Someries Castle Luton
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Someries Castle

3.9
·216 reviews·Someries, United Kingdom

Explore the atmospheric red-brick ruins of a 15th-century fortified manor house, steeped in history and local legend.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Someries Castle Luton

Someries Castle

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the atmospheric red-brick ruins of a 15th-century fortified manor house, steeped in history and local legend.

3.9
(216 reviews)

"The ruins are cool and definitely worth a look, offering a glimpse into early brick architecture."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:

Grounds can be uneven and overgrown with nettles. Protect your feet and ankles.

Check Road Conditions :car:

The access road is a farm track with potholes; ensure your vehicle is suitable.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Gatehouse and Chapel

The Gatehouse and Chapel

Main ruin structure

Marvel at the impressive 15th-century red-brick gatehouse, which once incorporated a chapel. It's a testament to early brick architecture in England.

Instagram
Historic Red-Brick Architecture

Historic Red-Brick Architecture

Throughout the ruins

Admire the distinctive red-brick construction, a rarity for its time, showcasing medieval craftsmanship.

InstagramReddit
Atmospheric Ruins

Atmospheric Ruins

Entire site

Wander through the evocative remains of this fortified manor house, imagining its past grandeur.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Ruins

Someries Castle is a historic ruin, meaning paths can be uneven and overgrown with nettles. Wear sturdy shoes and be mindful of the terrain, especially if bringing children. The road leading to the castle is a farm track with potholes, so check vehicle suitability before arrival. Reddit+1

Best Time for a Visit

For a peaceful experience, aim for weekdays outside of peak tourist times. The castle is ideal for a short visit, making it perfect for a quick stop. Enjoy the ruins without the crowds for a more immersive historical experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on ruins
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

this trend but castle edition! 🏰❤️ #castle #ofcoursetrend #chrismarkcastle #ct #princess #ofcourse
@thechrismarkcastle
1.5M likes • 9.3M views

Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:

Grounds can be uneven and overgrown with nettles. Protect your feet and ankles. Reddit+1

Check Road Conditions :car:

The access road is a farm track with potholes; ensure your vehicle is suitable. Reddit

Kerosene - crystal castles (normal version) #kerosene #crystalcastles #fyp #fullsongs
@fullsongs_012
486.9K likes • 11.7M views
From captivating historical sites like Someries Castle Ruins and St Mary’s Church to the serene landscapes of Wardown Park, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy in Luton. From the town’s hat-making heritage through the Hat Trail, or Stockwood Discovery Centre’s museum gardens, there’s a mix of history, nature, and culture. Luton offers an array of cost-free activities that allow travellers to ...
tlrailuk
63 likes • 2.9K views

Short Visit Recommended :stopwatch:

Ideal for a quick stop, most visitors spend around 15-30 minutes exploring. Reddit

Beware of Nettles :herb:

The grounds can be unkempt with nettles, so be cautious, especially with children. Reddit

Someries Castle 🇬🇧 - Luton's Haunted Gem Built in the 15th century by Sir John Wenlock, Someries Castle was one of the earliest brick buildings in England. Locals say the site is haunted by the ghost of Sir Wenlock himself, who died violently in the War of the Roses — some claim his head was bashed in by his own side. Visitors have reported strange noises, whispers, cold spots, and sudden bangs......
24hmusic4u
74 likes • 5.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:

Grounds can be uneven and overgrown with nettles. Protect your feet and ankles. Reddit+1

Check Road Conditions :car:

The access road is a farm track with potholes; ensure your vehicle is suitable. Reddit

Short Visit Recommended :stopwatch:

Ideal for a quick stop, most visitors spend around 15-30 minutes exploring. Reddit

Beware of Nettles :herb:

The grounds can be unkempt with nettles, so be cautious, especially with children. Reddit

Bring Insect Repellent :bug:

Depending on the season, you might encounter insects in the grassy areas. Instagram

What Travellers Say

3.9
(216 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Someries Castle to be an interesting historical ruin with impressive red-brick architecture, particularly the gatehouse. However, the site is often described as unkempt, with overgrown nettles and an uneven access road, making it less ideal for young children or those with mobility issues. The atmospheric ruins and local ghost stories add to its unique appeal.

