Berkeley Castle

While staying at Tortworth Court Hotel earlier this month I came across a leaflet for Berkeley Castle, along with about twenty others I plan on working my way through!  As the time spent in the Cotswolds was fairly last-minute, no plans had actually been made for the second day (besides rolling out of bed and into a chair to enjoy a cooked breakfast).  So, a decision was made to embark on the 15 minute journey from the hotel to Gloucestershire's Berkeley Castle, a grade I listed building that's been home to the Berkeley Family for 850 years...

Having only read information provided on the leaflet, I had no preconceived ideas of what to expect.  Funnily enough, one of my favourite elements of visiting the castle was something that was unlikely to have been included on a leaflet/website anyway - the display of Autumnal fruits and flowers throughout the castle.  They went a long way in creating a scene and transporting you to a specific time in history; one of seasonal celebration.  I think we've pretty much established by now I'm a total nature-fanatic, and so to see such an elaborate display of greenery brought into the dining room was beyond dreamy!

I've long been fascinated by restoration/repairs on historic buildings and their contents - in particular, seeing the action up close (a similar sight this time last year at Warwick Castle).  On this occasion, I stumbled across a trio of experts busy at work maintaining a large tapestry in one of the castle's grandest, largest rooms.  Fa-scin-ating.

Like most castles and historic houses that have gained popularity in the UK, impressive gardens were just a stone's throw away. Stepping down from a display of small canons and along a bordered grass path, you come across the most beautiful pond filled with lily pads and a central fountain.  Thankfully, having visited on a quiet weekday, we had the space all to ourselves for a little while.  If you're looking for a tranquil spot for some quiet Autumnal contemplation, consider this it.

This brief and beautiful visit to Berkeley Castle proved to be the perfect way to end a stay in the Cotswolds; find more background on this historic site here - or better yet, discover more on a visit there yourself!

Berkeley Castle
Berkeley
Gloucestershire
GL13 9BQ

With love,

Gabrielle x