Built in the 13th century, it has hosted royalty through the ages, including Edward II, Henry III and Henry V - who moved in fresh from victory over the French at the Battle of Agincourt.

But it is most associated with Queen Elizabeth I, who stayed in 1575 when she was famously romanced by the dashing Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. With spectacular pageantry, plays, music and dancing, Dudley lavishly wooed the ‘Virgin Queen’ within the walls and extensive grounds of Kenilworth Castle – but marriage was tragically never to be…

Elizabeth kept Dudley’s last letter to her in a casket by her bed until she died. View a copy of this letter, and explore Leicester’s gatehouse where Dudley courted his Queen – both part of a multi-million pound investment. This includes two exhibitions, a brand new audio tour that brings Kenilworth’s eventful past to life and the recreation of the original Elizabethan garden.

Five centuries on, the Gatehouse he built as a grand entrance for his Queen, has been newly restored by English Heritage and is now available for modern-day lovers to hire for weddings and receptions.