Maxstoke Castle Visit and Easy Ramble

Maxstoke Castle, just 3 miles outside Coleshill, is a fine example of a C14th moated and fortified manor house, commissioned by Sir William de Clinton; the licence to crenellate dates from February 1345. The house, which is surrounded by four acres of mixed formal and informal gardens, has been in the continuous ownership of the Dilke (later Fetherston-Dilke) families for over 400 years.

The house is private and not open to the public but, once a year – today! The house and gardens are opened in support of local charities. Teas, plant and other stalls are provided. Castle website is HERE So we offer the chance to visit the Castle (if you wish) and then enjoy an easy ramble.

The ramble will be around 5 miles and will use some of the Heart of England Way, visit Shustoke reservoir and the village of Shustoke all linked by lovely farmland and quiet country lanes.

UPDATE: Due to ongoing Covid restrictions, the Castle owners have now announced that this year they will be opening at 1pm (rather than 11am), so we will walk first and then have the opportunity of a Castle visit upon our return. They have also decided not to allow guests to enter the castle rooms and have reduced the entry fee accordingly.

The plan will still be to park at the Castle at 11am from where we will start and finish our ramble. Upon our return, the Castle visit is optional but recommended.

Pub: Afterwards, those who wish can drive to The Plough in Shustoke for a well-deserved drink