Buckden Towers
  • Home
  • Past
  • Present
    • Claret Centre
    • Parish of St Hugh
    • Social Activities
  • Future
    • Future Plans
    • Buildings & Grounds
    • Environment & Sustainability
    • A Shared Future
    • Fundraising
  • Support us
  • Contact us

Visit the Grounds
Explore the history, walk the grounds, and experience the setting for yourself.

Plan a Stay
A unique setting for retreats, groups, and time away.

Support the Towers
Help care for this historic place and sustain its future.

Discover Buckden Towers

“A place to visit, to stay, and to find space to breathe.”

Set in the Cambridgeshire countryside, Buckden Towers is a historic estate where centuries of history meet a living community today.

Once home to bishops and witness to pivotal moments in England’s story, it remains a place of welcome—hosting visitors, gatherings, and moments of reflection within its buildings and grounds.

You are warmly invited to come and discover it for yourself.



Contact us

Buckden Towers invites you to immerse yourself in

A Rich Heritage

Prepare for a visit to Buckden Towers by exploring our long and colourful history. Buckden Towers is a place shaped by centuries of faith, history, and human story. From its rich social heritage to its buildings, grounds, and archaeology, every corner holds something of the past waiting to be discovered.

Famously known as the place where Henry VIII kept Catherine of Aragon after the annulment of their marriage, Buckden Towers, has hosted many famous faces throughout its dramatic history.

Come and explore this legacy—whether through the stories of those who lived and worked here, the evolving landscape, or the quieter traces of history that still speak today. This is not simply a record of what has been, but a living inheritance that continues to shape who we are.

Explore our History

A Living Place

Come and discover that, Buckden Towers is a vibrant and welcoming place, shaped by a wide and diverse community. Here, People come together for many different reasons—through social activities, shared interests, local partnerships, and opportunities to gather, learn, and enjoy the surroundings.

The Claret Centre and the Parish of St Hugh of Lincoln form an important part of this life, offering worship and spiritual support, but the life of Buckden Towers reaches far beyond this. Across the site, groups, families, and organisations from around the country make use of the facilities, creating a space that is open, inclusive, and rooted in service to the wider community.

Come and participate in one of our regular activities, special events, or simply spend time in the grounds. Buckden Towers is a place where people are welcomed, connections are made, and community continues to grow.

Claret Centre
St Hugh’s Parish

A shared Responsibility

Join us as custodians of Buckden Towers, as together we recognise both the privilege and responsibility of caring for this place for future generations. We are committed to preserving its heritage while thoughtfully developing it to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.

This includes caring for the environment, improving sustainability, and ensuring that the buildings and grounds remain accessible, welcoming, and alive with purpose.

Become part of this journey—whether through visiting, participating, or supporting our work. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of Buckden Towers continues to grow and inspire into the future.

Share our Future

What’s happening now?

There is always something unfolding at Buckden Towers—each visit offers a new way to experience its life.

To keep up to date with events, seasonal activities, and opportunities to get involved:

→ Join our mailing list

Social events

An Evening with the Tudors

  Step into the world of the Tudors with an engaging and accessible talk by historian Melita Thomas, exploring the lives of the people who…

Find out more

Social events

Plant Sale Day

Step into the historic grounds of Buckden Towers this spring and discover one of the area’s most delightful garden events. Set against the backdrop of…

Find out more

Social events

49th Annual General Meeting of The Friends of Buckden Towers

The Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Buckden Towers is an opportunity to come together in support of this remarkable historic place and to…

Find out more

Social events

Proms at Buckden Towers

Set within the historic grounds of Buckden Towers, the Proms returns in 2026 on Saturday 13 June (6:00pm–9:00pm), offering an evening of music, atmosphere, and…

Find out more

Social events

Shakespeare at the Towers – The Comedy of Errors

Each summer, the historic grounds of Buckden Towers are transformed into a living stage, as Shakespeare at the Towersbrings open-air theatre to life in one…

Find out more

Social events

Summer Fête

Each summer, the grounds of Buckden Towers are filled with colour, laughter, and activity as the Summer Fête returns—bringing together the local community for a…

Find out more

Visitor testimonials

Hear what people love about Buckden Towers.

I really enjoyed my stay at Buckden Towers. You can really feel the history in the beautiful buildings

Simon
New visitor

I really enjoyed my stay at Buckden Towers. You can really feel the history in the beautiful buildings

Jane Norman
Previous visitor

I visited Buckden Towers and St. Hughs Church at Easter and I loved the community spirit. My whole family felt welcome.

Gillian Smith
Previous visitor

I really enjoyed my stay at Buckden Towers. You can really feel the history in the beautiful buildings

Jane Norman
Previous visitor

Frequently asked questions

Got some questions for us? Hopefully we’ve answered most of them but if you’ve still got a few more to ask, feel free to send us a message.

Contact us
Can I stay at Buckden Towers?

The Claret Centre which is based at Buckden Towers, is a retreat and conference centre that welcomes individuals and groups for residential and day visits. There are four self-contained self-catering apartments that are available for hire by individuals and families. These are in addition to the Great Tower, and the Victorian House which have facilities for larger groups.

Who are the Claretian Missonaries?

The Claretian Missionaries have been the owners of Buckden Towers since 1956. They are a Roman Catholic congregation of Priest and Brothers that work internationally.

Did Katherine of Aragon stay at Buckden Towers?

Accordion ContentKatherine’s of Aragon was sent to Buckden Towers after her divorce from Henry VIII. She remained here from July 1533 until May 1534.

Can you walk around Buckden Towers?

While private property the Claretian Missionaries keep the gates open year round with admittance restricted when there are events that require security measures to be in place.

Who was St Hugh of Lincoln?

Hugh of Lincoln, Bishop of Lincoln (d. 1200), was closely connected with Buckden Towers, which served as one of the principal residences of the medieval Bishops of Lincoln. He would have stayed and exercised his ministry there, making Buckden part of the living context of his episcopal mission.

“Places like Buckden Towers only endure because people choose to get involved in the ongoing task of caring for them”

Buckden Towers stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of our past. Your support is vital in ensuring the preservation and restoration of these remarkable buildings.

Donate to the cause

Buckden Towers

About us

  • Claretian Missionaries
  • Contact us

Events & Fundraising

  • Upcoming Events
  • Support us

Subscribe to our Events emails

Join our Events email to stay up to date on whats going on at Buckden Towers.



    By subscribing you agree to with our Privacy Policy and provide consent to receive updates from Buckden Towers.


    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Historical references

    © 2026 Buckden Towers . All rights reserved. Claretian Missionaries Trust – Charity Number 234026.

    Aerial photography and some images by Frazer (FHA Photography), used with permission.