Stokesay Castle
Craven Arms, Shropshire
The finest medieval fortified manor house in England, barely altered since 1291, with a dog bowl and toileting area provided in the grounds.
Stokesay is the best preserved fortified manor house in England and it has been left almost alone for 700 years. Tree ring dating proves the work was finished by 1291, and although it was built to look like a castle it was really a lightly defended mansion put up by a wool merchant who wanted to look like a baron. The great hall retains its original timber roof and the wooden staircase is medieval, and the timber framed Jacobean gatehouse in front is spectacular in its own right.
As you work through the hall and climb the solar, your dog stays in the grounds, and English Heritage have thought about that: there is a dog bowl and a toileting area provided, which is a good sign. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds, and with the exception of guide and hearing dogs they are not allowed inside the castle.
Parking is a grass field 300 metres from the entrance, free for members. There is a café, shop, toilets, gardens and picnic seating. The Shropshire Hills all around, including the Long Mynd and Wenlock Edge, give your dog far more once the house is done.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- On-lead in the grounds
- Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds (dog bowl/toileting available). With the exception of guide and hearing dogs, dogs are not allowed inside the castle.
- Site Type
- Castle & Fort
- Entry
- £11.90 adult
- £5.95 child · £29.75 family
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
- Facilities
- Café / restaurant, Gardens, Parking, Picnic seating, Shop, Toilets
- Telephone
- 01588 672544
- Parking
- In grass field 300m from entrance. Free for English Heritage members displaying a valid car sticker. Non-members must pay.
English Heritage Membership
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Entry here is £11.90 for an adult. English Heritage Membership covers it, along with free entry to 170+ dog friendly attractions across England.
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Planning Your Visit
- 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 Stokesay Castle dog friendly?
Yes, dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds of Stokesay Castle, and English Heritage have made a real effort to cater for them — there's a dedicated dog bowl and a toileting area provided on site. The one exception is inside the castle itself, where only guide and hearing dogs are permitted.
Are dogs allowed at Stokesay Castle year round?
The location data doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions on dogs, so there's nothing to suggest access is limited to certain times of year. It's always worth checking directly with English Heritage before your visit, as opening hours and access can vary by season.
What should I know before visiting Stokesay Castle with my dog?
Keep your dog on a lead throughout the grounds, and bear in mind they'll need to wait outside while you explore the interior of the castle — the grounds give them plenty of space to sniff around while you're inside. Parking is in a grass field about 300 metres from the entrance, free for English Heritage members, so factor in that short walk. Once you're done at the castle, the surrounding Shropshire Hills — including the Long Mynd and Wenlock Edge — are right on the doorstep if your dog is ready to stretch their legs further.
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