Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters

Take your next trip with Atlas Obscura!

Our small-group adventures are inspired by our Atlas of the world's most fascinating places, the stories behind them, and the people who bring them to life.

Visit Adventures
Trips Highlight
Puglia Italy - Matera
Italy • 8 days, 7 nights
Southern Italy: Castles, Caves & Coastal Treasures in Puglia
from
Turkmenistan Gates of Hell Darvaza crater
Turkmenistan • 10 days, 9 nights
Turkmenistan & the Gates of Hell
from
View all trips
Top Destinations
Latest Places
Most Popular Places Random Place Lists Itineraries
Add a Place
Download the App
Top Destinations
View All Destinations »

Countries

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • China
  • France
  • Germany
  • India
  • Italy
  • Japan

Cities

  • Amsterdam
  • Barcelona
  • Beijing
  • Berlin
  • Boston
  • Budapest
  • Chicago
  • London
  • Los Angeles
  • Mexico City
  • Montreal
  • Moscow
  • New Orleans
  • New York City
  • Paris
  • Philadelphia
  • Rome
  • San Francisco
  • Seattle
  • Stockholm
  • Tokyo
  • Toronto
  • Vienna
  • Washington, D.C.
Latest Places
View All Places »
The Bargain Stone stands in the churchyard.
Bargain Stone
The Ernst Thälmann Monument
Ernst Thälmann Monument
One of the BHS murals tells the origin story of Stockport.
The BHS Murals in Stockport
Peter Vazquez has been quietly making a name for himself for years.
The Appetite Repair Shop
Latest Places to Eat & Drink
View All Places to Eat »
Peter Vazquez has been quietly making a name for himself for years.
The Appetite Repair Shop
Ōmori Nori Vending Machine
Parkway Bakery and Tavern has been slinging these sandwiches since 1929.
Parkway Bakery and Tavern
Parkside Plum Juice
Dishes at Aksorn are grounded in deep historical research.
Aksorn
Recent Stories
All Stories Video Podcast
Most Recent Stories
View All Stories »
You could probably take some of that stuff out.
Dear Atlas: How Do I Pack Light for a Long Trip?
1 day ago
Ripples in the land are remnants of the field walls that once held rows of native sugarcane and sweet potatoes.
Unearthing the Mysteries of Hawai'i's Ancient Agriculture
2 days ago
Petrified Forest National Park.
Beware the Legends Behind These National Park Souvenirs
6 days ago
For Aguilar-Carrasco, nature is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all life.
How Can National Parks Be Made Accessible to All? AO Wants to Know.
6 days ago

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All the United Kingdom England Deddington Castle
AO Edited

Deddington Castle

The remains of what was once a motte-and-bailey castle, these earthworks offer visitors a tangible connection to England’s medieval past.

Deddington, England

Added By
Kate Burton
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
  ariadnemaze / Atlas Obscura User
  ariadnemaze / Atlas Obscura User
  ariadnemaze / Atlas Obscura User
  ariadnemaze / Atlas Obscura User
  ariadnemaze / Atlas Obscura User
  ariadnemaze / Atlas Obscura User
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

Nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside, Deddington Castle is a fascinating remnant of medieval England. This motte-and-bailey castle, originally built in the 11th century, may no longer have its towering stone walls, but its imposing earthworks remain remarkably intact, offering a vivid glimpse into its storied past.

As you walk among the grassy mounds and deep ditches, it’s easy to imagine knights and nobles bustling about, strategizing within the castle’s wooden palisades. The site’s tranquility today belies the tumultuous history that unfolded here, making it a perfect blend of nature and history.

What makes Deddington Castle special is its atmosphere of forgotten grandeur. Unlike many tourist-heavy historical sites, it feels like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The lush green landscape, punctuated by the castle’s formidable earthworks, creates a setting perfect for exploration. The site is surrounded by walking paths, allowing you to take a stroll into the village of Deddington itself.

Related Tags

Earthworks Medieval Castles

Know Before You Go

Deddington Castle is located in the village of Deddington, Oxfordshire. It’s about 6 miles south of Banbury and easily accessible by car via the A4260. If using public transport, the nearest train station is Banbury, from which you can take a bus or taxi to Deddington.

The castle grounds are open year-round and are free to enter. For the best experience, consider visiting during spring or summer when the weather is pleasant and the surrounding countryside is in full bloom. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer the most peaceful visits.

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven ground, as exploring the earthworks involves some mild climbing. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the scenic surroundings, but be sure to take your litter with you to help preserve the site’s natural beauty. There are no facilities on-site, so plan accordingly. The nearby village of Deddington offers charming pubs and cafes for refreshments after your visit.

Community Contributors

Added By

ariadnemaze

Published

January 14, 2025

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Deddington Castle
Castle St
Deddington, England, OX15 0TP
United Kingdom
51.980719, -1.315959
Visit Website
Get Directions

Nearby Places

'Lands of Exiles'

Oxfordshire, England

miles away

Rollright Stones

Chipping Norton, England

miles away

Memento-Mori Hamsterley Brass

Oddington, England

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of England

England

United Kingdom

Places 2,212
Stories 144

Nearby Places

'Lands of Exiles'

Oxfordshire, England

miles away

Rollright Stones

Chipping Norton, England

miles away

Memento-Mori Hamsterley Brass

Oddington, England

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of England

England

United Kingdom

Places 2,212
Stories 144

Related Places

  • Tharandt, Germany

    Tharandt Castle Ruin

    Near Dresden, a scenic medieval castle ruin offers atmospheric views, educational ties to forestry, and a glimpse into Saxony’s past.

  • Conwy Suspension Bridge

    Conwy, Wales

    Conwy Suspension Bridge

    One of the oldest suspension bridges in the world blends in perfectly with a medieval castle.

  • Dalquharran Castle

    Dailly, Scotland

    Dalquharran Castle

    The ruins of this magnificent Scottish castle blend both Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles.

  • Caisteal Maol

    Isle of Skye, Scotland

    Caisteal Maol

    This ruined castle is said to be the legendary keep of a Viking princess.

  • A stone tower with brown pointed roof surveys a mountainous valley

    Vaduz, Liechtenstein

    Schloss Vaduz

    Liechtenstein's royal family calls this medieval alpine castle home.

  • A tall stone bell tower rises

    Cavriana, Italy

    Cavriana Castle

    An annual goat race takes place within the walls of this medieval castle.

  • The steep sided mottehill

    Mochrum, Scotland

    Druchtag Mote

    Nine hundred years ago, this was the home of a feudal lord. Today all that remains is a steep mound surrounded by a deep moat.

  • Rait Castle

    Nairn, Scotland

    Rait Castle

    In the Scottish Highlands, this 13th-century castle ruin is hidden at the end of a farm track.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.