Beeston Castle

Beeston Castle is the closest English Heritage site or other such property to us, and it was the first such historical spot we visited. Not much of the castle remains; unlike either Chirk Castle or Powis Castle nearby in Wales, it is difficult to conjure up the past when exploring the site. However, it is a perfect destination on a bright, sunny day when in the mood for a bit of exercise.

The walk to Beeston Crag, 500 feet above the Cheshire plain, takes you to the hilltop stronghold of the castle and it is no quick jaunt. After an energetic climb, you can rest on the grass near the edge of the steep, rocky Crag and gaze across no less than eight counties, from the Pennines in the east to Wales in the west.

Beeston Castle was built from 1226 and soon became a royal fortress, only falling centuries later in a 12-month seige in the English Civil War (17th century).

Date of Our Last Visit: July 2003