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Best English Castle Tours

Our pick of the best English castle tours. From working royal residences at Windsor Castle to moated castles at Leeds Castle and medieval fortresses at Warwick Castle see the best of England’s heritage! Many of these tours operate daily from London, whilst some are only available on selected dates. We also offer private English castle tours, visiting lesser-known gems such as Arundel Castle and Hever Castle.

Windsor Castle Tour from London

This day tour from London takes you to the best of England’s royal highlights! Windsor Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the world that is one of the King’s official residences. You’ll see the spectacular state apartments, palatial rooms, castle grounds and St George’s Chapel. The castle is rich in English history, built-in 11th Century after the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror.

Choose a half-day tour that spends the morning at Windsor Castle, or visit the castle as part of a full-day tour which combines a visit with other nearby English sites, including the town of Bath or the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge. During the summer, there is also a tour that includes a visit to the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace. The rooms are used for receiving guests and for official functions. Highlights include the Throne Room, Grand Staircase and extraordinary works of fine art.

Availability: Daily

More info: See all Windsor Castle tours

Leeds Castle Tour from London

Also includes a visit to Canterbury & White Cliffs of Dover

Leeds Castle dates back over 900 years and is one of the most beautiful castles in the world! It features in the Doomsday Book and whilst it might look like an ancient castle, much of it is only 200 years old. King Henry VIII was one notable resident who turned it into a home for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Highlights include the interior rooms and spectacular gardens, including a maze garden. After touring the English castle, you’ll also visit Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Finally, take in the view of the White Cliffs of Dover on England’s south coast.

Availability: Every Day

More info: See here

Warwick Castle Tour from London

Also includes a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford

Warwick Castle dates back over 1,100 years and is one of the great English medieval castles. A castle first appeared here two years after William the Conqueror invaded England in order to consolidate his power. Visitors can see the dungeon, armoury and the worlds biggest siege machine. The castle is particularly geared towards families, with lots of activities for kids. The tour also includes a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon which is the hometown of William Shakespeare, as well as a visit to the university town of Oxford.

Availability: Every day

Dover Castle Tour from London

Also includes a visit to Canterbury, Rochester & Kent as well

Dover Castle has played an important part in English heritage and is perhaps the most iconic English fortress that sits on the southern coast. The castle has been the site of battles spanning from the 11th Century to WWII and highlights of a visit include the tower, walls and command posts. Known as the ‘key to England’ Dover Castle has played an important role in defending the country for over nine centuries! This English castle tour also includes a visit to Canterbury Cathedral and the towns and villages of Kent.

Availability: Tuesdays and Fridays from April to October

Windsor Castle & Hampton Court Tour from London

Available every Monday, Wednesday & Saturday from May to September

Combine a visit to Windsor Castle with a tour of Hampton Court Palace. See the spectacular English castle at Windsor, one of the most famous royal castles in the world and an important part of British history. The afternoon is spent at Hampton Court Palace which was built in the Tudor and Baroque styles. King George II was the last monarch to reside in the Palace, and highlights include the Royal Gardens and Maze, as well as State Rooms and Apartments.

English Castle Private Tours from London

Visit some of the more off-the-beaten-track English castles on a day tour from London. Arundel Castle dates back to the 11th Century and has been in the ownership of the family of the Duke of Norfolk for over 400 years. Another stunning English castle is found at Hever Castle . This double moated 13th Century castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII. Also visit Scotney Castle, a 14th Century moated castle located in a wooded estate.

All our private tours include pickup and dropoff from your hotel in London and the services of a driver/guide for the day. You can choose from a variety of different vehicle sizes and specifications.

Overnight English Castle Tours

Take an overnight English castle tour from London to discover some of the fantastic medieval fortresses in the region. The private tour includes a 1-night stay in Amberley Castle , a unique opportunity to stay the night in a 900-year old English castle! The tour includes a visit to two of England’s most historic castles, Hever Castle & Windsor Castle. You will also visit Hampton Court Palace, as well as Chartwell, the private home of Winston Churchill.

This private overnight English Castle tour includes a tour guide, entrance fees and accommodation. It is available throughout the year, led by a tour guide who is an expert in English history. Guides are available in a number of different languages.

