AttractionEnglish Heritage

Kirby Muxloe Castle

Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire

An unfinished brick manor sitting in a full moat, abandoned when its owner was executed, with a level grassy circuit to walk with your dog. Free parking.

Building stopped here because the owner lost his head, quite literally. William, Lord Hastings began Kirby Muxloe in 1480 as a showpiece fortified manor house in fashionable brick, at a time when brick was a luxury material. In 1483 Richard III had him executed without trial, work halted, and the house was never finished. What survives is the fine gatehouse and one complete corner tower, standing in a moat still full of water.

Whilst you hunt for the patterns picked out in darker brick on the gatehouse, including a boat, a jug and Lord Hastings' own initials, your dog gets the moat circuit, which walks well: level grassy grounds, water all the way round, and a contained site that is easy to manage.

Dogs on leads are welcome at the site. There is free parking, with some additional on-street space in Oakcroft Avenue, though no coach or minibus parking. There is a café, toilets, gardens and picnic seating. Keep an eye on the moat edge if your dog is drawn to water.

At a Glance

Dog Access: On-lead in the grounds; Dogs on leads are welcome at the site.
Site Type: Castle & Fort
Entry: Paid entry
Members: Free for English Heritage members
Facilities: Café / restaurant, Gardens, Parking, Picnic seating, Toilets
Telephone: 01162 386886
Parking: There’s free parking at Kirby Muxloe Castle. Some additional on-street parking in Oakcroft Avenue. There’s no coach and minibus parking at the site.

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday: CLOSED
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED

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 Kirby Muxloe Castle dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Kirby Muxloe Castle, provided they're kept on leads throughout the site. It's a genuinely enjoyable visit for dogs too — the level grassy circuit around the water-filled moat makes for a pleasant walk, and the contained site is easy to manage.
Are dogs allowed at Kirby Muxloe Castle year round?
The location data doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions on dog access, so there's nothing to suggest dogs aren't welcome throughout the year. It's always worth checking directly with English Heritage before visiting, particularly around special events or seasonal closures.
What should I know before visiting Kirby Muxloe Castle with my dog?
Dogs must be kept on leads at all times on site. The moat is still full of water and runs the full circuit of the grounds, so if your dog is drawn to water, it's worth keeping a close eye near the edges. On the practical side, there's free parking at the castle with some additional on-street spaces in Oakcroft Avenue, and the site has a café, toilets, and picnic seating — so you're well set up for a relaxed visit.