Cambridge Castle 🇺🇸

You will find Cambridge Castle, locally called Castle Mound, standing on the highest point in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England. Originally built in 1068 by William the Conqueror following his northern campaign, this motte and bailey fortification guarded the strategic Roman route connecting London and York. Over the centuries, the site witnessed significant historical conflicts, including attacks during the Anarchy civil war and the Barons' Wars.

King Edward I transformed it into a major stone fortress in 1284, adding circular corner towers, a gatehouse, a barbican, and a stone keep. However, the castle later fell into severe disrepair, and its stonework was eventually taken to help construct local college buildings like King's College, Trinity College, Emmanuel, and Magdalene. Although refortified with earthwork bastions and barracks during the English Civil War, the site later functioned mainly as a county jail.

Today, while the former bailey holds the modern Shire Hall, you can still visit the surviving ten-meter-high castle motte and limited earthworks. Climbing this historic Scheduled Ancient Monument rewards you with sweeping views over the surrounding city and its historic buildings, offering an engaging glimpse into centuries of English medieval and civil war history.

What to see at Cambridge Castle

• Explore the surviving 10-meter (33 ft) high castle motte and earthwork fragments.
• Enjoy scenic views over the historic buildings of Cambridge from the highest point in the city.
• Learn about the site's origin as William the Conqueror's 1068 motte and bailey castle.
• Discover how former castle stonework was repurposed to build nearby university colleges.

Visiting tips

Since the site is open to the public daily with no admission fee, walk up the ancient motte to capture great photos of the city skyline.

How long: 30-60 minutes · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Cambridge Castle is easy to reach on Cambridge’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Fitzwilliam Museum and Harvard Art Museums. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Cambridge travel guide.