Kirby Muxloe Castle
Castle 15th-century Tudor brick castle with moated ruins
A 15th-century brick castle northwest of Leicester with a moated ruin and information panels; people visit for medieval architecture and short riverside walks.
Kirby Muxloe Castle is a late 15th-century moated castle in the village of Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire, England, begun by William Hastings, 1st Baron Hastings. It survives as a ruin notable for its gatehouse and curtain wall.
The site preserves the gatehouse, sections of brick curtain wall and the surrounding moat, offering a clear example of unfinished late medieval fortified domestic architecture. Visitors can walk around the moat and see the brickwork and carved stone details that remain.
Work on the castle began in the late 1470s under William Hastings; construction was interrupted after Hastings was executed in 1483 and the project was never completed. The surviving fabric mainly dates to the late 15th century.
The castle stands in the village of Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire, a short drive west of the city of Leicester in central England.
- Construction halt: The castle's incomplete state is linked to the 1483 execution of its patron, after which construction ceased
- Visitor information: Managed by English Heritage and open to the public with a visitor area near the moat
How to Get to Kirby Muxloe Castle #
By car: From Leicester take the A47 west then follow local lanes to Kirby Muxloe (approx. 15-20 minutes from city centre). Limited local bus services serve the village; check local timetables and the English Heritage site for details.
Tips for Visiting Kirby Muxloe Castle #
- Visit late afternoon for warmer light on the brickwork and fewer coach parties.
- Walk down to the moat and take the riverside path to appreciate the castle's defensive siting.
- Combine with a visit to the Leicester Guildhall and other local heritage sites for a fuller day.
Best Time to Visit Kirby Muxloe Castle #
Visit in spring or summer for accessibility and longer opening hours; winter gives a more solitary, windswept feel.
Weather & Climate near Kirby Muxloe Castle #
Kirby Muxloe 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 (634 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (57 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 (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 60 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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