Background

Giant's Hill: The Unfinished Motte Castle of Rampton

Explore the earthworks of Giant's Hill, an unfinished 12th-century motte castle steeped in medieval history and tranquil countryside charm.

4.6

Giant's Hill in Rampton, Cambridgeshire, is the earthwork remains of a mid-12th-century motte and bailey castle begun during the civil war known as The Anarchy. Built by King Stephen’s forces to contain the revolt of Geoffrey de Mandeville, the castle was never completed. Today, the site offers a peaceful historic landmark surrounded by fields and woods, with visible earthworks and nearby medieval village remnants.

A brief summary to Giant's Hill

  • 13 Church End, Cambridge, Rampton, CB24 8QA, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy footwear as the site can be muddy, especially after rain.
  • Bring binoculars for bird watching in the surrounding woods and waterways.
  • Keep dogs on a lead due to grazing sheep on the site.
  • Visit the nearby All Saints’ Church to complement your historical experience.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Bus

    Take the local bus service from Cambridge city center to Rampton, which typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Buses run several times a day but check schedules in advance as frequency may be limited on weekends. The stop is within walking distance of Giant's Hill.

  • Car

    Driving from Cambridge to Giant's Hill takes approximately 20 minutes via local roads. Free parking is available near the village green. Note that the site itself has no dedicated parking, and narrow village roads require cautious driving.

  • Walking

    For those staying nearby, a pleasant 15 to 30-minute walk through rural paths and fields leads to Giant's Hill. Terrain is mostly flat but can be muddy after rain. The route includes kissing gates which may be difficult for pushchairs or wheelchair users.

Giant's Hill location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions

Unlock the Best of Giant's Hill

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Giant's Hill

A Glimpse into a Turbulent Past

Giant's Hill, also known as Rampton Castle, stands as a silent witness to the turbulent mid-12th century during The Anarchy, a civil war between King Stephen and the rebel Geoffrey de Mandeville. Constructed as a motte and bailey castle, it was part of a defensive network intended to control the rebellious forces in the Fenlands. However, the castle was never completed, likely abandoned after de Mandeville’s death in 1144 at nearby Burwell Castle. This unfinished status gives Giant's Hill a unique historical narrative, capturing a moment frozen in medieval conflict.

Distinctive Earthworks and Medieval Village Remains

The site features prominent earthworks, including a trapezoidal motte platform surrounded by a moat, which mark the castle’s footprint. These earthworks are some of the best-preserved medieval defensive structures in the area. Adjacent to the motte lie remnants of an earlier medieval settlement and arable fields, indicating that the castle was built over the eastern end of the village. This layering of history offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval settlement patterns and defensive strategies.

Natural Setting and Visitor Experience

Nestled next to All Saints’ Church in Rampton, Giant's Hill is surrounded by publicly accessible fields, waterways, and Rampton Woods. The green space provides a tranquil environment ideal for walking, running, dog walking, and picnicking in warmer months. Information panels onsite offer insights into the castle’s history and local flora and fauna. The area is peaceful, making it a perfect spot for a moment of calm or nature appreciation. However, the terrain can be muddy after rain, and some gates may challenge pushchairs or wheelchair users.

Historical Connections and Local Heritage

The proximity of Giant's Hill to All Saints’ Church, with its Norman origins and medieval wall paintings, enriches the historical ambiance of the site. The church and castle together hint at Rampton’s once greater significance in the region. The castle’s construction during a period of civil unrest and its connection to notable figures like Geoffrey de Mandeville tie the site into broader English medieval history, reflecting the power struggles that shaped the landscape.

Preservation and Protection

Giant's Hill is a Scheduled Monument protected by law, ensuring the preservation of its archaeological and historical value. Visitors are reminded that disturbing the site or using metal detectors without permission is prohibited to safeguard this cultural heritage. The site is managed by Cambridgeshire County Farms, emphasizing local stewardship and conservation.

Practical Information for Visitors

Access to Giant's Hill is free, with parking available near the village green. While there are no visitor centers, cafes, or public toilets on site, a nearby pub offers refreshments. Dogs must be kept on leads due to grazing livestock. The site’s natural and historic features make it a rewarding destination for history enthusiasts, walkers, and those seeking a peaceful outdoor escape in Cambridgeshire.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Giant's Hill

Popular Hotels near Giant's Hill

Select Currency