More details: Contact Us

About English Castles

English Castles began to appear after the invasion of William the Conqueror in 1066 and were used as a means by the Normans to consolidate control over the country. Early English Castles tended to be built in the motte-and-bailey form, whilst a few important castles were built in stone. Up until the 13th Century, lots of castles continued to be built, until the decline of feudalism. In the later medieval period, the role of castles as fortresses declined, and instead, they increasingly became used as residencies.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is one of the most popular sites to visit in England. It is associated with the English and later British Royal family and was the preferred weekend home of Queen Elizabeth II. The original castle was built after the invasion of William the Conqueror, and since King Henry I has been the longest-occupied castle in Europe. Windsor Castle underwent moderations and extensions under the reign of many different English kings and queens and survived conflicts, especially the English civil war. Major styles that are found in the castle include Baroque, Rococo and Gothic. In 2018, millions of people worldwide tuned in to watch the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that took place at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

Dover Castle

Dover Castle is one of the most iconic English fortresses. The castle sits at the shortest sea crossing point between England and the European continent. This has made it of great strategic importance over the years. The building of the current castle first began way back in the 12th Century by King Henry II and has since undergone many changes. The defences at Dover Castle were continually upgraded to meet the ever-changing threats, including a network of tunnels dug in response to the threat of invasion by Napoleonic France. During WWII, these tunnels were used as the command centre that controlled naval operation in the English channel.

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Overnight Castles of England Tour

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Please contact us for touring options

This tour is available in most languages. Select your language on checkout.

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About The Tour

Visit two of England's most historic castles - Hever Castle & Windsor Castle as well as Hampton Court Palace - and Churchill's private home Chartwell with your own expert London tour guide. Spend the night at historic Amberley Castle.

Your personal tour guide will collect you from your London hotel. Visit first Hampton Court Palace, a favourite palace of Henry Vlll beautifully situated on the River Thames. See Eton, the famous boys school where both Princes William and Harry attended and the boys are still dressed in traditional black tail coats. Time permitting stop at Runnymede where the Magna Carta was signed in 1215.

Visit Windsor Castle, England's largest royal residence and still lived in by the Queen. See the magnificent State Apartments, St. George's Chapel, one of the finest examples of perpendicular architecture and fan vaulted ceilings in Britain and Queen Mary's Dolls' House, perfect to the tiniest detail.

Your overnight stay is at luxurious Amberley Castle in West Sussex. Hidden away for 900 years near the picturesque village of Amberley in the chalk South Downs, Amberley Castle is a magnificent historical treasure that offers a truly unique experience. Through the portcullis and 60 ft curtain walls you will find beautiful landscaped gardens, fine examples of medieval architecture and an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.

On your second day, your guide will collect you from Amberley Castle and take you to Chartwell, Churchill's family mansion, which serves as a splendid memorial to all that he did to help his own country. As you go round the house, you notice his stamp everywhere - from the books on the shelves to the paintings on the walls and the family photographs on the side tables. Then continue on to Hever castle, a 13th century moated castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn and setting for her courtship with Henry VIII.

If travelling in winter, please ask us for alternative visits to Hever and Chartwell.

After your tour, we can return you to London or to Heathrow Airport. Please note Amberley does not accommodate children under 5.

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Castles, gardens & stately homes, windsor castle tour, the finest guide we have had in 20 years.

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Why choose us?

Because you insist on the longest-established and most experienced service available in Britain. Founded in 1958, British Tours is still under the same management. About Us

Who is your Guide?

Our guides are personable educated men and women, chosen for their knowledge, special interests, backgrounds and personality. They will collect you by car from any central London location and guide you inside places of historic importance

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Historic Castles of England and Scotland Tour: Discover & Stay

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• Trip Overview

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Countries Visited

Places visited, suggested duration, customizable itinerary, amberley castle – welcome to royal rural england.

Amberley Castle is hidden away, 900 years of history surrounded by landscaped gardens and unrivaled tranquility. Enter into its medieval walls and there's an immediate sense of decadence. Welcome to a world of elaborate four-poster beds, opulent gardens, 60-ft high ceilings, and the untamed excess of England's regal past. And this is just the first of your six castle stays. There's plenty more to experience over these nine days. You'll be picked up at the airport by your private transfer and transferred out to West Sussex, and this delightful castle amongst green pastures. A spa bathroom helps alleviate any travel aches, and there are two sumptuous restaurants to choose from. Settle into the grandeur, explore the grounds and enjoy your first taste of England's castles. Consider reading some of our traveler reviews of England , and see how you can further refine and perfect your own itinerary.

