Visiting Berkhamsted Castle

Yesterday we went to see Berkhamsted Castle located in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. The castle was built to obtain control of a key route between London and the Midlands during the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century with its first owner being William the Conqueror. It changed hands many times over the years. Different important people, like Thomas Becket, also owned it. The castle was strong and important in the past, but its importance lessened as time went on. In the 1600s, it fell into disrepair and was used for other building materials.

Only a few parts of the walls, a raised mound, and a house for the keeper are what's left of Berkhamsted Castle today.

You can easily reach it by taking a train from Berkhamsted rail station. There's a small parking area nearby, although it was full when we arrived. But you can use the parking at the train station. It costs money for the whole day (6.4£ on Saturdays), so it's a good idea to also explore Berkhamsted town center, which is just a 5-minute walk away.

The town is really pretty and has many cosy cafes and second hand shops with interesting things. Because of a sudden heavy rain, we had to find shelter in Costa café ;)

Overall it was a nice little trip that made kids happy.

Walls

Keeper's house

View from motte

How it used to look like