The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.5 / 5 · 599 reviews FREE ENTRY

Acton Burnell Castle

Shropshire, England


Acton Burnell Castle
Acton Burnell Castle, further view Acton Burnell Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
English Heritage
Condition
Partial ruin
Access
Free, open access

Pinpoint

Old Walls, Shrewsbury SY5 7PE

Telephone 0370 333 1181

Possible Opening hours

Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

Monday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

A fortified manor built in the late 13th century for Robert Burnell, Bishop of Bath and Wells and one of Edward I's closest advisors - the walls stand to their full height even though the roof and floors are long gone, which gives a clearer sense of scale than most ruins this size. It's free to enter, with easy, free parking right outside.

Worth the trip

The full-height walls, still standing tall enough that reviewers say it's easy to picture the building as it once was, despite the empty interior.

Before you go

Parking is limited to around ten spaces, so it can fill up on a nice day; it's a popular dog-walking spot, so expect other dogs off-lead in the grounds even if that's not what you came for.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.5 / 5 across 599 Google reviews

Visitors consistently value the well-preserved outer walls and easy, free access, with several noting it reads more as a fortified manor house than a true castle - it's small in scale and there are no dungeons to explore. One reviewer mentions dogs being let off-lead to run through the grounds as a minor annoyance, but otherwise the reviews are positive.

Shell of fortified 13th-century manor

“Nice place to have a wonder. Easy to get too and around 10 parking spots.”— Solaaris, visitor review

Further reading

book
Cadw Guidebook: Caernarfon Castle

Arnold Taylor

Find it on Amazon
The Welsh Castles of Edward I cover book
The Welsh Castles of Edward I

Arnold J. Taylor

Find it on Amazon
book
Cadw Guidebook: Beaumaris Castle

Cadw

Find it on Amazon