What's Included:

Thornbury Castle – Regal Windsor and Hampton Court Palace

Birds tweet a good morning as a royal breakfast is served; picture tea in china teapots and multiple courses to enjoy. Today's drive towards Thornbury takes you past two iconic English landmarks. Windsor Castle is almost big enough to be a city. Ginormous turreted walls dominate the landscape, rising with an air of indomitability that comes from having never being conquered. Guards change, cannons fire, and you wander into the residence of Her Majesty the Queen. London's Buckingham Palace is her working residence while Windsor Castle is her official home. Wander through the stately rooms, basking in the luxuriant style you'd associated with the monarchy. Corridors are lined with world-famous paintings, sofas are lined with gold leaf, and carpets feel thick and cozy beneath your feet. This is the world's oldest continually inhabited castle and the world's largest inhabited castle, so expect to be inspired by scale and grandeur.

After lunch along Eton High Street, you weave onto the edge of London and explore the flamboyance of England's most famous king. Henry VIII went through six wives in search of a son, beheading two of them and splitting from the church so that he could divorce another two. Hampton Court Palace is liberally decorated in his ostentatious style, and the rooms filled with bizarre luxury and unusual art. You're not sure whether to be impressed or jest at the excess. Either way, Hampton Court Palace is undoubtedly enthralling.

Thornbury Castle – Exploring Bath and the West Country

Thornbury Castle continues the King Henry VIII theme. This was where he would visit with his second wife, Anne Boleyn before he had her beheaded on charges of incest and witchcraft. Arrow loops and ornate carved ceiling stand above the Coat of Arms while the English flag flies proudly from the towering summit. Take breakfast onto the manicured lawn and admire the ivy that creeps along the walls. Built in the 16th century, Thornbury Castle introduces you to a more modern castle style, one that reflects a certain paranoia around invading pirates and civil rebellion. Despite the relatively small size, the main entrance is almost spookily domineering. But once inside the walls, you find that the old-world charm of England's past.

You have the whole day today to loop around the iconic attractions of the West Country. Bathe in the Neolithic splendor of Stonehenge, the mysterious blocks of stone that stand on remote countryside fields. Spend a couple of hours in the spa town of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that unravels an architectural history from 1st-century Rome to 18th-century Georgian townhouses. Nearby Wells Cathedral appears to be almost toppling over; history radiates through its interior, and it's a site that's rarely visited by tourists. Throughout today's journey, there's always another postcard angle of rural England; this sleepy area maintains the serenity of a distant era.

Coombe Abbey – 12th-Century Wonder Besides the Cotswolds

As you head north, you journey through the centuries. Stratford-upon-Avon seems stuck in the 17th century, the birthplace of Shakespeare filled with thatched roofs and cute cobbled streets. Quiet country lanes weave through villages frozen in time, including one where livestock still grace its square. Like every day on this luxury tour, the daily itinerary is mostly dictated by you. Your guide will outline different places that can be visited on the route and you decide which are of pertinent interest to you. On this itinerary, you wind through an iconic route north to south through England, so you'll pass by most of its stand-out attractions. So choose to spend the day in the Cotswolds or move a little quicker to Coombe Abbey.

Now you're in the 12th century, wandering through the landscaped grounds that were originally the home to Cistercian monks. But King Henry VIII wasn't too fond of that. He removed the monks and the Abbey became an illustrious royal residence, until it was commandeered and integrally involved in the Gunpowder Plot – if you've ever celebrated Guy Fawkes, (or Bonfire Night as it's sometimes known) then its origins date from the 17th-century date when plotters tried to blow up the King while he sat in parliament. Nestled in the heartland of Warwickshire, Coombe Abbey combines its captivating history with lavish formal gardens, a tranquil lake, and stunning fine dining.

Swinton Park Castle – York Minster and the Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales resemble an oil painting, colors blurring with brushstrokes and an intricate depth flowing across the canvas. Green hills rise and fall, demarcated by dry stone walls and the speckles of sheep. The vast Swinton Park Castle grounds spreads out across this blissful landscape, with much of the estate left to blend into a redolent sense of wilderness. You'll still find the manicured gardens, swan-filled lakes, and rousing forests surrounding the castle. But the estate is practically the size of a province, so there's lots of space to amble into nature. Horse riding and shooting excursions within the grounds are specialties of Swinton Park Castle.

