The Castle Fun Center activities, located in Chester, NY just 2 miles from LegoLand New York
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Barnstaple Castle Mound

4.1
·26 reviews·, United Kingdom

A historical castle mound and versatile hall venue, perfect for events and near lively riverside entertainment.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

More events and lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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The Castle Fun Center activities, located in Chester, NY just 2 miles from LegoLand New York

Barnstaple Castle Mound

Best Time

Weekends

More events and lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historical castle mound and versatile hall venue, perfect for events and near lively riverside entertainment.

4.1
(26 reviews)

"Excellent facility for small and medium group meetings, with kitchenette and toilets."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Ask for Directions

Signage is minimal; don't hesitate to ask other visitors for guidance. :wave:

🚗 Ample Parking Nearby

Easy and plentiful car parking is available close to the venue. :car:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Main Hall

The Main Hall

Central area

A spacious and clean hall, perfect for parties and gatherings. Offers a stage, tables, and chairs.

Kitchenette Facilities

Kitchenette Facilities

Adjacent to the main hall

Conveniently equipped for small functions, making event planning easier.

Proximity to The Strand

Proximity to The Strand

River Taw waterfront

Enjoy free family entertainment like Punch and Judy and face painting during holidays.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Barnstaple Castle Mound

Barnstaple Castle Mound is a bit off the beaten path with minimal signage, so expect to ask other visitors for directions. It's a great spot for small functions, offering a hall, kitchenette, and ample parking nearby. Plan for a relaxed visit, as it's not a high-traffic tourist spot.

Event & Function Hub

This venue excels for small to medium group meetings and parties, boasting a stage, tables, chairs, and a kitchenette. While it's a fantastic rental option, be aware of a reported dangerous hole outside one meeting room. Always check for local events happening on the Strand nearby.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
More events and lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
School Holidays
Why
Family entertainment on The Strand
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Ask for Directions

Signage is minimal; don't hesitate to ask other visitors for guidance. :wave:

🚗 Ample Parking Nearby

Easy and plentiful car parking is available close to the venue. :car:

🎉 Check for Local Events

The Strand often hosts free family entertainment, especially during holidays. :balloon:

⚠️ Be Aware of Hazards

A dangerous hole has been reported outside one of the meeting rooms. Exercise caution. :warning:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Ask for Directions

Signage is minimal; don't hesitate to ask other visitors for guidance. :wave:

🚗 Ample Parking Nearby

Easy and plentiful car parking is available close to the venue. :car:

🎉 Check for Local Events

The Strand often hosts free family entertainment, especially during holidays. :balloon:

⚠️ Be Aware of Hazards

A dangerous hole has been reported outside one of the meeting rooms. Exercise caution. :warning:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(26 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Barnstaple Castle Mound is appreciated as a convenient and well-equipped venue for small to medium functions, with ample parking and useful kitchenette facilities. Visitors enjoy the nearby Strand's free family entertainment. However, the site lacks clear signage, and a safety concern regarding a hole outside a meeting room was noted.

"Nice big hall, off the beaten track.not much signage, so kept getting other groups asking what your group was.other than that ,worth hiring if you have a small function, has a small kitchen and plenty of chairs."

floatingspirit2009

"Excellent facility for small and medium group meetings, with kitchenette and toilets.
Also has a stage and tables/chairs. Easy level access with plenty of car parking nearby."

Stephen Johns

"Queen Annes tea/restaurant very nice. Ideal for all walks of life. Free family entertainment outside on the Strand near the river Taw ....Punch and Judy, Face painting, creative activities, (mostly school holidays) and many more social events throughout the year."

Marlene Morrison-Clarke

What People Like

Excellent hall for functions
Convenient kitchenette
Plenty of parking

What People Dislike

Minimal signage
Reported safety hazard

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Barnstaple Castle Mound is located off the beaten track and has minimal signage. It's best to use GPS and be prepared to ask other visitors for directions once you're in the vicinity. Ample parking is available nearby, making it accessible by car. Reddit

While specific details on direct public transport routes are scarce, Barnstaple town center is served by buses and a train station. From there, it's likely a short taxi ride or a walk to the mound. Check local bus routes for options to get as close as possible. Reddit

There is plenty of car parking available nearby, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car. This is a significant plus for those planning events or functions. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Barnstaple Castle Mound itself, as a historical site, generally doesn't require tickets for casual visits to the mound area. However, if you are hiring the hall for a function, specific rental fees will apply. Reddit

As an outdoor historical mound, it's likely accessible during daylight hours. If you are renting the hall for an event, the hours will be determined by your booking agreement. Reddit

Yes, the hall at Barnstaple Castle Mound is available for hire for small and medium group meetings and parties. It's described as an excellent facility for such events. Reddit

