Overlooking Gorey harbour, Mont Orgueil Castle (aka Gorey Castle, the Old Castle and Le Vier Chate) was constructed following the division of the Duchy of Normandy in 1204. The Castle remained the first line of defence against French invasion until the construction of Elizabeth castle in 1594.  Thereafter, it was converted into a prison, often holding political agitators such as William Prynne from the English mainland, and then for use as barracks.  It was occupied by German forces during the second world war, and now appears on the Jersey £50 note.

Visitors will enjoy exploring the towers (with their stunning views making the 198 steps to the top worth the effort, and decommissioned cannons pointing towards France), turrets (where you will find the medieval ‘wheel of urine’!), dungeons (to explore the witchcraft exhibit) and gardens (where you can have your picture taken in stocks).The Castle also hosts ‘living history’ days, complete with jousting knights, and Chris Levine and Rob Munday’s exhibition ‘The Queen’ (featuring an impressive holographic portrait of Her Majesty).  The Castle was featured in a Time Team episode in 2011 and has a licensed café and gift shop.  A great attraction for kids.

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO AT MONT ORGUEIL CASTLE

1) See the Dance of Death statue hidden within the Castle

2) Take a free tour with one of our volunteer guides

3) Walk down the staircase to find the Witches in Hell

4) Discover the Wheel of Urine

5) Find the Prayer Nuts in one of the castle’s rooms

Opening Times 2023

7th January to 28th January Saturdays 10am to 4pm

3rd February to 28th February Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays 10am to 4pm

1st March to 29th October Daily 10am to 5pm

30th October to 31st December Daily 10am to 4pm

Closed 24th, 25th, 26th and 31st December

FIND OUT ABOUT THE HERITAGE PASS – UNLIMITED ACCESS TO 4 MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS FOR THE PRICE OF 3

Main Image courtesy of Jean Lelliott

PARTNER NETWORK WEBSITES

Condor Ferries
Jersey Heritage
Freedom Holidays
Go-Jersey.com
JERSEY HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION
St Brelades College in Jersey

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