Tutbury Castle handover pushed back as major conservation work continues

There’s a little longer to wait for the next chapter at Tutbury Castle, as extensive maintenance and conservation work continues at one of East Staffordshire’s best-known historic landmarks.

Bespoke Hospitality and the Duchy of Lancaster have confirmed that the formal handover of the castle will now take place later this autumn, rather than on the original timetable.

The extra time will allow the Duchy of Lancaster to complete a substantial programme of essential maintenance, conservation and renovation work before Bespoke Hospitality takes over the day-to-day running of the site.

For those of us in Burton, it’s a familiar landmark just a few miles up the road – and one with considerably more history than your average neighbour.

The Duchy says it is making a significant investment in the fabric and future of the castle, with the work intended to protect the historic site while preparing it for a new era.

Once the handover is complete, Bespoke Hospitality will begin its own programme of work, with the aim of opening Tutbury Castle to the public in spring 2027.

September events still going ahead

The revised timetable doesn’t mean the gates are staying firmly shut until next year.

A Community Open Day on Saturday 12 September and a Wedding Fair on Sunday 13 September will both go ahead as planned. Both are ticketed events.

The Community Open Day will give local residents the opportunity to visit the castle, meet the team behind its future plans and find out more about what is being proposed for the site. Organisers also say they want to hear local people’s ideas and aspirations for the castle.

Emily Nash, Director at Bespoke Hospitality, said: “We are incredibly eager to get started at Tutbury Castle, but we also recognise the importance of allowing The Duchy of Lancaster the time required to complete this significant programme of essential works.

“The investment being made in the Castle demonstrates a real commitment to its long-term future. Once the handover takes place, our team will be able to commence our own programme of works and start bringing to life the exciting plans we have for this remarkable place, with a targeted opening in Spring 2027.”

She added that the team was particularly looking forward to welcoming the community to September’s events, sharing its plans and listening to local ideas about the castle’s future.

Protecting a local landmark

A spokesperson for the Duchy of Lancaster said Tutbury Castle was a site of “considerable historic significance” and that it was important for maintenance and conservation work to be carried out carefully and to the appropriate standard.

“The current programme represents a substantial investment in protecting the Castle and preparing it for its next chapter,” the spokesperson said.

Bespoke Hospitality ultimately plans to give the castle a sustainable future that attracts new audiences while respecting the history and character of the site.

So while the full reopening is still a few months – and presumably quite a few buckets of mortar – away, the direction of travel is positive. Spring 2027 is now the date to watch, with September’s events offering a first glimpse at what Tutbury Castle’s next chapter could look like.