The Royal Gardens of Sudeley
A Horticultural Jewel in the British Crown When Lady Ashcombe asked me if I would become Design Consultant to the Gardens of Sudeley I could think of nothing that would give me more pleasure. The fact the Gardens already qualified for world-wide fame made it a most exciting challenge. In my view a visit to the Cotswolds would be incomplete without a visit to these gardens.
Sir Roddy Llewellyn Garden Consultant
Surrounded by stunning views of the Cotswold Hills, the setting of Sudeley Castle is breath-taking in itself. The award-winning gardens have been lovingly restored and redesigned to compliment the elegance and tranquillity of the castle and its ruins, as well as to echo through the ages and recreate the beauty of the gardens which have grown here in years gone by. As our season runs from Spring to Autumn, so our gardens are an ever-evolving showcase with plants peaking at different times throughout the year. Tulips prevail in Spring, roses reign supreme during the Summer and the tender plants are evident once Autumn sets in.
THE ROYAL GARDENS OF
THE QUEEN OF THE COTSWOLDS
SUDELEY SUDELEY
CASTLE CASTLE W I N C H CO M B E , G LO U C ES T ER S H I R E
W I N C H CO M B E , G LO U C ES T ER S H I R E
AWA R WINN D I GARD NG EN S
Tewkesbury
B40 77
A46
8 B407
NEW FOR 2013!
• GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE TOURS • THE ROMAN MOSAIC TERRACE • QUEEN ELIZABETH I TOPIARY SCULPTURE
Home and burial place of Henry VIII’s last wife Queen Katherine Parr
Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, GL54 5JD. Please be aware that some satellite navigation systems may direct you via a circular route so it may be best to check for a direct route. Large vehicles and coaches should not use the main entrance due to height and weight restrictions and should contact us for directions to our exit gate.
Winchcombe B4632
A40 19
Cheltenham
B4 63 2
PHEASANTRY Amongst our impressive collection of owls and rare pheasants from around the world, our Snowy Owls are being tamed for public interaction throughout the season.
How to find us
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Roses at sudeley Roses are synonymous with the English garden and few gardens can boast a more compelling collection of roses than Sudeley.
Walk in the footsteps of Kings and Queens
England’s most romantic castle
Recorded info: 01242 604357 General info: 01242 602308 Visitor Centre: 01242 604244 Email: enquiries@sudeley.org.uk
www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
A great day out for all the family Famous award-winning gardens
Find out more
Access Information
AT FOR RE
EF A M I LY
Spring Grand Sale 25th - 28th April Rose Week 24th - 30th June
Halloween Happenings 31st October
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Tudor Fun Days 21st April, 19th May, 23rd June, 21st July, 25th August & 22nd September
NGS Open Day 11th October
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A Great Day for Everyone
EF A M I LY
Please check the website for full events listing.
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EMMA DENT COLLECTION A great insight into Victorian times with a fascinating display of items collected by the Victorian chatelaine of Sudeley Castle.
St. Mary’s Church Rest for a while in the peaceful atmosphere of the beautiful 15th century church where Queen Katherine Parr lies entombed, with madrigal music and a short film of the re-enactment of her funeral.
Easter Event 31st March
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Six wives at sudeley View the elaborate costumes from Dr. David Starkey’s TV series ‘The Six Wives of Henry VIII’ along with information on Henry VIII and his wives.
Brock: the tale of the family badger Enjoy a picture story of Brock the badger’s life with the Dent-Brocklehurst family accompanied by the family’s personal memorabilia plus wildlife video.
Events for 2013 L AL
KATHERINE PARR EXHIBITION The intriguing story of ‘The Life and Loves of Katherine Parr, Queen of England and Mistress of Sudeley’ comes to life with Dr. David Starkey along with her original books and letters in this unique exhibition.
THREADS OF TIME ‒ TEXTILE TREASURES OF SUDELEY A rare collection of embroidery, textiles and lace dating from the 16th century to today, including the ‘Anne Boleyn’ canopy and Charles II Stumpwork box.
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It is with the greatest pleasure that I invite you to visit Sudeley Castle. It has been my home for fifty years and I hope that something of its special charm and intriguing history will fascinate you as much as it has captivated me. Our exhibitions, art and treasures, royal history, beautiful gardens, magnificent buildings and romantic ruins are for you to explore and enjoy. We also have events for all ages and interests throughout the season. On three week days we are delighted to be able to invite you to visit our family’s private rooms, and new for 2013 there will be guided tours of our award-winning gardens by Lyn Hall, well known writer and garden guide. My son and daughter and their families (five grandchildren!) join me in welcoming you to visit our home and hope you enjoy the very unique experience that is Sudeley Castle.
Sudeley Exhibitions
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Welcome to Sudeley Castle from Lady Ashcombe
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Talks • Dr. David Starkey • Alison Weir • Sarah Morris Dates to be confirmed, please see our website for more information
Elizabeth Ashcombe
The History of Sudeley Castle
“Sudeley is unrivalled as a lived in Cotswold castle. For heritage lovers it is a jewel in England’s crown. Passing in and out of royal hands with Richard III, Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I and Charles I all playing their part in its fascinating history, Sudeley is famously the burial place of Queen Katherine Parr. Left in ruins after the Civil War, now sympathetically restored to its former glory Dr. David Starkey Historical Advisor by forbearers of the present family.”
Restaurant & Coffee shop Situated in the medieval Banqueting Hall offering a wide selection of high quality beverages, sandwiches, hot meals, light lunches and afternoon teas. GIFT & VINTAGE SHOP The shop has a unique selection including vintage items, the sales from which raise funds for the local Winchcombe Youth Centre. ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND & PICNIC AREA Featuring a spectacular wooden fort with zip-wire and hidey holes. Suitable for children aged 5 and over. Children also love our interactive Nature Walk.
Parking: Free next to Visitor Centre & designated disabled car park near castle WCs: Disabled WC near Visitor Centre Visitor Centre & Coffee Shop: Wheelchair accessible Gardens: Circular route around gardens is wheelchair accessible although some visitors may require assistance from their companion. Paths are loose gravel or grassed Exhibition: Upper floors of exhibition areas are unsuitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues Wheelchairs: Two manual wheelchairs are available at the Visitor Centre, please pre-book Health & Safety Advice: This is an ancient building. There are uneven surfaces, steep terraces, deep water features, steep steps, other steps not immediately obvious, low doorways, non-edible plants, low branches and slippery surfaces in wet weather. Please take care. Children must be accompanied and supervised AT ALL TIMES Dogs: Regrettably no dogs are allowed other than service dogs. For more information: Please visit our website www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
Admission & Opening Times
2013 admission PRICES
Adults..............................£12.00 Concessions.....................£11.00 Children (5-15 years).............£6.50 Children (under 5).............. FREE Family (2 adults, 3 children)....£35.00
Exhibitions, gardens & playground
Tour of the Family’s Private Rooms*................£18.00 Tour of the Gardens*.......£18.00 *Includes general admission. Available on selected days, please check website for details.
OPENING TIMES Open daily 10:30am to 5pm. Sunday 17th March to Sunday 3rd November.
Prices include VAT and are subject to alterations without notice