Duffield Castle, Derbyshire

Duffield Castle is the ruined remains of a medieval motte-and-bailey fortification near the village of Duffield in Derbyshire, England. The site survives primarily as earthworks and fragmentary masonry.

The principal features are the motte (earthen mound), visible banks and ditch and scattered masonry fragments that mark the castle’s footprint. The site is of interest for landscape archaeology rather than standing buildings.

The castle was established in the medieval period as a local defensive stronghold and administrative centre for the surrounding area. Over time it fell out of use and today survives as scheduled archaeological remains.

The ruins sit beside the village of Duffield in Derbyshire, not far from the River Derwent and within the rural landscape northwest of the city of Derby.

Access: Earthwork remains are visible from public footpaths; there is no large visitor centre on site, so wear suitable footwear for uneven ground.

How to Get to Duffield Castle, Derbyshire #

Duffield Castle (ruins) is in the village of Duffield, Derbyshire. Take the local passenger train from Derby on the Derwent Valley (Derby-Matlock) line to Duffield station; the station is a short walk into the village and the castle remains are reached on local footpaths a short distance from the village centre. By car Duffield is a short drive north of Derby (around 5-8 km) via the A6 and local roads with village parking available.

Tips for Visiting Duffield Castle, Derbyshire #

Confirm public access before visiting and follow marked public footpaths-Duffield Castle today is mainly earthworks and masonry remains and parts of the site sit close to private land.
Plan to combine the site with a short walk around Duffield village and the River Ecclesbourne; the castle's remains are modest and are best appreciated as part of a broader local walk rather than a long standalone visit.

Best Time to Visit Duffield Castle, Derbyshire #

The best time to visit Duffield Castle ruins is late spring through early autumn when walking conditions and daylight are most favorable.

Late spring-early autumn (best)

May-Sep · 14 to 22 °C

Warmer, drier weather makes walking the ruins and surrounding countryside most pleasant; visitor access is generally easiest in this period.

Shoulder seasons (calmer)

Apr & Oct · 6 to 14 °C

Fewer visitors and pleasant, cool conditions for walking, though occasional rain is possible.

Winter (cold/wet)

Nov-Mar · 0 to 8 °C

Cold and often wet weather; the site is quieter but conditions can be muddy and less comfortable for long outdoor visits.

Weather & Climate near Duffield Castle, Derbyshire #

Climate

Duffield Castle, Derbyshire'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 20°C. Moderate rainfall (693 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 36 Good

Best Time to Visit

JulyMayJune

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

32°

Warmest Month

-9°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

1° – 6°

95%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

63 mm

Rainfall

4.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.1h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

1° – 7°

92%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

48 mm

Rainfall

4.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.2

UV Index

Low

9.7h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

6°

Feels Like Cold

6°C

Temperature

2° – 9°

87%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

51 mm

Rainfall

4.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.4

UV Index

Low

11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

3° – 11°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

50 mm

Rainfall

4.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.8

UV Index

Moderate

13.8h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

11°

Feels Like Cool

11°C

Temperature

6° – 15°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

53 mm

Rainfall

4.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.2

UV Index

High

15.5h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

13°

Feels Like Cool

13°C

Temperature

9° – 18°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

59 mm

Rainfall

3.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.4

UV Index

High

16.5h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

68 Good

Comfort

16°

Feels Like Cool

16°C

Temperature

11° – 20°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

49 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.4

UV Index

High

16.0h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

11° – 20°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

62 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.1

UV Index

High

14.5h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

13°

Feels Like Cool

13°C

Temperature

9° – 17°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

59 mm

Rainfall

4.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.7

UV Index

Moderate

12.5h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cold

10°C

Temperature

6° – 13°

90%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

64 mm

Rainfall

4.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.3

UV Index

Low

10.4h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

6°

Feels Like Cold

6°C

Temperature

3° – 9°

94%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

67 mm

Rainfall

4.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.6h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 68 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

2° – 7°

96%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

68 mm

Rainfall

4.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.0

UV Index

Low

7.5h daylight

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