Duffield Castle, Derbyshire Castle
Earthwork and masonry ruins of medieval Duffield Castle
Earthwork and ruined castle near Duffield village in Derbyshire; walkers visit the motte‑and‑bailey remains and adjacent country paths.
Duffield Castle, Derbyshire at a Glance#
About 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.
Weather & Climate near Duffield Castle, Derbyshire#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 6° | -1° | 63 mm | overcast | 95% | 4.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.1h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 7° | 0° | 48 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.7h |
| March | Acceptable | 2° - 9° | 2° | 51 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 5° | 50 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.3 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Good | 6° - 15° | 11° | 53 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.0 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.5h |
| June | Good | 9° - 18° | 13° | 59 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.5h |
| July | Good | 11° - 20° | 16° | 49 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.0h |
| August | Good | 11° - 20° | 15° | 62 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.5h |
| September | Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 59 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 6° - 13° | 8° | 64 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 3° | 67 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 7° | 1° | 68 mm | overcast | 96% | 4.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |
