Wolsey Walk - the exterior front of Cawood Castle

Where To Stay

The Landmark Trust’s Cawood Castle

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The late medieval rooms in this gatehouse are all that survive of Cawood Castle, once a residence of the Archbishops of York. It was here that Cardinal Wolsey was dramatically arrested for treason on Henry VIII’s orders.

Location

Cawood Castle, Sherburn Street, Cawood, Selby, UK

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The gatehouse and its domestic wing are all that is left of Cawood Castle, once upon a time a stronghold of the Archbishops of York. The castle itself has always had significant royal links as well as its strong connection to the church. It was Archbishop John Kempe who built the adjoining gatehouse using the distinctive creamy white stone from a nearby quarry at Huddleston. The civil war saw it change hands several times before it ended up in the hands of the royalists and ultimately Parliament. Along with 7 other castles in the North, Parliament decided that it should be slighted or made untenable with most of the castle being demolished.

The gatehouse is attached to the magnificent former great hall (now empty) and overlooks open ground in the centre of Cawood. Stairs from the second floor lead up to the flat roof which offers lovely panoramic views of the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. It is based in Cawood, a historic market town with a bridge over the River Ouse. Right in the middle of the Vale of York,  and at the Heart of Yorkshire, guests staying at Cawood Castle benefit from its relative seclusion whilst never being more than 15 miles away from Selby, York and Leeds and all they have to offer.

Additional information:

  • Dogs Allowed
  • Bed in Living Room
  • Fire or Stove
  • Open Space
  • Parking Available
  • Bath
  • Beds: 1 Twin and 1 Double
Facilities
  • Dogs accepted
  • Parking
The front of Cawood Castle
Sitting Room and Kitchen at Cawood Castle
Tapestry found above the fireplace at Cawood Castle
Sitting room window at Cawood Castle
Cawood Castle rooftop looking out over Yorkshire countryside