Fillongley brings together two distinct interests for travel planning: the history of fortified sites and wine. Castle Yard lies on the southern edge of the village and is associated with the Hastings family. The founding story of Blabers Hall Wine Estate also leads to Fillongley: Adele and Clarke Adams planted the first vines at their home in the village. This offers two very different ways to explore the area – historical context and castle forms on the one hand, and winegrowing and tastings on the other.

Castles and their Different Stories

Castle Yard comprises masonry and earthwork remains of a ringwork castle and its associated bailey. It is one of only two known examples of this type of monument in Warwickshire. This statement refers to known monuments of this type in the county and highlights the site’s distinctive classification. Masonry and earthworks describe different types of structural evidence; together with the bailey, they form Castle Yard’s characteristic profile.

From the early 12th century, Castle Yard was occupied by the Hastings family and served as their principal seat in Warwickshire. The site can therefore be understood not only through its architectural form: its history also includes its role as the family’s residence and principal seat in the county. For readers interested in historical context, this association complements the examination of the structural remains with a specific family history.

Castle Hills is a well-preserved example of a motte-and-bailey castle. In this term, the motte refers to the castle mound and the bailey to the associated courtyard area. The monument also includes an area of ridge-and-furrow cultivation. The description therefore covers not only the castle form but also an area whose agricultural features form part of the monument.

The terms help distinguish Castle Yard from Castle Hills: for Castle Yard, the ringwork castle and bailey are key; Castle Hills is classified as a motte-and-bailey castle and additionally includes an area of ridge-and-furrow cultivation. If you want to compare architectural forms, the two sites offer different classifications. If you are also interested in the agricultural use of a monument area, Castle Hills has an additional aspect to explore.

Winegrowing: Origins and Experiences

The founding story of Blabers Hall Wine Estate begins with a specific act: Adele and Clarke Adams planted the first vines at their home in Fillongley when the winery was established. Winegrowing here is therefore connected to a clearly identified place and the start of the first planting. Alongside the subjects of castle forms and family history, this offers another way to explore the area’s history.

Blabers Hall Wine Estate offers vineyard tours and tastings. Check the arrangements for booking and participation before travelling if you plan to take part in either activity. This lets you include the experiences on offer in your plans and clarify the conditions for participation in advance. The tours and tastings also provide a practical connection to the present-day story of the first vines.

Discover more destinations: Shustoke, Coleshill, Kingsbury, Great Alne, Brinklow, Long Compton, Wroxall, Ettington

For the broader travel overview: Warwickshire.