Explore a stunning moated and fortified manor house dating back to 1306, set in beautiful parkland with period rooms and gardens open to families.

Broughton Castle is a moated and fortified manor house near Banbury in North Oxfordshire, built of rich local Hornton ironstone and selected by Simon Jenkins as one of only twenty houses awarded five stars in his book England's Thousand Best Houses. The core of the house dates to 1306, with the gatehouse added in the early fifteenth century, though most of the current structure originates from the 1550s. The castle has been the ancestral home of the Fiennes family since 1377 and played a significant role in English history as a centre of opposition to Charles I, being besieged and damaged after the Battle of Edgehill in 1642. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the beautifully preserved interior rooms and explore the extensive grounds and gardens set in parkland. The venue welcomes families during its seasonal opening (Wednesdays, Sundays, and Bank Holiday Mondays from April to September, 2pm-5pm), with a Tea Room available from 1:30pm. Dogs are welcome throughout the park and garden on leads. Virtual tours of both the house and gardens are available online for those planning their visit. Broughton Castle is suitable for families with school-age children and history enthusiasts, offering both group visits and school visits by appointment throughout the year. The site accommodates disabled visitors with accessible facilities, and Historic Houses members receive free entry. This is an ideal destination for families seeking an authentic historical experience combined with outdoor exploration in a picturesque setting.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

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Chris Wood

3 weeks ago

Sadly the castle itself was closed on the day we ‘discovered’ it (drive past a sign for it and decided to have a look on the off chance - I love a good castle) BUT, the grounds surrounding the castle are free to walk around and open everyday, so we did that. Very picturesque!

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Andrea AJ

a month ago

A beautiful moated castle with parts dating to the 14th century. 700 years of history which the well informed & friendly volunteers are only too happy to share. Do visit the cafe that serves the most delicious fruit scones. The gardens are delightful &a delight to sit & relax in.

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Ian Willetts

2 months ago

A beautiful house and gardens, well worth a visit. A fascinating history to the house and the Fiennes family. Cream tea was absolutely delicious and well priced. Would like to go back for another cream tea and to spend longer just wandering around the house and gardens.

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Paul Graham

2 months ago

A perfect home! Delightfully aged and in a superb location with lovely guides! The best of country house's - especially in the sunshine 🌞

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Mark Newlands

4 months ago

Fantastic castle / fortified manor house just outside Banbury there are toilet facilites in the carpark where the church car park is. Short walk from there to the castle you pay on the way in there is a cafe and a small shop selling all the normal gifts and the food is of high quality staff are all very welcoming and friendly the castle its self is fabulous and well worth visiting you dont need to pay if just visiting the cafe ...plenty of guides on hand thoughout the castle to answer all your questions you may have during your visit the castle has limited opening days and times so check the website before visiting all in all a fantastic visit 10/10 p.s visit the church as its a fantastc building steeped in history

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026