Tattershall Castle Castle

Brick-built medieval castle with imposing gatehouse tower

On the banks of the River Witham, Tattershall Castle showcases an exceptionally large 15th-century brick tower and period interiors; tourists arrive for the castle's architecture and its Lincolnshire history.

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Tattershall Castle at a Glance#

Address: Tattershall Castle, Tattershall, Lincolnshire, England

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tattershall-castle

Hours: Seasonal opening (typically Mar-Oct; check local listings)

Admission: Admission fees apply for entry to the castle (small charge for adults)

About Tattershall Castle#

Tattershall Castle is a 15th-century brick-built castle in the village of Tattershall in Lincolnshire, England, constructed for Ralph Cromwell, a 15th-century Lord Treasurer. It is known for its well-preserved red-brick keep and medieval domestic buildings.

Visitors chiefly come to see the tall brick keep and the surviving medieval interiors, including the great hall and domestic ranges. The castle is compact, allowing close-up views of brickwork and period rooms and offers vantage points over the surrounding countryside from the upper levels.

Construction took place in the mid-15th century under Ralph Cromwell, who used brick on a large scale at a time when stone was more common for major castles. Ownership and use changed over ensuing centuries as military needs declined and the structure became preserved as a historic site.

The castle stands in the village of Tattershall in Lincolnshire, in eastern England, set within lowland countryside. It is reachable by local roads from nearby towns in Lincolnshire.

  • Architecture: Noted for being one of the most complete surviving medieval brick castles in England, often cited for its unusually large brick keep.

What to See#

  • Great Tower (keep): The 15th-century brick keep built for Ralph Cromwell forms the castles central stronghold and is the most visually distinctive element, notable for its red brick construction.
  • Domestic ranges and great hall: The adjacent domestic ranges and great hall contain surviving medieval and later-period interiors that illustrate the castles use as a fortified lordly residence.
  • Gatehouse and curtain walls: The gatehouse and curtain walls define the small castle complex and provide views across the surrounding lowland landscape.

How to Get to Tattershall Castle#

Tattershall Castle is in Tattershall, Lincolnshire. It’s reachable by car via the A153 and local roads; the nearest larger towns are Sleaford and Horncastle. Public transport is limited; check local bus timetables or combine with a regional tour of Lincolnshire historic sites.

Tips for Visiting Tattershall Castle#

  • Climb the great tower for sweeping views over Lincolnshire fenland and the castle's distinctive brickwork.
  • Tattershall hosts occasional living-history events that add context to the late medieval household; check the National Trust (or entity managing the site) calendar.
  • Allow time to notice the castle's red brick - unusually early for England and a mark of the 15th-century ambition that built it.

Best Time to Visit Tattershall Castle#

Spring through early autumn offers the best access and event programming.

Spring/Summer
April-September · 8-22°C (46-72°F)
Good weather for exploring exterior and tower climbs; events often scheduled.
Autumn
October-November · 5-15°C (41-59°F)
Fewer visitors and crisp air; check opening days.

Weather & Climate near Tattershall Castle#

Climate

Tattershall 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 (584 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 33 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
-7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor 1° - 7° -1° 52 mm overcast 93% 5.4 m/s 0.0 low 7.9h
February Poor 1° - 7° 4° 37 mm overcast 89% 5.2 m/s 0.1 low 9.6h
March Acceptable 2° - 10° 3° 46 mm overcast 85% 5.3 m/s 0.3 low 11.7h
April Acceptable 4° - 12° 5° 45 mm overcast 82% 4.9 m/s 0.7 moderate 13.8h
May Good 7° - 16° 11° 47 mm overcast 80% 4.6 m/s 1.0 high 15.7h
June Good 10° - 19° 14° 51 mm overcast 81% 4.1 m/s 1.2 high 16.7h
July Very Good 12° - 21° 17° 44 mm overcast 80% 4.0 m/s 1.2 high 16.2h
August Good 12° - 21° 16° 56 mm overcast 81% 4.0 m/s 0.9 moderate 14.6h
September Good 10° - 18° 14° 50 mm overcast 83% 4.4 m/s 0.6 moderate 12.5h
October Acceptable 7° - 14° 10° 50 mm overcast 88% 4.6 m/s 0.2 low 10.4h
November Acceptable 3° - 10° 3° 53 mm overcast 92% 4.8 m/s 0.1 low 8.4h
December Poor 2° - 7° 1° 53 mm overcast 94% 5.0 m/s 0.0 low 7.3h

Nearby Attractions to Tattershall Castle#