Pricing for hall hire is not publicly detailed in the provided information. It's recommended to contact the venue directly for current rental rates and availability for your specific function needs. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the castle mound itself, offering a historical perspective. The venue also features a nice big hall suitable for events, complete with a stage, tables, and chairs. Reddit

While the mound itself might be more for historical interest, the nearby Strand often has free family entertainment like Punch and Judy and face painting, especially during school holidays. The hall can also be a good space for children's parties. Reddit

Yes, the facility includes toilets, which is convenient for visitors and especially for those attending events. Reddit

The hall is well-equipped with a stage, plenty of chairs, and tables. It also features a kitchenette, making it ideal for functions. Reddit

While generally safe, one review mentioned a dangerous hole outside one meeting room. Visitors should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The hall has a kitchenette, which is useful for self-catering events. For dining out, Queen Anne's tea/restaurant is mentioned as being very nice and nearby. Reddit

Given the presence of a kitchenette, self-catering for events is likely encouraged. For casual visits, there are no specific restrictions mentioned, but it's always good practice to check venue policies. Reddit

Queen Anne's tea/restaurant is a highly recommended dining spot in the vicinity. The Strand area also likely has various cafes and eateries. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The castle mound itself offers a historical backdrop. The hall can be a good setting for event photography. The nearby River Taw and The Strand provide scenic views, especially when there's activity or entertainment. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos inside the hall, especially if you are renting it for an event. It's a clean and tidy space that can make for good event snapshots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Barnstaple Castle Mound offers a mixed experience for families. While the mound itself is a historical point of interest, the real draw for kids is often The Strand nearby. During school holidays and weekends, The Strand buzzes with free family entertainment like Punch and Judy shows and face painting. Reddit

The hall at the mound is also a great option for hosting children's parties, being a clean and tidy space with ample room. The availability of a kitchenette is a bonus for parents planning party snacks. Just be mindful of the reported 'dangerous hole' near the meeting rooms and supervise children closely. Reddit

🎉 Event Organizers

If you're looking for a venue for a small to medium-sized function, Barnstaple Castle Mound's hall is a strong contender. It's praised for being an 'excellent facility' with a stage, tables, chairs, and a crucial kitchenette. The easy level access and plentiful nearby parking make it convenient for guests. Reddit

While the mound itself is a quiet historical spot, the hall provides a practical and well-equipped space for parties, meetings, or gatherings. It's a cost-effective option for those who want a dedicated space without the frills of larger, more expensive venues. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ History Enthusiasts

For those interested in local history, Barnstaple Castle Mound offers a tangible connection to the past. While it may not be a grand castle ruin, the mound itself represents a historical fortification. It's a quiet spot for contemplation and imagining the area's past. Reddit

Be aware that information and signage might be limited, so a bit of prior research or a willingness to explore could enhance the experience. Its 'off the beaten track' nature means you're likely to have a more peaceful visit, allowing for a deeper appreciation of its historical context. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Castle Mound

Barnstaple Castle Mound is a historical site offering a glimpse into the past. While not a grand ruin, it provides a sense of the area's history. Visitors have noted that it's 'off the beaten track' and can be a bit tricky to find due to minimal signage. It's recommended to use GPS and be prepared to ask locals or other visitors for directions. The mound itself is a pleasant, open space, though its historical significance might be more appreciated by those with an interest in local heritage. Reddit

Despite its understated nature, the mound serves as a quiet spot for reflection. It's important to note that one review mentioned a 'dangerous hole' outside one of the meeting rooms, so visitors should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings when exploring the area. The proximity to The Strand, however, adds another dimension, offering potential for more lively activities, especially during peak seasons. Reddit

Venue Hire and Events

The hall at Barnstaple Castle Mound is a popular choice for small to medium-sized functions, parties, and group meetings. It's described as an 'excellent facility' that is 'clean and tidy,' making it a reliable option for event organizers. The hall comes equipped with a stage, plenty of chairs, and tables, and importantly, a kitchenette, which is a significant advantage for catering. Reddit

Its accessibility is also a plus, with easy level access and plenty of car parking nearby. This convenience factor is often highlighted by those who have used the venue for events. While the mound itself might be a quiet historical site, the hall offers a practical and well-appointed space for community gatherings and celebrations. Reddit

Community and Entertainment on The Strand

Adjacent to Barnstaple Castle Mound is The Strand, a vibrant area along the River Taw that frequently hosts community events and family entertainment. During school holidays and throughout the year, visitors can often find free activities such as Punch and Judy shows, face painting, and various creative workshops. Reddit

This makes the area around the castle mound a dynamic destination, offering a blend of historical exploration and lively public engagement. Queen Anne's tea/restaurant is also noted as a very nice dining option nearby, complementing the entertainment offerings. The Strand truly adds value to a visit, providing a more engaging experience, especially for families. Reddit

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