In 1153 Maurice Berkeley completed this fortress by the Severn Estuary at the command of Henry II, and ever since it has been the home of the Berkeley family – one of England’s oldest families who have given their name to numerous locations all over the world, from Berkeley Square in London to Berkeley Hundred in Virginia and Berkeley University in California. This ancient castle has been preserved and gradually transformed from a savage Norman fortress into a truly stately home with a wealth of treasures, 
paintings by English and Dutch masters, tapestries, furniture of an interesting diversity, silver and porcelain. Highlights of the castle are the massive Norman Keep with the Dungeon and the cell where King Edward II was murdered in 1327, the Picture Gallery, the Dining Room, the medieval Buttery and Kitchens, the Historic Great Hall and the magnificent State Apartments.
The castle is surrounded by sweeping lawns and terraced Elizabethan Gardens with many rare plants, with a lily pond and with Queen Elizabeth I’s bowling green.
From the outer bailey you have a view across parts of the Gardens and the Meadows to the New Kennels, from 1730 the home of the Berkeley Hunt.
Before or after a visit to the Castle there are the delights of the Butterfly Farm set in the walled garden adjacent to the car park. Exotic and British butterflies are farmed here. The plant centre stocked with indoor and outdoor varieties is located here.
Opening Times
Castle and Gardens April to Sept: Wed – Sat 11.00am – 4.00pm. Sun 2.00pm – 5.00pm (apart from event July26th-27th)
October: Sun only 2.00pm – 5.00pm. Last admission half an hour before closing.
Butterfly House As for Castle and Gardens until Sept.
Admission Charges
Castle and Gardens:
Adults £6.25; Children £3.25; Senior Citizens/Students £5.00 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) £16.25
Pre-booked parties of 25 or more: Adults £5.75; Children £2.95; Senior Citizens/Students £4.60
Gardens only: Adults £3.00; Children £1.00
Butterfly House:Adults £2.00; Children/Senior Citizens £1.00; School Groups £0.80; Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) £5.00.
Directions
Situated by the town of Berkeley just off A38 midway between Bristol and Gloucester. From the M5 turn off at junction 14 or 13. Bus service from Bristol and Gloucester (Badgerline no. 308)