"My husband and I came for a quick visit while in the area. The ruins are cool and definitely worth a look. I would caution you if you are bringing children, as the grounds were very grown-up and we encountered some nettles while walking around."

Amber Blagg

"The castles name is derived from William de Someries who had a residence on this site. The site was acquired by Sir John Wenlock and in 1430 building commenced on the site, it is described as one of the earliest brick buildings in England but by this date there were at least 100 other such brick buildings. It is a fortified manor house rather than a castle but it was never fully completed as Wenlock was killed at the battle of Tewkesbury in 1471, his ghost is said to haunt the castle. It was partly demolished in the 18th century although the gatehouse incorporating the chapel and lodge still stands, bricks from the site have been reused in the nearby farm buildings. Very bumpy ride to see it and off the beaten track but worth a visit for castle lovers."

stephen mudie

"Just visited here, very unkempt full of nettles and weeds, literally fenced as tight as it could be so very hard to get around the ruins and through them due to the unkempt nature not worth bringing little kids or dogs but nice brickwork to view!"

JPG 2019

What People Like

Impressive brickwork
Atmospheric ruins
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Overgrown grounds
Uneven access road
Nettles present

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Someries Castle is accessed via a farm track road that can be bumpy and prone to flooding, so it's best suited for vehicles that can handle rough terrain. Reddit It's located near Luton, and while public transport might be limited directly to the site, local buses can get you to Luton town, from where you might need a taxi or a longer walk. Instagram

Yes, there is convenient parking adjacent to the castle ruins, making it easy to access the site. Reddit

The road leading to Someries Castle is described as a farm track with many potholes, so it may not be suitable for all vehicles, especially low-clearance cars. Reddit

While it's possible to walk, the access road is a farm track, and the surrounding grounds can be overgrown. It's advisable to check local walking routes and be prepared for uneven terrain. Reddit

Yes, Someries Castle is located near the Luton London Airport airfield, and visitors have noted the interesting sight of planes taking off and landing nearby. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Someries Castle is a historic ruin, and typically, access to such sites is free. There are no mentions of admission fees in reviews or social media posts. Instagram+1

As an open-air ruin, Someries Castle is generally accessible at any time. However, it's always a good idea to check for any local advisories or temporary closures before visiting. Instagram

There is no mention of an entrance fee for Someries Castle. It's a historical site that can be explored freely. Instagram+1

While the site is open, visiting at night might be challenging due to the lack of lighting and potentially uneven terrain. It's best enjoyed during daylight hours for safety and visibility. Instagram

While Someries Castle is a significant historical site, it is not explicitly stated to be managed by English Heritage in the provided information. It's often described as ruins that can be explored. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the remains of the 15th-century fortified manor house, including the impressive red-brick gatehouse and chapel. It's a great spot for history enthusiasts and photographers. Instagram+1

Local legends suggest Someries Castle is haunted by the ghost of Sir John Wenlock, who died violently. Visitors have reported strange noises and paranormal activity. Instagram+1

The ruins are described as unkempt in places, with grass and weeds needing a trim. Nettles are also present, so caution is advised. Reddit+1

There are no specific facilities like restrooms or cafes mentioned at the castle ruins. It's a historical site best visited with basic provisions. Reddit

Yes, the atmospheric ruins and unique brickwork make Someries Castle a popular spot for photography, especially for those interested in historical architecture and moody shots. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Focus on the imposing gatehouse and chapel for architectural shots. The surrounding overgrown areas can add a dramatic, moody feel to your photos, especially with the red brickwork. Instagram+1

Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light that enhances the texture of the brick ruins. Early mornings can also offer soft light and fewer visitors. Reddit

There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drone usage. However, always check local drone laws and be respectful of the historical site and any potential wildlife. Instagram

It's excellent for historical, architectural, and atmospheric photography. The ruins lend themselves well to moody, dark fantasy, or liminal-style shots. TikTokInstagram

