Berkeley (England)

Berkeley (pronounced "barkli") is a village in the English county of Gloucestershire. It is perhaps best known as the location of Berkeley Castle, a medieval fortress witness to many of the significant developments in British history, and as the birthplace and home of Edward Jenner, the inventor of inoculation.

Understand

Get in

By car

From London: take the M4 to Bristol and exit at Junction 20, taking the M5 north to Junction 14. Head north on the A38 following the signs to Berkeley. Brown signs lead to Berkeley Castle. Approximate travel time: 1 hr 55 min.

From the North: exit the M5 at Junction 13, following the signs to Berkeley, then the brown signs to Berkeley Castle (about ½ mile beyond the Prince of Wales pub).

By train

From London: from Paddington Station take the train to Bristol (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes). Upon arrival in Bristol, there is taxi service to the castle (under 35 minutes).

Get around

See

Berkeley Castle

• 🌍 Berkeley Castle, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Generally open May–September: Tu-Sa 11AM-4PM, Su 2PM-5PM (holiday times vary - check ahead). Still in private hands though open to the public, the oldest part of the castle, the keep, was first erected in 1153 by Robert Fitzharding. Later, the castle was the scene of the gruesome murder of King Edward II in 1327. Adult: £7.50, Child: £4.50, Family: £21.  
• 🌍 Edward Jenner Museum (Dr Jenner’s House, Museum and Garden), Church Lane, Berkeley, GL13 9BN, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. open 1 April-30 September, Tu-Sa 12:30PM–5:30PM, Su 1PM-5:30PM, October Sundays only, 1PM-5:30PM, (closed Mondays, but open Bank Holiday Mondays, 12:30PM–5:30PM). Dedicated to the life and work of the father of inoculation, the medical procedure that has alleviated much human suffering worldwide. Admission £3.50, concessions available. (updated Oct 2016)
• 🌍 Wildfowl and Wetland Trust (WWT Slimbridge), Bowditch, Slimbridge, GL2 7BT, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. (updated Dec 2017)

Do

• 🌍 Cattle Country Adventure Farm Park, Berkeley Heath Farm, B4066, GL13 9EW, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. (updated Dec 2017)

Buy

The Joint Ticket for Berkeley Castle and The Edward Jenner Museum, then visit the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust at Slimbridge.

Eat

Drink

Sleep

• 🌍 The Malt House, 22 Marybrook St, GL13 9BA, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 3-star hotel (updated May 2016)

Go next