The castle was used as a workhouse for the local poor from 1636 until 1839.
It features a rare 'wall walk' that allows visitors to traverse the top of the curtain wall.
The castle is constructed from flint rubble and ashlar masonry, a common material for the region.
Ed Sheeran, who grew up in the area, referenced the castle in his song 'Castle on the Hill'.
The castle is technically a shell keep, designed to provide defense while housing domestic buildings against the interior walls.
The 'mere' surrounding the castle is a man-made body of water historically used for defense and as a fish farm.
During the 16th century, the castle grounds included a significant deer park for hunting.
Framlingham Castle is a 12th-century fortress distinguished by its unique curtain wall featuring 13 square mural towers. Built by the Earls of Norfolk, the site served as a defensive stronghold and later a lavish residence for the Dukes of Norfolk. The castle famously lacks a traditional keep, relying instead on a wall-walk design that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mere and landscape. Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England here in 1553. The site is currently managed by English Heritage. The interior buildings seen today primarily date to the Tudor period rather than the original medieval construction. Visitors can explore the Poorhouse building, which documents the site's usage during the 17th to 19th centuries.
From the south side of the mere looking up at the curtain wall and towers.
Walk the entire perimeter of the curtain wall to appreciate the engineering of the mural towers.
Visit the site's permanent exhibition in the Poorhouse to understand the castle's transition from fortress to workhouse.
Bring comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven stone surfaces and steps.
Attempting to climb on the exterior earthworks, which can cause erosion and are prohibited.
Operating hours vary by season; check for reduced availability during winter months.
Wear sturdy, flat-soled footwear for steep staircases and uneven masonry.