No specific restrictions are mentioned, but it's always good practice to be respectful of the site and any other visitors. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Someries Castle can be an interesting historical site for families, but parents should be aware of the terrain. The grounds are often unkempt with nettles and uneven surfaces, making it challenging for very young children or those who tend to wander. Reddit+1 It's best suited for older children who can navigate carefully. The legend of the ghost might also add an exciting element for curious kids. Instagram

📸 Photographers

Someries Castle is a dream for photographers seeking atmospheric and historical shots. The red-brick ruins, especially the gatehouse and chapel, offer striking architectural details. Instagram+1 The overgrown nature of the site can create moody, dramatic scenes, perfect for dark fantasy or liminal photography. TikTokInstagram Consider visiting during the golden hour for beautiful light. Reddit

👻 Ghost Hunters & Paranormal Enthusiasts

With tales of Sir John Wenlock's ghost, Someries Castle is a magnet for those interested in the paranormal. Instagram+1 The eerie atmosphere of the ruins, combined with reports of strange noises, makes it a compelling location for ghost hunting or exploring local legends. Instagram

🚶 History Buffs & Day-Trippers

For history enthusiasts, Someries Castle offers a glimpse into early brick architecture and medieval manor life. InstagramReddit It's an ideal destination for a quick day trip, as most visitors find it can be explored thoroughly in about 15-30 minutes. Reddit The historical significance, combined with its unique setting, makes it a worthwhile stop for those interested in England's past. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Medieval Architecture

Someries Castle stands as a significant example of 15th-century brick architecture in England. Built by Sir John Wenlock starting around 1430, it was a fortified manor house rather than a true castle. Its construction from red brick was innovative for the time, though it's noted that other brick buildings existed concurrently. InstagramReddit The site was never fully completed due to Wenlock's death at the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471, leaving behind impressive ruins that hint at its former grandeur. Instagram

The most prominent surviving structure is the gatehouse, which ingeniously incorporated a chapel and lodge. This architectural feature highlights the blend of defensive and residential purposes of the manor house. Even in its ruined state, the scale and construction method are striking, offering a tangible connection to medieval building techniques. Instagram Visitors often comment on the unique brickwork, appreciating its historical significance and aesthetic appeal. Reddit

While the castle was partly demolished in the 18th century, with bricks reused in nearby farm buildings, the remaining structures continue to captivate visitors. The atmospheric nature of the ruins, combined with local ghost stories, adds another layer of intrigue to its historical narrative. InstagramReddit

The Legend of Sir John Wenlock

Someries Castle is steeped in local lore, most notably the legend of its builder, Sir John Wenlock. Wenlock was a prominent figure who met a violent end at the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471. Instagram His death is said to have occurred at the hands of his own side, adding a tragic element to his story. Instagram

According to local tales, the ghost of Sir John Wenlock haunts the castle ruins. Visitors have reported experiencing paranormal activity, including strange noises and a general sense of unease. Instagram+1 This spectral association has made Someries Castle a point of interest for those fascinated by haunted locations and ghost stories. Instagram

The castle's history is intertwined with the Wars of the Roses, a period of intense conflict that ultimately led to Wenlock's demise. The ruins, therefore, are not just a historical site but also a place imbued with legend and mystery, drawing in those curious about the supernatural and the echoes of the past. Instagram+1

Exploring the Grounds and Surroundings

While the castle ruins are the main attraction, the surrounding grounds offer a natural setting for exploration. However, visitors should be aware that the site can be unkempt, with areas of overgrown grass and nettles. Reddit+1 This means sturdy footwear is essential, and caution is advised, especially for families with young children or those with pets. Reddit

Despite the unkempt nature, the location offers a unique visual experience. The proximity to the Luton London Airport airfield provides an interesting backdrop, with visitors enjoying the sight of planes taking off and landing. Reddit This adds a modern contrast to the ancient ruins, creating a distinctive atmosphere. Instagram

The access road itself is a notable feature, described as a farm track with potholes. This off-the-beaten-track feel contributes to the castle's secluded charm but also requires careful navigation. Reddit The overall experience is one of discovering a hidden historical gem, albeit one that requires a bit of adventurous spirit to fully appreciate. Instagram

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