A castle that was built in Norfolk 600 years ago is opening its doors to the public for the first time.

Middleton Castle was erected near King's Lynn in 1455 and is surrounded by a water-filled moat and a huge estate.

The Grade I listed building has been used as a family home since the sixteenth century but after a recent change in management, the castle has been repurposed as a retreat.
Eastern Daily Press: It sits on beautiful grounds with two additional cottages nearbyIt sits on beautiful grounds with two additional cottages nearby (Image: ALTIDO)

Will Parry, CEO of ALTIDO, said: “We’re delighted to be opening the doors of this historic property.

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"A castle of such proportion and size offers guests a luxurious, secluded retreat that doesn’t compromise when it comes to character and space."

Eastern Daily Press: The Grade I listed building comes with many traditional featuresThe Grade I listed building comes with many traditional features (Image: ALTIDO)

Eastern Daily Press: Middleton was used as a family home until very recentlyMiddleton was used as a family home until very recently (Image: ALTIDO)

The castle can sleep up to 38 people across 15 bedrooms and it can be booked for holidays, corporate events and weddings. 

A billiards room, a summer house and a croquet lawn are all available to explore, giving guests a true sense of the past.

Mr Parry added: "Our team will be using all their expertise to combine modern-day hospitality with a property that’s so old it predates the Tudors.”

Eastern Daily Press: The castle sleeps 38 across 15 bedroomsThe castle sleeps 38 across 15 bedrooms (Image: ALTIDO)

History of Middleton Castle

Eastern Daily Press: The castle dates back to 1455The castle dates back to 1455 (Image: ALTIDO)

Construction of the property, also known as Middleton Towers, was started by Thomas Scales, the 7th Baron Scales, in 1455 during the reign of Henry VI. 

This was just six years before Henry VI was ousted by Edward IV during the War of the Roses.

The property was bought by Sir Lewis Whincop Jarvis in 1856, who restored the gatehouse and built an adjacent house between 1864 and 1876. 

John Taylor Ramsden, owner of the Stone Trough Brewery in Halifax in Yorkshire, acquired Middleton Towers in 1904 and added a west wing in 1905.

The estate can be found just three miles outside of King's Lynn, on the outskirts of the village of Middleton.