Castlewood, Shooters Hill, London SE18 3RT
Severndroog Castle and Tearoom
Castle
Place photograph
7.1
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.1Built in 1784 by Lady Anne James in memory of her husband, Sir William James, Severndroog is an ornate Gothic folly on Shooters Hill. Its viewing platform looks across London, the Thames and the surrounding counties.
A distinctive 18th-century folly with a high-level panorama, set in woodland on one of London’s highest points. The tower and its views give this compact visit a stronger sense of place than a conventional city attraction.
Atmospheric · Quirky
Find your way
Open mapCastlewood, Shooters Hill, London SE18 3RT
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Visit the castle and, when open, climb to its viewing platform for a panorama across London and beyond. The tearoom offers an on-site stop; check the official website for current hours and admission.
Things to do
Take in the London panorama
Visit the viewing platform when it is open for views across the capital, the Thames and the edges of surrounding counties.
Visit the tearoom
The castle’s official visitor information lists a tearoom. Check its current opening hours before visiting.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1–2 hours; duration is listed by Tripadvisor.
Quick escape: tower and view
- 01
Check the official visitor information before travelling, especially the viewing-platform schedule.
- 02
Visit the castle and, if the platform is open, take in the panorama across London and the Thames.
- 03
Allow time for the tearoom if it is open.
Half day · Half day; allow extra time for the visit, but no sourced itinerary duration is available.
Castle, panorama and tearoom
- 01
Check current opening and ticket information on the castle’s official website.
- 02
Visit the castle and viewing platform when open; the official site describes views across London, the Thames and surrounding counties.
- 03
Make time for the tearoom, whose listed opening days differ from the viewing platform.
Verified history
The official castle website states that Severndroog was built in 1784 as a memorial to Sir William James by his wife, Lady Anne James. It describes the building as a Grade II* listed 18th-century folly. The official site also says it stands 132 metres above sea level.
Hidden details
A memorial rather than a defensive stronghold — Despite its castle-like appearance, the official site identifies Severndroog as an 18th-century folly built as a memorial to Sir William James.
The tower’s height — The official website gives the castle’s elevation as 132 metres (432 feet) above sea level.
When to go
· Check current opening hours; the supplied official information lists the viewing platform on Sundays only.
No seasonal recommendation is supported by the supplied sources.
Check the forecast before travelling; no site-specific weather guidance was supplied.
Worth pairing with
Oxleas Wood
A visitor account describes the castle as being within Oxleas Wood and mentions the wood as a nearby place to explore. Verify access and route details before planning a walk.
What to look for
Look for the tower’s Gothic Revival detailing and, from the viewing platform when open, the broad sweep of London, the Thames and the distant county edges.
The story
18th-century folly; built in memory of Sir William James by Lady Anne James.
Best time to go
Check current opening arrangements before visiting; the supplied evidence does not identify a best season.
The supplied official information lists the viewing platform on Sundays and the tearoom Thursday to Sunday. Confirm current times before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 9am-4pm
- Friday: 9am-4pm
- Saturday: 9am-4pm
- Sunday: 9am-4pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The castle is open to visitors during stated visitor hours; admission is £5 for adults and £3.50 for children according to its official website. Check current arrangements before travelling. The viewing platform is listed as open on Sundays only.
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Parking
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Toilets
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Food & drink
The castle has a tearoom; check current service and opening details before visiting.
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The supplied Google business information reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance and seating, but not a wheelchair-accessible toilet. Check current arrangements and suitability before travelling.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Severndroog Castle and Tearoom
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
