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Mountfitchet Castle

Stansted Mountfitchet, United Kingdom•4.6(1.8k)•Castle, Heritage Site, Museum

Explore the world's only reconstructed 11th-century Motte and Bailey castle on its original site, featuring a Norman village, animal encounters, and a vast toy museum.

Mountfitchet Castle offers a unique time-travel experience back over 900 years to medieval life. Visitors can explore an authentically reconstructed Norman castle and village built on its original site—the only one of its kind in the world. The immersive open-air museum allows families to wander through period houses, experience the ambience of a bygone era with log fires burning, and discover authentic medieval scenes that bring history to life. The 10-acre site features multiple attractions included in one admission price. Families can meet and hand-feed friendly Fallow deer and rescued animals roaming freely throughout the grounds, participate in interactive hands-on experiences, and visit the House on the Hill Museum, which contains the world's largest toy collection spanning from the Victorian era to the 1990s. A unique Dinosaur Encounter features animatronic dinosaurs with realistic sounds, including a caged T-Rex and life-size moving creatures. This all-weather heritage entertainment complex suits families with children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. The venue is pushchair-friendly with a tearoom, making it an ideal full-day family outing. Special seasonal events, such as Halloween adventures, add extra excitement throughout the year. Schools and group visits are actively encouraged, with dedicated educational programs available.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00
Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Tearoom

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Google Reviews

4.6(1.8k reviews)
M
M M

M M

a month ago

GIVE FRESH WATER TO YOUR ANIMALS!!! We enjoyed visiting the Mountfitchet Castle and Norman Village BUT we were very disappointed and concerned by the condition of the water provided for the ducks, chickens, and geese. The animals appeared to have only very dirty, stagnant water available to them. The water in the stone troughs and large basin was visibly murky and green, with algae, feathers, straw, and other debris floating in it. It looked as though the water had not been cleaned or refreshed for some time. From what we could see, there did not appear to be a separate source of clean drinking water. I understand that outdoor animal enclosures can naturally become messy, and that birds will inevitably make their water dirty. However, clean drinking water is a basic necessity for animals, and the condition of these water containers was genuinely upsetting to see. I did ask the groundkeeper about this, and I was told that the water is cleaned and refilled every day. I appreciate the explanation, but given how dirty the water looked when we visited, I still feel this is something that deserves attention. With multiple birds and other animals using the same containers, the water can presumably become contaminated very quickly, even after being freshly changed. I hope the attraction will take this concern seriously and consider providing cleaner, more frequently refreshed drinking water and perhaps separate drinking containers from the larger bathing/wading areas. We are leaving this review not to criticize the attraction unnecessarily, but because the welfare of the animals should be a priority and an important part of maintaining the attraction. Please address this!

S
Sangeetha As

Sangeetha As

2 months ago

We didn't have enough time to visit London, so we looked for something nearby and found Mountfitchet Castle. It was one of the best decisions we made! It's just a short bus ride from Stansted and was such a lovely, relaxing day out. The medieval castle and village are really interesting, with lots to explore. The animals roaming around made it even more special, and the dinosaur area was a big hit with the kids. Such a unique place that's fun for both children and adults. If you're staying near Stansted Airport and don't have time to go into London, I'd definitely recommend spending a few hours here. We had a fantastic day!

V
Victoria Naxton-Kiddle

Victoria Naxton-Kiddle

2 months ago

I love visiting this place, it is very interesting learning about the Norman life. The castle and village are very well detailed. I highly recommend buying the animal feed it is a lovely experience feeding the deer, goats and chickens. There are lots of things you can interact with around the village. Children can also go around looking for stamps to collect in various locations, my daughter enjoyed doing that. The toy museum is very nostalgic and worth a look around. This is a fab place for a day out.

J
Jemma

Jemma

4 months ago

First time visiting the mountfitchet today, I was really surprised by how interactive it was. The animals roam freely and are tame enough to eat from your hands which was a fun experience. There are games dotted about the village, like archery and mini slingshots. The staff were all very friendly and couldn’t do enough for us, answering all sorts of questions we had! The toy museum is amazing a real nostalgia trip! I would really recommend visiting, and we will be visiting again! The only issue I had was that it is not very pram friendly as it’s quite hilly, I say issue we were still able to get our pram around, some tight corners, cobbled flooring and steep slopes! It didn’t stop us enjoying ourselves though. If using maps to get there it will take you straight into the car park, you can park for how ever long you want for different prices. Very easy to find, and there was enough spaces to be able to park!

J
James Cressey

James Cressey

5 months ago

This place was excellent. Really good fun to just walk around. Informative, interesting and there were loads of chickens and ducks and stuff. Well worth a visit if you have kids or if not.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Mountfitchet Castle

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Mountfitchet Castle

Is Mountfitchet Castle free to visit?

Mountfitchet Castle is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is Mountfitchet Castle suitable for?

Mountfitchet Castle is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Mountfitchet Castle dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Mountfitchet Castle.

Is there parking at Mountfitchet Castle?

Yes — Mountfitchet Castle has on-site parking, plus additional parking nearby.

Is there food at Mountfitchet Castle?

Yes, Tearoom is on site at Mountfitchet Castle.

Is Mountfitchet Castle pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Mountfitchet Castle is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Mountfitchet Castle?

Mountfitchet Castle is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Mountfitchet Castle by public transport?

Mountfitchet Castle is well-served by public transport.

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