The castle was originally built as a fortified manor house rather than a traditional defensive military fortress.
Sir John Fastolf, the founder, was a commander during the Hundred Years' War and served as the inspiration for Shakespeare's Falstaff.
The onsite motor museum houses one of the earliest British motor cars, the 1893 Panhard et Levassor.
The castle’s brickwork represents some of the earliest post-Roman brick construction in England.
The museum collection includes a rare 1904 Wilson-Pilcher, one of the few surviving examples of the brand.
The site features a significant collection of horse-drawn carriages from the 19th century.
The castle tower was constructed using locally sourced bricks, typical of the Norfolk landscape during the 15th century.
Caister Castle is a 15th-century moated fortress founded by Sir John Fastolf in 1432, notable for its well-preserved 90-foot tower. The site hosts the Caister Castle Motor Museum, a private collection featuring vintage, veteran, and classic automobiles alongside horse-drawn carriages and cycles. Visitors can climb the original spiral staircase to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the surrounding Norfolk countryside. The castle remains a significant example of brick construction from the late medieval period. The museum collection is housed in adjacent structures, contrasting historical architecture with 20th-century automotive engineering. The site is privately owned and has been maintained by the same family for decades.
From the ground level moat bridge looking up at the full height of the brick tower.
Wear sensible, sturdy footwear for the climb to the top of the castle tower.
Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens for the interior of the motor museum to capture full vehicle displays.
Check the official website for seasonal opening notifications before traveling, as the site is not open year-round.
Attempting to climb the tower in open-toed shoes or heels, and expecting a modern guided tour experience, as this is a self-guided independent attraction.
Open seasonally from spring through early autumn; typically closed during winter months.
No smoking, no touching the vehicle exhibits, and exercise caution on the steep, narrow spiral stone staircase of the tower.
