events. If you are a member of the English Heritage, you get in free!

What are the opening hours of Framlingham Castle?

Framlingham Castle opening hours are 10 am to 5 pm, but the days it is opens varies throughout the year, so be sure to check the website before you plan your visit here.

Is there parking at Framlingham Castle?

There is plenty of parking at the castle. There is also an overflow lot for busier days. Parking is free for English Heritage members, but there is a charge for non-members. You can also find a handful of car parks nearby in the village of Framlingham.

How long does it take to visit Framlingham Castle?

 

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While you can easily see the castle in 1-2 hours, you may want to stay longer to picnic and explore the moat area outside the castle. It’s best to allow half a day.

So, while staying in one of our Suffolk cottages, why not take a visit to the beautiful Framlingham Castle? You can secure your idyllic stay with Best of Suffolk online.

For more family-fun, check-out our blog Latitude Festival: Everything You Need to Know. And taste the delights of Suffolk with our guide: Aldeburgh Restaurants You Must Try.