Find out about the castle’s history, discover the famous people that have lived there and be cast back in time at this magnificent heritage site in Framlingham

A visit to Framlingham Castle is an absolute must this summer as the heritage site reopened on June 16 after undergoing a £1.2 million pound investment and conservation project.

Castle-goers now have the chance to discover this once fearsome fortress’ 900-year-old history as they venture through its circular walls where a whole host of excitement awaits.

As part of the works, a brand new café and retail space have been added to the Workhouse at Framlingham Castle and an original mezzanine level has been reinstated to house a new exhibition, which tells the stories of the historic property and its former residents, including Mary Tudor, who was proclaimed Queen of England at the castle in 1553.

One thing regular visitors to the castle will notice is the change of name to the Workhouse building, which houses the new café and exhibition. Previously known as the poorhouse, research has revealed that the Red House of 1664 and the adjacent stone building of 1729 were actually built as workhouses and places where the poorest members of the community carried out useful work in return for financial support.

Detailed planning has gone into Framlingham Castle’s new facilities, with many features of the new shop and café designed to reflect the castle and its history. In the shop, one of the retail units has been designed specifically to look like one of the castle’s famous Tudor chimneys.

Meanwhile, meals served in the new café include Suffolk Grumbly, a regional dish made with sausage meat and a mustard and cheese sauce and Tarte Owte of Lent, a Tudor meal made with ingredients you’re not allowed to eat during lent – cheese, cream and eggs, cooked in a light pastry case. A range of local produce is also on offer from suppliers such as Maynards juices, Marybelle Dairy in Halesworth and St Peter’s Brewery.

Up on the newly reinstated mezzanine level, new interpretation helps better tell the stories of the castle and the people who lived there. Highlights include a walkthrough of the castle’s varied owners, from the famous Howard family to Mary Tudor. Interactive games are also a key part of the exhibition. Visitors can ‘Spin the King’ by challenging the monarch and spinning a wheel to see their fate, try on everything from a Norman helmet to a workhouse cap in the Hats Through the Ages dressing up section, and have-a-go at the ‘Who Eats What?’ game.

And families will also be to delighted to hear that children will still be able enjoy whizzing down the popular ‘Time Tunnel’ slide, as it is known, until early October.

During the year, a series of events such as jousting, archery and more are held at the castle.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Sunday, July 16, gates open at 6pm, performance starts at 7pm

Chapterhouse outdoor theatre will perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream outdoors at the castle.

Immerse yourself in one of Shakespeare’s best-loved romantic comedies.

Don’t forget to bring a picnic blanket or a chair.

Castle attack!

Friday, July 24 to 28, 11am to 5pm

The castle will be hosting its miniature medieval castle siege. Little explorers can leap back to the past and play games that time has forgotten.

Joust

Saturday, July 29 to Sunday, July 30, 10.30am to 5pm

Pick your side and cheer on your hero in this thundering battle of bravery and honour.

There will also be the chance to soak up the medieval way of life in the colourful encampment and be entertained by musicians.

For more events and to book tickets, visit www.englishheritage.org.uk