Framlingham Castle is the former residence of the Earls & Dukes of Norfolk and was a significant symbol of their power and wealth.
The best way to enjoy your visit to the castle is to begin with the ‘Wall Walk’ which starts at the top of the stairs near the shop where you purchase your ticket.
As you climb the stairs you wil begin to realise just how high the wall really is as you begin to see the roofing tiles of the building that the shop is in!
As you walk around in a clockwise direction you will soon come across the Prison Tower which was used to imprison Catholic priests during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
About halfway around the wall you will come across what remains of the Chapel. If you look up you will notice three ornate chimneys that were added to the castle in Tudor Times. Most of the chimneys didn’t actually serve any proper function and were purely for decoration.
Shortly after passing these chimneys you will see (on your right-hand-side), the remains of the bridge piers that once supported a bridge in Tudor times that led to the bailey and hunting park.
As you descend down another staircase at the end of the ‘Wall Walk’ you will then have the opportunity to have a look around the former poor house.
At the time of my visit, work was in progress in the Poor House so I was unable to take a look around the inside, so another visit will be in order!
To complete your visit you can then take a walk around the outside of the Castle enjoying the surrounding countryside.
