Just before the November lockdown at the beginning of the month, I headed out for one last time to do some exploring in the rare sunny weather. We'd had wet weather for the most of six weeks, so having a sunny afternoon to explore Donnington Castle was much-needed therapy. Donnington Castle, located in Berkshire near the town of Newbury, was founded in the 1380s. The castle's life was relatively short-lived; it did not last long as it was demolished after the Civil War (in 1646) in which the castle withstood an 18-month siege. Today, only part of the gatehouse remains, and the site is maintained by English Heritage. Visitors can see the gatehouse and the ruins of the wall that surrounded the castle.
The castle has connections to poet Geoffrey Chaucer as his father purchased it in 1398. The castle was also visited by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Elizabeth I granted the castle to be looked after by Elizabeth Cooke, and she was the first woman in England to have this title.
The castle is on top of a hill with amazing views when climbed to the top.
The gatehouse was shut and locked. I am not sure if visitors are ever allowed to visit the tower; I cannot find anything on the English Heritage website for any open days or if they have done so in the past.
The castle is free to visit, and there is parking on site. The parking requires a fee to be paid unless you are an English Heritage member and is managed by English Heritage.
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