Winter escapes at Goodrich Castle

Half Term Family Fun Trail, 16 – 24 February 2013

Spring Photo Walk, Friday 8 March 2013

Anyone thinking that February half term might be a great time to hibernate for the end of the winter, think again!  Goodrich Castle, near Ross-on-Wye, will be opening daily throughout the school holidays to give families a wonderful reason to get out and about, including a fun trail around the castle!

Goodrich Castle, located not far from Ross-on-Wye, is one of Herefordshire’s finest examples of early medieval castles, with a commanding position overlooking the Wye Valley.  The view from the top of the Keep – a slightly later addition to the castle – is especially good in the winter months, when the lack of foliage brings clearer views of the stunning local landscape, and children will love exploring the elevated walkways and passages down into the dry moat which were used in the filming of the BBC series ‘Merlin’.

“Although the castle is now a ruin, you can still explore many of the stairways and walkways that would have been alive with servants and knights during its heyday – we know that it hosted fantastic parties and celebrations in the 13thcentury – and the family fun trail we’re hosting for the half term holiday really encourages visitors to explore many of the different parts of the castle,” comments site manager, Margaret Smithett.  “Our tea room will be open, serving hot drinks and warming soup too – a wonderful way to either start or end a visit!”

GoodrichCastleis located five miles south of Ross-on-Wye off the A40, and is open daily during half term (16 – 24 February 2013) and every weekend throughout the winter from10.00amto4.00pm.  Admission prices are £6.00 for adults, £5.40 for concessions and £3.60 for children.  A family ticket (valid for two adults and up to three children) is £15.60, and English Heritage members get in free.

The architecture of Goodrich Castle also lends itself perfectly to photography, and indeed, English Heritage is offering amateur photographers the chance to explore the castle for a photowalk with leading landscape photographer, Nick Meers, on Friday 8 March 2013.  Ideal for budding David Hockneys with a bridge or digitalSLRcamera, Nick will guide participants through getting the most out of the camera, using the ruins as an ideal subject for catching contrasts of light and shade.

The workshop runs from10.00amto4.00pm, and costs £70 per person (£60 for English Heritage members) and includes lunch.  Places must be booked in advance by calling English Heritage’s customer services team on 0870 333 1183.

For more information, please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/goodrich

ENDS

For further media information, please contact:

Jay Commins – PRO English Heritage (West Midlands)

Tel: 01904 500698

Mob: 07810 546567

Email: jay@pyperyork.co.uk