One of the finest examples of a Norman Keep in the country.
In 1080 Robert Curthose, son of William the Conqueror, built the first wooden fortification from which the city takes its name - the ’New Castle’. Today’s Castle Keep (1168-78) was built during the reign of Henry II and overlies the earlier Roman fort of Pons Aelius (pons - Latin for bridge, Aelius - Family name of Emperor Hadrian who visited the site in 122AD). It is one of the finest examples of a Norman Keep in the country and is now a Grade I listed building.The roof of the Castle Keep boasts fantastic views of the Quayside, its bridges and the city centre, and it’s well worth climbing the 134 steps to the top!
Open: Apr-Oct, Mon-Sun 9.30am-5.30pm; Nov-Apr, Mon-Sun 9.30am-4.30pm.Disabled access is available, by appointment
