The castle features a rare 13th-century chapel decorated with medieval wall paintings.
The 1646 siege was the first time the mortar 'Roaring Meg' was used in combat, and the original cannonball still resides at the site.
The castle is surrounded by a dry moat, entirely carved out of the natural sandstone bedrock.
It was converted from a wooden motte-and-bailey structure to stone in the mid-12th century.
The 'Roaring Meg' mortar is one of the only surviving Civil War pieces of heavy artillery of its kind.
Goodrich Castle is a well-preserved 11th-century Norman fortification built from distinctive red sandstone. Situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Wye, it served as a strategic military stronghold for centuries. The castle features a 12th-century keep and significant remains of a 13th-century residential range. During the English Civil War, it was held by Royalists and eventually besieged by Parliamentarian forces in 1646 using a massive mortar called Roaring Meg. The resulting damage led to the castle's eventual abandonment and state of ruin. Visitors can explore the gatehouse, the domestic quarters, and the moat carved directly into the bedrock. It remains under the stewardship of English Heritage. The site offers views across the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The gatehouse entrance viewed from the moat bridge provides the most iconic perspective of the red sandstone masonry.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the terrain is uneven and can be slippery in the inner ward.
Explore the curtain walls for the best vantage points of the surrounding valley.
Use the provided audio guide to understand the specific architectural layout during the 17th-century siege.
Do not attempt to climb the exterior rock face of the moat, which is unstable and prohibited.
Opening hours and site availability may vary significantly by season; check the official English Heritage website for seasonal changes before travel.
Avoid climbing on unstable masonry or protective fencing; stay on marked paths for safety.
