Sudeley Castle & Gardens welcomes group visits to mark milestone 50th Anniversary

Group visitors to Sudeley Castle & Gardens in Winchcombe, Gloucestershire can enjoy a series of special events throughout 2024 to celebrate both the 1,000 year history of the Tudor estate and key moments in Lady Ashcombe‘s 50-year tenure as the castle’s Chatelaine and longest serving steward.

On arrival at Sudeley Castle, visitors can immediately immerse themselves in the stunning grounds before they begin to discover its fascinating 1,000 year history of English royalty, romance, ruin and revival in a series of informative exhibitions. The Castle Rooms offer an insight into the many treasures, objects and paintings accumulated over the years, including works by Turner, van Dyke and ‘The Allegory of the Tudor Succession’ commissioned by Elizabeth I in 1585. Book a seated 45 minute talk of the history of Sudeley, led by a knowledgeable guide, to delve into key moment’s in the estate’s history (£8 per person).

Image: A group visiting Sudeley Castle

In honour of Lady Ashcombe’s 50^th anniversary year as Chatelaine, group visitors will also have the opportunity to delve into the recent history of Sudeley Castle and the American connection that Lady Ashcombe brings to the estate, through a brand-new exhibition. Starting in the iconic 1960s with the serendipitous meeting of Elizabeth (née Chipps) and Mark Dent Brocklehurst, owner of Sudeley Castle, through the tumultuous 1970s, when Lady Ashcombe assumed her role of Chatelaine, via significant restoration and redevelopment in the progressive 1980s, to the key events of the 1990s and into the new millennium. This new exhibition recounts how Lady Ashcombe’s passionate dedication over the past 50 years ensured the survival and successful development of the Sudeley Castle estate into a major heritage destination shared with an estimated 3.5 million visitors to date.

Image: A tour at Sudeley Castle

“We are excited to welcome group visitors back to Sudeley Castle & Gardens as we embark on a year filled with celebration and discovery,” said Lady Ashcombe, Chatelaine of Sudeley Castle. “The team has been working hard to create a fantastic programme of events – including the exhibition marking my 50-year milestone here at Sudeley Castle.”

Image: Lady Ashcombe leading a garden tour at Sudeley Castle

The estate also boasts ten award-winning gardens, including The Queen’s Garden filled with many varieties of roses in Tudor Parterre fashion, juxtaposed with the gothic ruins of the estate’s 15^th century royal apartments. Book the 90 minute garden tour (£12 per person), or the 90 minute historic grounds tour (£12 per person), to discover the horticultural secrets and architectural history of the magnificent grounds. Wheelchair-accessible pathways can be found throughout the castle’s grounds.

Visitors can top off their trip by enjoying refreshments in the beautifully upgraded Castle Coach House and Pavilion Cafe. Or take advantage of the special group catering deals available to parties of 15 or more, with exclusive use of the lovely wrought iron glass Orangery. Group dining options include morning tea or coffee with a freshly baked pastry or muffin (£6 per person), or an indulgent brunch of artisan sausage and bacon rolls, seasonal frittata, crisp potato rosti and mini pastries (£16 per person).

Choose from two lunch menus, one offering a lighter option of sandwiches and small savoury bites (£9.50 per person), while the other offers a seasonal gourmet two or three course lunch menu, starting from £24 per person. There’s also a tempting afternoon tea option, including finger sandwiches, scones and miniature cakes with tea or coffee (£19.50 per person).

To find out more about group bookings at Sudeley Castle & Gardens, see https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/plan-your-visit/group-bookings or contact groups@sudeley.org.uk or 01242 602308.