Bagot's Castle

Bagot's Castle is now open! Weekends and Bank Holidays until October 2024.

Bagot's Castle is a 14th century castle in the village of Baginton, and a wonderful day out for all the family.

Bagot's Castle | Places to Visit in Coventry

Opening Times: April to October: Weekends and Bank Holidays: 10:30am - 4pm
Location: Bagot's Castle, Church Rd, Baginton, CV8 3AR
Booking: No need to book, just turn up!
Prices:
- Adults £5
- Child (5 to 16) and over 60s: £2.50
- Child under 5 accompanied by an adult: FREE

History of Bagot's Castle

The original building is believed to have been constructed on the site in the 11th century, at the time of King Henry I. It was rebuilt as the current castle in the late thirteen hundreds by Sir William Bagot, a distinguished nobleman of the time. He is thought to have entertained many distinguished guests there, including the Duke of Hereford (later Henry IV). The castle subsequently passed through several hands, and eventually became derelict in the 16th Century. It remains so to this day, but in the middle of the last century some excavation work was carried out to expose the remains.

Bagot's Castle in Recent Years

In the last few years there has been renewed interest in the castle. The remains have been consolidated and the whole site opened up to expose other historic features. An education visitor centre has been built and a picnic area added for the many visitors that have visited the castle since it was opened to the public in 2009.

Things to do at Bagot's Castle

Education Visitor Centre

The Education Visitor Centre provides the opportunity to see some of the many artefacts recovered from the castle and the surrounding grounds during excavations in the 1930's. Finds such as tiles from the castle floor, plates and cutlery. Also on display are finds from the remains of a Saxon age village that lies buried between the Centre and the Castle. The Education Visitor Centre also has many photographs and drawings of the castle during excavation and the recent consolidation of the castle.

Entry tickets to the castle, along with brochures, books of the castle history and other momentos of your visit can be purchased from the Centre.

Summerhouse and Picnic Area

To the west of the castle lies the remains of a 19th Century summer house. It was built by the Bromley family who owned the land on which the castle stands. Between the summer house and castle lies a flat grass field that was built by the Bromleys and was probably laid out as tennis courts, croque lawn, putting lawn or something similar. You can now enjoy a picnic on this lawn during your visit to the castle.

Children's Trail

There is a children's trail at the castle - one for younger children and one for older children - set in 19 acres of pastureland. This is an excellent way for children to learn about the history of the site and they will enjoy finding the cards with clues. At the end of the trail they are rewarded with a small prize. Normal entry fee applies but the cost of the trail is £1 per child with a small gift on completion of the trail.

Woodland Walks

Walk along the woodland paths that meander across the site and observe the local wildlife in its natural habitat. The paths include a walk along the banks of the River Sowe and there are benches to sit and quietly take in the scenery.

During late April and early May the banks leading down from the castle to the river are carpeted by an extensive display of bluebells and paths take the visitor right through this display.

Bagot's Goats

The Castle experience now includes 6 Bagot goats. The Bagot goat is a rare breed, named after the Bagot family and is known to have existed continuously since the time of Sir William Bagot in the late 1300s. We are fortunate to have these animals, which were born in early 2014 at the Cotswold Farm Park (Adam's Farm as featured on BBC Countryfile). The goats are inquisitive and friendly, allowing visitors to see them at close quarters.