Your journey north takes you into Yorkshire and the charms of York. Roman remnants are scattered across the city while the towering York Minster is Northern Europe's second largest gothic cathedral. Explore the city on foot and you walk through tiny alleyways, each decorated with cozy tea rooms and boutique indulgence. Then it's into the Yorkshire Dales and the oil painting. Small villages are dominated by faded stone; market life continues as it has done for centuries, and there are very few other vehicles on the road. There are dozens of potential villages where you can stop and explore; your guide will offer the options for today's drive. You might want to continue straight to Swinton Park for a gallop through the Dales.

Langley Castle Hotel – Medieval Musing in Northumberland

In Southern England, the landscapes are mostly flat and cultivated. Ever since William the Conquerer united the country in the 11th century, the leveled south has been England's bread basket. Nothing is flat in the north, and the undulating hills are mostly wild, especially if a flock of sheep hasn't been grazing there for a while. Today's journey into Northumberland unveils a strong sense of wilderness; villages pass by at decreased frequency, roads slowly narrow, and every mile brings a dozen turns. For a scenic drive, this is England at its finest.

Hidden in a Northumberland valley is Langley Castle, a 14th-century fort that resembles how a young child would draw a castle; think square blocks, iconic turrets, and a style designed to ward off invaders. It doesn't look like the kind of place you'd visit without an invitation. Architecturally, the building has remained since the year 1350, without any of the luxurious additions found at many of England's other castles. It's easily one of England's finest medieval castles, yet the interior has been expertly revamped to provide contemporary luxury within the fortified shell. Like each castle you stay in, expect service and room quality that befits a royal past.

Melville Castle – Hadrian's Wall and Rural Scotland

Winding further north, you cross the great divide. Let's clarify; Hadrian's Wall isn't the Wall of China. Most of the wall is easily low enough to climb over, and you could even step over some sections. But Hadrian's Wall represents a distinguished piece of world history. This was the very northern boundary of the Roman Empire, the line they drew to stop the barbarians from the north. Your guide takes you to various stops along the wall, providing the chance to dispel the myths of this great wall and narrate its 2000-year history. Then you cross, heading into Scotland and roving through a stretch of tumbling countryside.

Situated on the edge of Edinburgh, Melville Castle imbues a real country estate feel. It looks warm and inviting, surrounded by lavish woodland and reflecting a setting for royal parties rather than royal defense. Charming rooms and an iconic lounge make this the final piece in the jigsaw of castles. Melville is a place for entertaining, complete with cellar bar, broad gardens, and ample space to reflect on your journey so far. Spend the evening at the castle or your driver guide can take you into Edinburgh itself for dinner.

Melville Castle – Discovering Edinburgh and its Sublime Castle

Edinburgh Castle dominates from afar, even when the skies are gray, or the city's mist is rolling in. Dominating the city with its ode to grandeur, the castle is Scotland's unmissable highlight, a gargantuan expanse of fortified walls, stately rooms, and history. From here you walk, taking the Royal Mile between the castle and the Queen's Scottish residence. First head downhill, running along its boutique collection of pubs and antique stores. Dip into a maze of atmospheric side streets, each emitting the scent of classic Scotland. Keep walking – it's only about a mile in length, but it can take hours given how much there is to look at. Now the Palace of Holyroodhouse, an expanse of fabulous state rooms that marks the final stop on this itinerary. Bathe in the glory of the monarch's tastes and complete the journey from Windsor to Scotland. A farewell dinner with your guide at Melville Castle completes the day.

Edinburgh – Departure

Enjoy a final regal breakfast in the castle before the short transfer to Edinburgh's large international airport. Say goodbye to your driver guide and leave the big island behind, hundreds of unique memories accompanying the flight home.

