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Just outside the heart of the town of Kenilworth lies the red sandstone buildings that are the remains of the ancient castle. A castle has stood on this site since the eleventh century, originally a wooden structure, the castle evolved over the centuries, until it decayed into the ruins that we see today.

By the end of the twelfth century the wooden buildings of the first castle were replaced by the earliest of the red sandstone buildings that we see today. Over the centuries, the buildings and defences of the castle were changed and enlarged.

The castle is dominated by the remains of the keep, a huge, almost rectangular building towards the centre of the castle, well fortified, it would have provided protection for many people.

During the rein of Henry III, Kenilworth was besieged for almost nine months. Before the final assault by Henry's army, a surrender was forced as an epidemic hit the inhabitants. After the surrender, food for two days was all that remained in the castle.

After the Civil War in the 17th Century, a wall of the castle keep was finally broken, so that it could never be used in defence again.

The gatehouse, pictured on the left, was built by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester as an auspicious entrance to the castle for visitors approaching via the main road to London. Later modifications saw the gate blocked by a bay window when the gatehouse became home to a new owner after the Civil War.

Other buildings within the castle include the Medieval Great Hall and the Strong Tower. Leicester's building was added by Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leiceter in the sixteenth century. This building with it's three floors and must have provided accommodation for many important visitors, including Elizabeth I.

A walk around the outside of the castle, through the once flooded area that was known as the Great Mere allows a look at the strong protective curtain wall of the castle. The marshy area surrounding the castle was flooded by damming the stream that now passes under the castle approach.

When visiting Kenilworth, it is worth the time to take the short walk accross Abeyfields to visit the ruins of the old abbey. Though one wall is visible in the park, a walk through the church yard shows other remains, the Abbey church foundations now form the garden of remembrance and a good deal of archetectural stone may be seen. Other, now crumbling remains can also be within the churchyard.

Kenilworth Castle is maintained by English Heritage. Many events are held at the castle all year round and include theatre, and living history events.