Hopton Castle is a beautiful little castle, and even though it is a ruin, it is actively maintained. It stands as an empty shell, but it is an impressive one. There is a moderate amount of free parking there, enough for around 4-5 vehicles, and entry is free unless there's an event going on. There is also a donation box on site, as it is maintained by the Hopton Castle Preservation Trust. The castle started out as a timber motte-and-bailey structure in the 12th century, and the stone tower house was added in the late 13th or early 14th century. In 1644, during the English Civil War, Hopton Castle was held by 30 parliamentarians against a besieging force of 500 royalists. It held out for three weeks before the walls were breached and the occupants were massacred and thrown into a muddy pit.

A beautiful ruin in peaceful surroundings. Not difficult to find and ample parking. Information boards very interesting. Lots of areas for kids/pets to play and picnic benches The ruin itself is small but clearly well maintained!

An absolutely amazing castle. Even though it's small and not much remains, this place is incredible. It's easy to imagine what life was like there 400 or 500 years ago. A very charming place. Small, but very evocative. I recommend it.

Peaceful historic site with free parking and a locally run preservation effort Hopton Castle is a lovely place to explore, especially if you enjoy quieter historic sites. There’s free parking available, and although entry is also free, there’s a donation box on-site — which makes sense, as the upkeep is managed locally by the Hopton Castle Preservation Trust. They rely on donations to help maintain the ruins and surrounding grounds, and you can really see the care that goes into preserving the site. The castle itself is a striking medieval ruin with a fascinating history, including its role in the English Civil War. It’s a peaceful spot to wander around, take in the scenery, and imagine what once stood there. A great little visit if you’re in the area, and supporting the trust helps keep this piece of history alive.

This free to enter castle/keep is in a wonderful setting. There is a small car park on site, for maybe 3 or 4 cars. There are info boards around the place and you can explore in and around the keep. There are also some tables if bringing a picnic. The castle featured in a time team episode too.