Ashby de la Zouch Castle

The next position on the list of the most beautiful historical sites in Leicestershire is Ashby de la Zouch Castle, which was built in Norman times, and belonged to the Zouch family until the end of the 14th century. After that, it changed ownership several times before being acquired by Edward IV's Chamberlin, William, Lord Hastings, in 1462.

Ashby de la Zouch was transformed from a stately residence to a castle under Hastings' expansion and renovations, which included the towering 24-meter-tall Hastings Tower. Following its enlargement, it saw multiple royal visits from people like Henry VII and Charles I, and Mary, Queen of Scots was even briefly imprisoned there in 1569 while she was being held in England.

English Heritage is currently in charge of maintaining the Ashby de la Zouch Castle remains, which are a Grade I listed structure. Through engaging audio tours, sunken gardens exploration, and underground corridor tours, visitors may fully immerse themselves in this place's illustrious past.

Viewable are the ruins of the church, Great Hall, Great Chamber, and Kitchen Tower, all of which are composed of imposing stone constructions with once spectacular windows and arches. Great aerial views of the location and the neighborhood are available from the top of the Hastings Tower, which is still climbable.

Location: South St, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 1BR, England