I’m a self confessed history nerd. I just love it. So when I was looking for somewhere to stop off on our drive South today I was delighted to discover that there was a castle just off the motorway and almost exactly at the half way point for my journey. And so, to Ashby de la Zouch castle!
The castle is just as grand as it sounds – or at least it was if the paintings and recreations are anything to go by. From modest beginnings as a manor house it was transformed in the 1600s by William, Lord Hastings. Today it’s a ruin set on a nice plot of land, giving a humble nod to the grand halls and ornate gardens that once occupied the site.
I’m a big fan of English Heritage properties and this one didn’t let me down. Dog friendly and no fuss, we were allowed to snoop all around the ruins.
I chickened out of going up the high tower; it warned of 98 narrow, steep steps and with no handrail in sight, Alby in the front pouch blocking my view of my feet and Percy either ready to bound ahead or pull me down I though I would just admire from afar! However, no such wimping out was to be had over the underground passage way connecting the tower to what used to the kitchens. It was brilliant – I had no idea that the dark little cavern I was entering would lead me along an equally dark stone corridor only to resurface 100 yards from where I started.
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| My intrepid exlorers |
It’s a bit of an unusual place – castles are often located off the beaten track on large plots of land. This castle is located on a small plot, sits next door to the village tennis club and is a five minute walk from the high street.
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| Alby bored by my lecture on the evolution of the grounds |
For us, it was perfect. Offering a true quest for my young squire, a bit of history for me and a place for Percy to trot about.
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