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.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Alton Castle

4.4

(5)

hikers

#1.

Ramblers Retreat – The Chained Oak loop from Alton Towers Resort

12.6km

03:36

290m

300m

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

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Moderate

4.0

(1)

hikers

#2.

Alton Lock-Up – Alton Bridge Hotel loop from Alton

7.27km

02:01

130m

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

13.5km

03:42

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

Tuesday 5 May

11°C

4°C

15 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

Most visited during

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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

Alton Railway Station (Churnet Valley Line)

Waterfall and Stepping Stones on Churnet River Tributary

The Gatekeeper's House, Oakamoor

Pond Near Ashbourne Cricket Club

Cotton Dell Nature Reserve

Denstone Hall Farm Shop & Café

Threap Wood

Alton to Denston Descent

Alton Castle

#1.

Ramblers Retreat – The Chained Oak loop from Alton Towers Resort

#2.

Alton Lock-Up – Alton Bridge Hotel loop from Alton

#3.

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

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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