Beeston Castle
Beeston Castle is a fine stone edifice which dominates the northern end of the Peckforton Hills – exactly as intended! You can see it quite clearly from Greenlooms Cottage, and it soon becomes a familiar landmark.
Built in the 13th century by one Ranulf de Blondeville to celebrate returning intact from the Crusades, it makes the most of the huge rocky outcrop on which it sits. The tiny snag of a complete lack of water was overcome by sinking mammoth wells hundreds of feet into the rock – it’s a shame they weren’t around to take on the Channel Tunnel in our day!
Beeston Castle is today in the care of English Heritage, and is open most of the year. It offers tremendous views from the top, but is quite a steep climb, so allow plenty of time and take some refreshments. English Heritage organise special events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking if there’s anything on when you stay with us.
Beeston Castle is just a rather long stone's throw from Peckforton Castle.