Codnor Castle
Castle Ruined medieval castle in Derbyshire with earthworks
Ruined medieval stronghold in Derbyshire, Codnor Castle offers motte-and-bailey remains and hilltop views; walkers and local history enthusiasts explore its earthworks and stone fragments.
Codnor Castle is the ruined remains of a medieval stone castle in Derbyshire, England, sited above the village of Codnor. The surviving fabric consists mainly of curtain walls, earthworks and fragments of fortified structures dating to the medieval period.
The castle originated as a fortified residence and stronghold in the medieval era and later fell into ruin; today it is a heritage site with visible masonry and defensive earthworks that can be viewed from footpaths. The ruin is modest in scale and of local historical interest rather than a major national monument.
Over time the castle passed through medieval ownership and declined into disuse by the post-medieval centuries; conservation and local volunteer efforts have stabilized parts of the ruin for visitor access.
The site sits on a hillside above Codnor in Derbyshire, within reach of the town of Ripley and the wider Nottinghamshire-Derbyshire border region.
- Small ruined medieval site: The visible remains are largely ruined curtain walls and earthworks that make the site popular for local walks and heritage interest rather than large-scale tourism.
How to Get to Codnor Castle #
Codnor Castle is near Codnor village in Derbyshire; accessible by local roads off the A610 and A38. Nearest towns with rail links include Ripley and Alfreton; a taxi or local bus will be required from the station.
Tips for Visiting Codnor Castle #
- Wear stout shoes-the castle ruins are grassy and a little muddy after rain.
- Combine the visit with a walk along the nearby Erewash Valley countryside to see the castle in its rural context.
- Check access: some parts may be fenced or closed for safety; respect local signage.
Best Time to Visit Codnor Castle #
Spring through autumn for easier walking and access.
Weather & Climate near Codnor Castle #
Codnor Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (735 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 75 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
