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Outdoor Activities & Recreation

Historic Interest Sites

Castles and Stately Homes

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SNODHILL
SNODHILL

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It's not every day that one of the earliest Norman castles in the UK is uncovered, but that's what's happening at Snodhill. This unique structure was rescued from collapse and loss in 2017 and is now being excavated and selectively restored by the Snodhill Castle Preservation Trust. Come and explore the ten acre motte and bailey site. Share our theories as to its origins and purpose. Climb up to the Keep and take in the views of the medieval deer park rising to Vagar Hill above, and the hamlet with its surviving medieval fields below. Picnic in the bailey as Kilvert did in 1871. And support our mission to reclaim the castle from overgrown wreck to magnificent monument.

Entry Cost

Admission is free all year round - but donations are welcome and you can support the work of the Trust through our Friends' scheme.

Hours

The castle is open every day, all year round. There may be restricted access to certain parts of the site owing to archaeological or building works. Dogs under control are welcome, but be mindful of our grazing sheep. Please note the safety signs at the entrance.

Special Features
- Historical Interest
- Rural location
Welcomes
- Free entry
- Children welcome
- Dogs welcome
Parking
- Free parking

Directions & Parking

THE GREEN
SNODHILL
SNODHILL
Herefordshire
HR3 6BG

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Snodhill is about a mile south of Dorstone, which is on the B4348 between Peterchurch and Hay on Wye. The castle is searchable on Google maps, and our what3words address is UNWOUND.MASSES.SPOONS. Postcode is HR3 6BG, which includes the whole hamlet. There's convenient layby parking.

Caring For The Planet

Snodhill Castle is a scheduled ancient monument Grade II and the site is protected by law. We are fortunate to possess a number of important veteran trees including two notable ancient ashes, as well as being home to bats, deer, slow worms and in summer, redstarts. The site is managed by volunteers with the aim of balancing habitat and fabric preservation with public access.

Snodhill Castle Recommends

Snodhill has many paths bridleways and and tracks leading from it - evidence of its substantial medieval occupation. Today these include the popular Herefordshire Trail and the Three Rivers Ride, and in addition there are are a number of circular walks on public paths of varying lengths and ambition.