Goodrich Castle

Our way home from Tintern took us north up the Wye Valley to Goodrich and its castle - an excellent place for a wander round and lunch.

The square keep was built mid 12th century but most of what remains dates from roughly a century later. Despite its position overlooking an important crossing place of the river Wye, Goodrich was a relatively peaceful place till the Civil War when the Royalist forces inside were besieged by Parliamentarians. After a ferocious siege the Royalists surrendered in July 1646, and the castle 'slighted' (made indefensible by removal of battlements and damage to the main entrance)

Today you can walk over the bridge which spans the moat, examine the portcullis slots and arrow slits of the entrance in peace. 

There are steps to climb to the top of the towers to get a good view of the countryside around.

I didn't risk these twisty, turn-y stairs but took a more straightforward set at the opposite end of the castle which ultimately led, via the remains of the wall walk on the right hand edge of the photo below, to the same place.

Exploring the corridors set into walls is always atmospheric; maybe a little spooky at times, but not on a bright sunny day.

It's possible to go to the top of the Keep but I decided against that, feeling that the stairs I'd walked up offered the better return on energy expended. 

Goodrich is certainly a brilliant place to explore, whatever your age, and the cafe is a great place for lunch :)