Sudeley, built in 1442 by Ralph Boteler Baron of Sudeley, is the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within the grounds. It’s also one of the few castles left in England that is still a residence, the home of Lord and Lady Ashcombe. It’s so easy to spend in here a day or longer exploring the beautiful grounds, romantic surroundings and discovering the rich history of one of England’s most royally-connected castles.
 

“DID YOU KNOW…”

Queen Katherine Parr lived and died here at Sudeley Castle.

The castle was once home to Queen Katherine Parr, Queen of England and of Ireland (1543–47) and the last of the six wives of King Henry VIII. She not only outlived the dangerous serial bridegroom King Henry VIII but managed to die a natural death.

Her grave laid in St. Mary’s Chapel at Sudeley was rediscovered by mistake in 1782 after the Castle and Chapel had been left in ruins by the English Civil War in the mid-17th century. The lead casket was opened and when unwrapped she still had her hair, teeth and nails, and her flesh was “soft and moist and the weight of her hand and arm as those of a living body”. The Castle is said to be haunted by Queen Dowager Catherine Parr as sightings of her ghost, in green Tudor attire, are reported to this day.

Want to see more? Visit the full gallery and get to know Sudeley Castle better. 

While the castle remains a family home, visitors can see more of the 16th century venue than ever before thanks to the Lady Ashcombe, Sudeley’s current chatelaine, who opened the castle to the public in the 1970s.

Inside, the castle contains many fascinating treasures like the extensive exhibitions which include a rare textile collection, Katherine Parr’s love letters and written by her rare copies of original books, lacework reputedly made by Anne Boleyn, bed hangings made for Marie Antoinette and Charles I’s personal beer jugs. The uniquely decorated Sudeley offers a rare insight into the life of some very prestigious royal personas which you can explore by visiting the red and gold Tudor Document Room, the light and feminine Sewing Room and richly panelled Library, where you can see Charles I’s despatch box, the exquisite 16th Century Sheldon Tapestry.

The grounds and nine magnificent gardens are as compelling as the castle itself providing a variety and colour from Spring through to Autumn, each with a unique style and design.

The crowning glory of a trip to Sudeley is visiting the Queens Garden, named because four of England’s queens – Anne Boleyn, Katherine Parr, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I. This particular spot is best known for its stunning display of roses (over 70 varieties) and its heavy scent. Make sure to spend your time luxuriating in its fragrance!
 

“DID YOU KNOW…”

The original “rosa mundi” or Tudor Rose with white with a red border, was named by Anne Boleyn.

During your visit take the Herb Garden Walk leading to the Tudor Physic Garden, homage to the ancient plants used to create medicines and cures during the Tudor period. Here you’ll be able to find wild plants with both nutritional and healing properties, from herbs which can help to relieve stress and anxiety, to therapeutic drugs.