4 impressive castles in Suffolk to visit on your holidays

One of the best days out for both adults and children is being able to discover the delights of an ancient castle. With their extensive history stretching over centuries and their arresting appearances, it’s impossible not to get excited at the prospect of exploring these four captivating castles in Suffolk.

Orford Castle

Orford Castle boasts an attractive polygonal tower keep which is one of the most complete keeps in England. Visitors are in for a treat as they can explore various levels of the castle, including the basement, the lower and upper halls and all the way up to the roof.

Orford Castle has an exciting maze of passages for visitors to wander through and a trip to the roof is definitely worth it for the amazing views toward Orford Ness. Within the upper hall there is also a display that encompasses the likes of coins, medieval seals and Roman brooches, while the audio tour is a great way to discover the history of the castle.

Entry to the castle costs £6.20 per adult and £3.70 per child aged 5 to 15 years old.

Framlingham Castle

One of the first things to do when visiting Framlingham Castle is to simply stop and stare at it, as this 12th century castle and accompanying mere really is a spectacular sight.

One of the castle’s most famous residents was Mary Tudor before she became queen and the ‘From Powerhouse to Poorhouse’ exhibition provides insight into the castle’s extensive history and the people who lived within it. There are audio guides available that cater to kids and adults and the Wall Walk is a must for the striking views and the opportunity to experience a little something of what it would have felt like to walk the castle walls centuries ago.

Tickets to the castle cost £6.90 per adult and £4.10 per child aged 5 to 15 years old.

Bungay Castle

Bungay Castle was constructed in the 12th century on the orders of Hugh Bigod. The castle was over 33 metres tall, with walls that were between 5 metres and 7 metres thick. Over the centuries the stone keep fell into disrepair, though parts of it were restored in the 20th century and the castle was given to the town of Bungay in 1987.
The Castle Trust now has ownership and administration over the castle and today it presents a very appealing prospect that can be explored for free, with access via the visitor centre.

Eye Castle

The motte and bailey Eye Castle, situated on a Saxon mound, was constructed on the orders of William Malet in 1186 and has an interesting history. The castle had previously been attacked by Hugh Bigod’s soldiers, which resulted in it having to be rebuilt.

The castle was then owned by several different people, becoming increasingly dilapidated as time passed, and was mostly in ruins by the 14th century. It was eventually destroyed in the Civil War by Cromwell’s soldiers. The castle ruins gave way to a 19th century house constructed for Sir Edward Kerrison and most of the ruins that can be seen today are those of the house. Even though little of the castle remains, it is still well worth a visit as the views from the hill top are excellent and there is no charge to explore the ruins.

An enduring appeal that transcends time

These Suffolk castles are all very different but at the same time they all share something in common – the ability to unlock the imagination and to remind visitors of just how much has changed from when the castles were built to the present day. Framlingham Castle is undeniably grand, Orford Castle offers plenty of fun exploring, while Eye Castle and Bungay Castle have a poignant appeal to their ruins, so that all of these castles are sure to intrigue anyone who visits them.