Defended well by a naturally steep slope and a moat cut from the rock upon which the castle stands, Goodrich was built in a prime location in the spectacular Wye Valley.This sturdy, red sandstone castle replaced an earlier building on the site. The three-storey 12th century Keep (Great Tower) is in remarkably good condition and still shows features of three separate halls in the building.

Externally, a buttress located at each of the corners rises to the top of the tower, and other buttresses positioned centrally along the walls rise two-thirds of the height of the tower. There is a doorway to the basement showing a chevron-headed arch, and a doorway above, leading to the first floor, has a round-headed arch supported by moulded side pillars, now partially blocked. As the Keep has no forebuilding, this suggests that the original entrance was probably above ground level via a flight of external stairs.

Remaining virtually unchanged until the 13th century, Goodrich came into the possession of the de Valence family. Soon after, substantial renovation work was put in hand, and the site was converted to form a square inner bailey with huge, round towers on square bases at three of the corners, and a massive gatehouse at the north-eastern corner.

From the gatehouse tower, a bridge crossing the moat leads to the D-shaped barbican with its own ditch and gates, but only the lower parts of the barbican walls have survived. Incorporated into the building is a chapel, housed in the left-hand tower, and the porter's lodge on the right hand side.

Of the three corner towers, the South East was used as a domestic residence and remains of a spiral staircase, window openings with seats and large fireplaces are evidence of this usage. The North West Tower, now largely ruinous, adjoined the solar (or Lord's private room), and in the basement of the South West Tower are foundations of an earlier tower. The Great Hall retains its large windows, and a fireplace recess can be seen in its outer wall.

By the 16th century Goodrich Castle was unoccupied but, despite encountering a siege during the Civil War, has withstood the ravages of time surprisingly well. For the most part intact, this fortified palatial building gives a very real sense of medieval life within a castle of such standing. In a wonderfully picturesque setting, overlooking the River Wye, and with plenty to explore, a visit to Goodrich is essential.