Tattershall Castle comes alive once more for new open season

Although closed to the public over the winter, staff and volunteers have been busy working behind the scenes on vital conservation projects.

It has been all hands on deck for the annual deep clean to make sure it look its very best for the new season.

The castle has been dusted and hoovered from top to bottom.

Moats have been checked, vegetation kept on top of and, of course, there are the rest of the grounds to maintain too.

Essential work which could impact on the visitor experience is also carried out during the closed season.

This winter has brought some noticeable changes to the site, the obvious one being the recently restored bridge leading to the Inner Ward.

Exactly the same in design as it was during Lord Curzon’s time, the bridge has had to have some of the wood replaced. However the building and construction is exactly the same, allowing the bridge to stay true to his remarkable vision.

Building works on the new staff offices are currently underway and once completed the development of the first ever tea rooms on site will begin.

The castle’s main conservation project this year is to protect its 480-year old Tiltyard wall from further damage.

This will include removing vast quantities of intrusive natural growth, reinstating fallen bricks and replacing the concrete cap on the wall top to deflect water.

Once the wall is clear of all vegetation, an architect will analyse the wall and the location of the fallen bricks to create a plan to rebuild it again, as accurately as possible.

The reconstruction of the Tiltyard will enlighten visitors to another aspect of this unique and truly fascinating site.

The closed season is also a time when staff can come together to create exciting new plans, programmes and events - and the new programme of events is now available, with lots of the popular favourites making a welcome return.

The first event is over the Easter weekend and sees the return of the Cadbury egg hunt.

Explore the castle, spot the clues and claim your prize.

On May 1, there is another special event for children at the Knights and Princesses Day.

Children in fancy dress get into the castle for free and, once inside, there will be plenty to keep them occupied.

Displays of medieval archery and falconry are again on the programme in May and June, along with the re-enactment days - War of the Roses and Civil War - in July and August.

The summer will also see two open air performances of Shakespeare favourites - Comedy of Errors and A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Ghost tours, Christmas market and candlelit carols round of the year.

The castle is now open 11am to 5pm daily.

Admission charges apply, with additional charges for some of the activities on event days.