In 1153 Lord Maurice Berkeley completed this fortress by the Severn Estuary at the command of Henry II, and ever since it has been the home of the Berkeley family - one of England's oldest families who have given their name to numerous locations all over the world, from Berkeley Square in London to Berkeley Hundred in Virginia and Berkeley University in California.

For nearly 850 years twenty-four generations have not only preserved this ancient Castle but have gradually transformed a savage Norman fortress into a truly stately home with a wealth of treasures. Paintings by primarily English and Dutch masters, tapestries, furniture of an interesting diversity, silver and procelain.

You may wander through the Castle at leisure or enjoy the free facility of a one-hour guided tour with a very experienced guide. The highlights of your tour through the Castle are the massive Norman Keep with the Dungeon and the cell where King Edward II was murdered in 1327, the Picture Gallery, the Dining Room, the medieval Buttery and Kitchens, the Historic Great Hall and the magnificent State Apartments. You will find something of interest for all the family.