Designed for the 16th Earl of Shrewsbury by AW Pugin, a leading exponent in gothic revivalism, Alton Castle is a romantic sight above the village of the same name. Work began in 1847 on the site of a much older Saxon castle. It is a Grade I-listed building and today operates as a Catholic Young Retreat centre, welcoming thousands of children through its doors every year.

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February 13, 2019

Hiking

You can still see some of the 12th century ruins. Such a shame it was not preserved.

What currently stands (it has a very eventful history) was commissioned to be rebuilt in the style of a medieval castle in the 19th Century by the 16th Earl of Shrewsbury.

Since 1996, it has been used as a Catholic youth centre.

Cookie's companions👣🐾🐾💔💔

January 18, 2020

Hiking

A great view can be had of the castle from along the old churnet railway line.

Routes here

Best routes to Alton Castle

4.3

(3)

hikers

1. Ramblers Retreat – The Chained Oak loop from Alton Towers Resort

12.6km

03:35

290m

300m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.3

(3)

hikers

2. Ramblers Retreat – The Lord's Bridge loop from Alton Towers Resort

12.5km

03:27

210m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.3

(3)

hikers

3. The Lord's Bridge – The Chained Oak loop from Denstone

13.4km

03:40

210m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 190 m

Weather

Today

Thursday 5 March

15°C

5°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

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Take Me There

Location: Alton, Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire, West Midlands Region, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

St John's Church and Former Hospital, Alton

The Chained Oak

Churnet Valley Cycle Path

Alton Bridge Hotel

Waterfall and Stepping Stones on Churnet River Tributary

Alton Railway Station (Churnet Valley Line)

The Gatekeeper's House, Oakamoor

Threap Wood

Pond Near Ashbourne Cricket Club

Cotton Dell Nature Reserve

Denstone Hall Farm Shop & Café

Alton to Denston Descent

Alton Castle

1. Ramblers Retreat – The Chained Oak loop from Alton Towers Resort

2. Ramblers Retreat – The Lord's Bridge loop from Alton Towers Resort

3. The Lord's Bridge – The Chained Oak loop from Denstone

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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