About
Built immediately after the Norman Conquest by William FitzOsbern, this beautiful medieval fortress and estate have been home to the Berkeley family since 1153. Steeped in history, every room in this ancient home tells a story:- Queen Elizabeth I visited Berkeley with the Earl of Leicester, it is believed that Shakespeare wrote A Midsummer Night's Dream for the great granddaughter of Henry VIII, who married Lord Thomas Berkeley here in the late 16th century, and Jonathan Swift spent much time here, which later inspired him to write Gulliver's Travels.
The castle is surrounded by 6,000 acres of farmland, including a medieval deer park, a stretch of the River Severn, colourful and picturesque gardens featuring delicate flowerbeds and lily-ponds, and a spectacular stone staircase - a brilliant backdrop for some stunning wedding photographs!