Discover Kimbolton

Kimbolton combines medieval architectural history, the story of Kimbolton Castle, a September event and a designated walking route. To plan your trip, you can consider these highlights separately: would you like to explore church and castle architecture, experience an evening of the Statute Fair or set aside time for a walk? The event dates and castle tour dates are especially important to bear in mind.

Architectural history and personal history

The Church of St Andrew has north and south arcades dating from the 13th century. These two architectural features give the church a clear connection to medieval church architecture. Castle Hill is a well-preserved medieval motte-and-bailey castle. A motte refers to a type of medieval castle; Castle Hill therefore offers a different architectural focus from the church arcades. If you would like to compare historic architectural styles, Kimbolton brings together 13th-century ecclesiastical architecture and a preserved castle site as distinct themes.

Kimbolton Castle is associated with Katharine of Aragon. She arrived there in May 1534 and spent the final months of her life at Kimbolton Castle. The month of her arrival and the specific period of her life give the place a tangible historical connection. Unlike the arcades and Castle Hill, the focus here is not architectural style but a person.

Tours and the Statute Fair

Two days each year are set aside for public tours of Kimbolton Castle: the first Sunday in March and the first Sunday in October. The tours include all the State Rooms, including the Queen’s Room, where Katharine of Aragon died. Opening arrangements can change, so check that your date is currently confirmed before travelling.

The Statute Fair is still held on an evening in September on the High Street. Its modern attractions include bumper cars, a funhouse, inflatables, waltzers and fairground games; individual offerings may vary. The fair is an evening event held sometime in September, while castle tours are scheduled for two specific Sundays. Check the current date before travelling if you would like to plan your stay around the event.

Landscape and walking

The landscape of the River Kym corridor around Kimbolton is of high quality. One specific activity option is the Kimbolton Hills walking route: it is graded Red/Advanced and takes 60 to 75 minutes. The duration can help you fit the walk around other travel plans; also take the grade into account when deciding. Route conditions and possible hazards may vary.

Planning your journey and stay

Visitors travelling by car can park on the grounds of Kimbolton Castle; parking arrangements may change. The nearest railway station to Kimbolton Castle is St Neots; check train services before setting off. When planning your hotel stay, you can first choose your travel dates based on what you want to do: the fair takes place on one evening in September, castle tours are scheduled for two Sundays, and Kimbolton Hills is a 60-to-75-minute walk. This lets you plan the event, castle tour and walking time as separate time slots.

Discover more destinations: Soham, Wisbech, Isleham, Little Wilbraham, Stretham, St Neots, Fen Drayton, Fulbourn

For the wider travel guide: Cambridgeshire.