AttractionEnglish Heritage

Farleigh Hungerford Castle

Bath, Somerset

A fortified mansion with a crypt full of lead coffins and death masks, though your dog stays in the grounds, which are pleasant Somerset valley.

The crypt is what people come for and it does not disappoint. Sir Thomas Hungerford began this fortified mansion in the 1370s and his son Walter extended it in the 15th century. Two tall corner towers still stand, and the castle chapel survives complete rather than ruined, holding family monuments and medieval wall paintings. Below it, the crypt contains Hungerford lead coffins, several shaped to the body with death masks on the lids.

Whilst you work through the chapel and the crypt, your dog stays outside in the grounds, which are pleasant Somerset valley: level grass around the ruins with the River Frome below and wooded slopes opposite.

Dogs are allowed on leads in the grounds only, so the chapel and crypt are off limits, which is worth knowing given they are the highlight here. Parking for 30 cars sits 100 metres from the ticket office, free for visitors, with overflow in the coach park. There is a café, shop, toilets, exhibition and picnic seating.

At a Glance

Dog Access: On-lead in the grounds; Dogs allowed on leads in the grounds only.
Site Type: Castle & Fort
Entry: £9.35 adult; £4.67 child · £23.37 family
Members: Free for English Heritage members
Facilities: Café / restaurant, Exhibition, Gardens, Parking, Picnic seating, Shop, Toilets
Telephone: 01225 754026
Parking: Parking for 30 cars, 100m from the ticket office. Overflow parking is available in the coach car park. The car park is free for visitors to the site. Visitors with limited mobility can be set down by the shop: please call in advance.

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Farleigh Hungerford Castle dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome at Farleigh Hungerford Castle, but only in the grounds and on leads. The chapel and crypt — which are genuinely the highlights of a visit here, with their medieval wall paintings and extraordinary lead coffins complete with death masks — are off limits to dogs, so bear that in mind when planning your trip.
Are dogs allowed at Farleigh Hungerford Castle year round?
The provided information doesn't specify seasonal restrictions on dog access, so it's worth checking directly with the site before you visit to confirm current opening times and any changes to their dog policy.
What should I know before visiting Farleigh Hungerford Castle with my dog?
Your dog will need to stay on a lead and remain outside in the grounds while you explore — the castle chapel and crypt are not accessible with dogs. The grounds themselves are pleasant enough, with level grass around the ruins, the River Frome below and wooded slopes beyond, so there's a decent walk to be had while the rest of your group heads inside. Parking is free for visitors, with 30 spaces around 100 metres from the ticket office and overflow in the coach park, and there's a café, shop, toilets and picnic seating on site.