Events at Kimbolton Castle
Events at Kimbolton Castle
Enjoy exclusive access to one of Cambridgeshire’s historic landmarks.
We regularly offer public open events, as well as offering the option to book a private group tour.
Both options provide fascinating insights into the Castle’s intriguing past.
Public events at Kimbolton Castle
Simon Thurley CBE lecture– Save the Date
Simon Thurley CBE Discusses Sir John Vanbrugh
Please join us for an evening lecture with Simon Thurley to discuss Sir John Vanbrugh at Kimbolton Castle.
Dr Simon Thurley CBE is a distinguished historian and heritage leader. He serves as Chair of the Delivery Authority for the Restoration and Renewal of the Houses of Parliament, is a member of the British Library Capital Programme Board and is Chair of the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation. From 2002 to 2015, he was Chief Executive of English Heritage, where he was responsible for the National Heritage Collection of 420 sites, and in 2021 was appointed Chair of The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Tickets are FREE but must be reserved on a first come, first served basis. The link to sign up will be available shortly. This nationwide series of VANBRUGH300 lectures, held across the great houses designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, has been generously supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with The Georgian Group.
Thursday 2nd July, 6.30pm
Castle Primary School workshops
A week of workshops with local primary schools featuring an interactive castle tour and curriculum-based Vanbrugh learning opportunities
Monday, 6 July – Friday 10 July 2026, times tbc
Castle open day
Visit Kimbolton Castle and learn more about the mediaeval castle, Queen Katharine of Aragon, the Civil War, the ‘Great Rebuilding’ by Vanbrugh … and even the Castle ghosts!
Sunday, 4 October 2026, 1.00pm-4.00pm
Other events happening at Kimbolton Castle for Vanbrugh300
Youth Group event – 3 October 2026
- Girl Guide groups from across the region will take part in a range of Vanbrugh-inspired activities, including an interactive tour alongside drama and craft workshops featuring live storytelling and wearable architecture creations.
Open day information
Open day admission
- Adults – £10.00
- Over 65s – £7.00
- Children (Under 18) – £5
What do open days include?
Castle open days include access to:
- All the State Rooms, including the Queen’s Room, where Katharine of Aragon died.
- Stunning Pellegrini murals.
- A dedicated Heritage Room which traces the history of the Castle from its Motte and Bailey beginnings to its current incarnation as a top independent school.
- Members of Kimbolton Local History Society will be on hand as room stewards.
Private group tours
Kimbolton Castle is open to groups by arrangement throughout the year, including evenings. Access during term-time is limited by usage of Kimbolton School.
During school holidays, requests for mid-week visits can usually be met.
Private tour information
Group size and costs
- Maximum group size is 40. If you have a larger group please contact us to discuss
- A tour of the Castle interior takes approx. 1.5 hours
- £12.00 per head (minimum charge £240)
Tour themes
We welcome groups interested in a particular aspect of the Castle’s British history. Possible themes include:
- Katharine of Aragon and the Tudor Castle
- The 18th Century: Vanbrugh, Hawksmoor, Pellegrini and Adam
- Medieval Castle into Country House
- The Montagus: Earls and Dukes of Manchester
- Kimbolton Castle in Victorian Times
Booking a private tour
To arrange a private tour contact our Castle Historian and Visits Organiser or call 01480 860505 to discuss your needs.
Your tour guide
Our Castle Historian and Visits Organiser, Andrew Bamford is a history graduate from Selwyn College, Cambridge, with a vast knowledge of and enthusiasm for the history of Kimbolton Castle. He was previously Head of History at Kimbolton School and has become an accomplished guide after many years leading school trips around Britain and beyond.
