Ashby De la Zouch Castle

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Step into the pages of history

Ashby de la Zouch Castle achieved its greatest glory as the purpose-built status symbol of William, Lord Hastings. The same man also built Kirby Muxloe Castle. Lord Hastings added the impressive keep-like Hastings Tower – a luxurious self-contained residence, and a castle within a castle. Today, you can still climb 24 metres (78 feet) to the top for fine views of the Leicestershire countryside.

A stubborn Royalist stronghold during the Civil War, Ashby fell to Parliament after a long siege in 1646. You can explore an atmospheric underground passage from the kitchen to the tower, probably created during the siege.

Visit, and you’ll be following in the footsteps of the Regency visitors who flocked to the ruined castle after it starred in Walter Scott’s wildly popular historical novel, Ivanhoe.

English Heritage Membership
English Heritage is guardian to some of the nation’s most treasured and iconic buildings and monuments, including Stonehenge, Tintagel Castle, Osborne, Hadrian’s Wall and Dover Castle. English Heritage champions our historic places and advises the Government and others to help today’s generation get the best out of our heritage and ensure that it is protected for future generations.  

From only £42 for a whole year, English Heritage members enjoy unlimited access to over 400 historic properties across the country, a whole year’s worth of fun days out, free entry for up to six accompanying children per adult member, free or reduced-price entry to exclusive members’ events giving you access to our experts and a glimpse behind the scenes, exclusive Members’ Magazine four times a year with in-depth features about our properties and wider work, which also includes a nationwide events guide, a free handbook to help plan your next exciting day out, special offers, discounts and competitions for a great variety of products and experiences, and an English Heritage car sticker.