Best castles around Ockbrook And Borrowash offer a glimpse into the region's rich history, though the immediate villages are characterized by historical listed buildings rather than castles. The wider Derbyshire area provides several notable castle sites within a reasonable distance. These historical landmarks are set amidst diverse landscapes, from extensive parklands to picturesque ruins, providing varied exploration opportunities.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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It was a Norman motte and bailey castle which was founded by Ralph de Buron. In the 13th century King John built a stone castle, adding a keep, a chapel, a gatehouse and a barbican. In 1514 it was granted by Henry VIII to the Duke of Norfolk as a reward for services against the Scots. Later it came into the possession of the Stanhope family. The castle is ruined today, damaged by extensive quarrying. There are visible remains of the keep although this is now largely overgrown.
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A beautiful place to visit year-round. They updated the benches.
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The church dates from the 13th century, and was completed in 1474 with funding from Walter Blount, 1st Baron Mountjoy. The chancel was restored and lengthened by 11 feet (3.4 m) in 1904 by George Frederick Bodley. Some of the tombs and memorials were moved to give a better view of the altar. The new chancel has no window at the east end, but a large reredos of carved white clunch filled the whole end, which was richly carved with subjects and figures, and effectively lit by two new traceried windows of three lights each in the north and south walls of the sanctuary. The pavements of the sanctuary and chancel were laid with black and white marble. The floor of the nave was laid with wooden blocks, and the aisles with slate and white stone. The plaster was removed from the walls. The roofs and various parts of the walls were decorated with gold and blue, with monograms of "B" for St Bartholomew.
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A Gothic Revival castle in Elvaston, Derbyshire, is now part of Elvaston Castle Country Park, owned and managed by Derbyshire County Council, encompassing 321 acres of parkland, woodlands, and historical gardens. The castle, designed by James Wyatt in the early 1800s, replaced an older house dating back to 1633.
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There's no entry to the castle, but you can look through some of the windows. It's in a run-down state, would cost a fortune to restore but nevertheless quite magnificent inside. Reminded me of buildings in Venice with the gilded ornate art decorated ceilings and golden pillars.
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It is not for nothing that the building and park were used by Warner Bros in 2012 as a backdrop for the Batman film “The Dark Knight Rises”. selected. A really beautiful building that stands out on the hill and the park around it. Unfortunately, like many (if not all) historic buildings in and around Nottingham, it only opens from 11am.
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While Ockbrook and Borrowash are rich in historical listed buildings, there are no known castles located directly within the villages themselves. However, the wider Derbyshire region offers several impressive castles within a reasonable distance for you to explore.
Among the notable historical sites in the vicinity, Elvaston Castle and Gardens is a very popular destination, known for its extensive parkland and gardens. Another highly regarded site is Wollaton Hall, an impressive Elizabethan country house with a natural history museum and a large park.
Yes, several nearby castles offer great experiences for families. Elvaston Castle and Gardens, for example, is set within a large country park with woodlands and formal gardens, perfect for exploration. Similarly, Wollaton Hall is surrounded by a park where fallow deer roam, and it features a nature trail around its lake, making it ideal for a family day out.
The castles in the Derbyshire region offer a rich tapestry of history. You can explore the Gothic Revival architecture of Elvaston Castle, or delve into the Elizabethan era at Wollaton Hall. Other sites like Ashby de la Zouch Castle and Wingfield Manor provide insights into medieval life and significant historical events, including connections to famous literary works like 'Ivanhoe'.
Yes, while Elvaston Castle itself is currently undergoing restoration and not open to the public, its extensive 321-acre grounds, known as Elvaston Castle Country Park, are open for visitors. You can explore woodlands, formal gardens, and over 50 historical structures within the park. It's a popular spot for cyclists and offers flat, traffic-free routes.
Yes, for those interested in atmospheric ruins, Horsley Castle offers the remains of a Norman motte and bailey castle, with visible remnants of its keep. Other significant ruins in the wider region include Ashby de la Zouch Castle and Wingfield Manor, both providing a glimpse into their past grandeur.
Many castles are situated within beautiful natural settings, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. For instance, Elvaston Castle Country Park is excellent for walking and cycling. You can find various routes nearby, such as those listed in the Traffic-free bike rides around Ockbrook And Borrowash guide or Running Trails around Ockbrook And Borrowash, which often pass through or near these historical sites.
Yes, some of the castle sites offer facilities. Elvaston Castle and Gardens includes a cafe within its country park. Elvaston Castle Country Park also has a car park and often features an ice cream van, especially during warmer months.
Visitors frequently praise the beautiful parklands and gardens surrounding these historical sites, such as those at Elvaston Castle and Wollaton Hall. The opportunity to explore extensive grounds, observe wildlife like fallow deer, and appreciate the striking architecture are often highlighted. Many also enjoy the flat, traffic-free routes for cycling and walking that connect to these locations.
Absolutely. Elvaston Castle is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture, designed by James Wyatt in the early 1800s. Wollaton Hall is another architectural marvel, an Elizabethan country house from the 16th century, known for its striking symmetrical design and its use as a backdrop in films.
Yes, many of the castles and historical sites in the region are excellent starting or ending points for longer outdoor adventures. For example, Elvaston Castle Country Park is integrated into several cycling and running routes. You can find detailed options in guides like Road Cycling Routes around Ockbrook And Borrowash, which include loops passing by or starting from the park.


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