Stokesay Castle Reviews Summary

Historical Significance & Maintenance

Pros:

• "Definitely worth a visit to see this lovely medieval fortified manor house. It's very well maintained by English Heritage."
• "A beautiful piece of history."
• "This place is amazing... it really shows you how the 'gentry' lived, and offers the ideas of what life was like in the past centuries."
• "A lovely, well preserved historic building. The free audio tour really brought the place to life."
• "The castle itself is well worth a visit. Easy to navigate, fascinating history, one can really see the architecture."
• "A beautiful fortified Norman Manor House with a 17th century gatehouse, Stokesay remains beautiful."
• "This is a very interesting place with a lot of history, and a rare find as many of the original castle features remain but it is not presented like a stately home nor is it just a shell."

Cons:

• "With no lighting on for viewing the rooms or heat apparent to keep out the damp, it makes you wonder how it continues to survive the ravages of time."
• "Very spartan demonstration of period architecture which has lost its soul."
• "Lovely on the outside, desperately poor on the inside. English Heritage - hang your heads in shame!"
• "Pretty location but no real history and almost unfurnished."

Accessibility & Facilities

Pros:

• "Suitable amenities for all."
• "All of this is set in beautiful gardens, the grounds are well kept."
• "Ample parking."
• "Loos available in the tea room (where you park) and by the castle shop."
• "Facilities include Toilets, shop, audio guides and plenty of free parking."
• "Accessed through the church yard which is tarmacked. A slight slope down to the shop and entry ticket check."
• "Parking is a short stroll through the church yard."

Cons:

• "If you're not good with stairs and/or uneven surfaces, Stokesay is not going to be great for you I'm afraid."
• "Some of the stairs are a little precarious so take care."
• "Only downside those with walking difficulties may struggle to see the upper floors due to steep staircases."
• "Not an ideal place if you have mobility problem. Stairs to the upper floor in the manor house part have very narrow treads and the ones to upper floors of the turret are very narrow worn stone."
• "Not suitable for people with restricted mobility as small steep steps and uneven surfaces."
• "They only advised re the very restricted areas accessible AFTER they had taken our entrance fee."
• "Even for a manor house I expected something slightly larger as the photos suggest it's larger than it actually is."

Value for Money

Pros:

• "Free to English Heritage members."
• "Membership at 8.5 per month fantastic value."
• "Good tea room by the car park. Very reasonably priced and tasty food."
• "I got in as a member and have to say if I paid the normal admission price I would be left disappointed but as it was I didn't and enjoyed it."

Cons:

• "It's fairly expensive if you're not an English heritage member."
• "Felt a bit much asking for payment for parking as well as admission fee."
• "A very nice setting and great picnic area. The prices they ask for you to go view the castle is astronomical."
• "Enjoyed the house but I think it was overpriced for what was there."
• "Lovely little fortified manor (its not really a castle), however its ridiculously expensive for what's on offer."
• "The only downside to the castle is that you have to pay for parking (£3 for the day)."
• "Otherwise £10 entrance fee seems very expensive when you've already paid for the car park."

Staff & Service

Pros:

• "Staff were very helpful and cream tea was a real treat!!"
• "Friendly welcoming staff."
• "Staff are really knowledgeable and helpful."
• "The staff at the ticket counter were very friendly and helpful."
• "Friendly helpful staff. A clean and well looked after site."
• "Staff are very friendly, knowledgable and polite."
• "Very friendly, knowledgeable staff on site."

Cons:

• "Pity there was no one to staff the coffee shop!"
• "The tea room was a bit disappointing though, although the staff were lovely, there was very little choice for lunch options."
• "Unfortunately the lady on reception was offhand and rather rude."
• "My interaction with a member of staff on the other hand was dreadful. I wished to purchase membership and pay for it in full. This seemed above her comprehension."
• "I also found the younger lady in the cafe rather abrupt."
• "Only downside was a very rude farmer who shouted and swore at us because we got lost!"