Lord Hastings, who built the castle, was executed by Richard III shortly after the tower's completion.
The castle features a rare surviving example of a 'pit' prison located beneath the ruins.
The Hastings Tower stands 80 feet high and still retains many of its original architectural details.
During the Civil War, the castle was held for the King and was one of the last royalist strongholds to surrender.
The site includes an underground passage known as the 'subterranean passage' that linked the kitchen to the tower.
The castle remains were deliberately damaged (slighted) by Parliamentarian forces to prevent further military use.
The exterior walls still show the original socket holes for medieval timber scaffolding.
Ashby de la Zouch Castle is a ruined 15th-century fortified manor house known for its impressive Hastings Tower. Built by William Lord Hastings starting in 1474, the site features extensive earthworks and an underground passage connecting the kitchen to the tower. The ruins served as a royalist stronghold during the English Civil War before being slighted by Parliamentarian forces in 1648. Visitors can explore the remains of the great hall, chapel, and the kitchen complex. The site is currently managed by English Heritage. It gained literary fame as the setting for the tournament scene in Sir Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe. Audio tours provide historical context regarding the site's transition from a medieval fortress to a high-status residence.
From the base of the Hastings Tower looking up to capture the scale of the remaining height.
Wear sturdy footwear as the ground is uneven and can be slippery in the subterranean passages.
Bring a charged smartphone or device to access the audio tour content via QR codes on-site.
Check the local weather forecast, as the site is almost entirely outdoors with limited indoor shelter.
Do not overlook the underground kitchen passage, which is a highlight often missed by casual visitors.
Operating days vary by season; typically transitions to reduced opening days during the winter months.
Do not climb on the masonry or historical walls.