Trip Highlights

• Spend the night in six different castles, each an ode to England's regal history and a wonderfully luxurious snapshot of yesteryear
• Travel from London to Edinburgh with a private driver guide, stopping off at various sublime historical attractions, like Stonehenge, Hadrian's Wall, and Bath
• Enjoy intimate visits to Britain's royal residences, including Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, Edinburgh Castle, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Bask in the stunning countryside locations of your castle hotels, with stops in the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland, and the West Country
• Savor a style fit for monarchs with exquisite dining in each of the castles
• Connect the architectural dots as each castle has been handpicked to reflect the style of a different era

Detailed Description

The English landscape is liberally dotted with castles. The timeless structures revel in their old grandeur, with the faded stone and stately rooms revealing many centuries of history. Each is sublimely situated, standing alone amidst the glorious colors of the English countryside. They're national treasures. And they're not just for sightseeing. With this England castles tour, you don't merely walk around and explore ancient castles; you spend the night. Wander through the ornate hallways, open the door to an elaborate four-poster bed, and delight in the sense of regal splendor.

Over nine days, you enjoy six different castles; each showcases another architectural era and new narratives on England's royal past. There is an excess of 12th-century medieval charm, ancestral homes of earls and bishops, and fortified 14th-century estates hidden behind curtains of oak trees. Staying in these timeless castles enables you to recreate history, not just glimpse it on a day trip. In most of them, you're amongst a small handful of guests enjoying exclusive access to the vast landscaped grounds and magisterial interiors. These aren't places for the paying public. They're intimate destinations for guests who appreciate being treated like the monarchs who used to visit them.

This handcrafted tour in England takes you from London to Edinburgh with a private driver guide. The castle accommodation is nestled into the countryside, away from the bustle of the cities. However, your journey north weaves past many of England's most iconic attractions. Stop at Stonehenge for Neolithic brilliance, wander the streets of World Heritage Bath, visit the picture-perfect birthplace of Shakespeare and explore Northern Europe's largest Gothic cathedral. With the castles providing a serene and sublime evening, the days are spent connecting the stunning dots of England's diverse destinations.

The lifestyle of monarchs is very much a focus on this luxury itinerary, so there are a few attractions that are simply essential. See the splendor of Windsor Castle, the Queen's official home and the largest occupied castle in the world. Admire the flamboyance of Henry VIII by discovering Hampton Court. And complete the trip with a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official Scottish residence.

It's not just impressive architecture. Discover the kaleidoscopic tones of the countryside as you weave through rural life. Your journey isn't on the motorway. It's mostly along the quiet country roads that reflect classic images of England. Every angle is a postcard, complete with a cute market town, dry stone walls, and a fairytale cottage on the horizon. Head through the Cotswolds, the Yorkshire Dales, the untamed landscapes of Northumberland, and then into Scotland. The journey finishes in Edinburgh, home to a famous castle and more royal history. You'll be staying close to the city, in a castle surrounded by luscious woodlands.

Starting Price

$4,090  per person (excluding international flights)

What's Included

• Accommodations
• In-country transportation
• Some or all activities and tours
• Expert trip planning
• 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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10 Best Castles to Visit in England

England's 10 best castles include magical settings for legendary stories and early Medieval ruins connected to powerful families. There are castles with romantic stories and others that are the Victorian fantasies of wealthy aristocrats. These are among the best.

Leeds Castle, the Most Romantic Castle in England

Leeds Castle, near Maidstone in Kent, is often called the most romantic castle in England because of its beautiful setting, surrounded by a moat. There is another good reason to think of romance here. For most of its 1,000-year history, it has been a lady's castle. The first woman to own it, Eleanor of Castile, the wife of King Edward I, bought it for herself from the Norman noble who went broke building it. Eventually, it was the dower house of six queens, and Henry VIII added luxury touches to make it ready for his newest wife, Anne Boleyn. Sadly, she lost her head before she had much time to enjoy it.

Today the castle combines original medieval rooms and features with 20th-century areas created for the last private resident, an Anglo-American heiress who entertained celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and the young Winston Churchill. Among the highlights are the Gloriette, the oldest part of the castle, and the many family-oriented events that take place throughout the year. There's a hedge maze that ends in a magical hidden grotto and extensive gardens to explore.

Arundel Castle, a Fairytale Castle and a Nest of Conspirators

Arundel Castle was begun within a year of the Norman Conquest in 1067. Some parts of that early castle—the keep, the gatehouse, and the barbican (defensive tower above the gate)—remain. Still, most of what you see is a Victorian fantasy of what a castle should look like, added during renovations in the 1880s and 1890s.

It is still a fabulous place to visit in its position high above the West Sussex town of Arundel and the river Arun, about two hours by car or train south of London.

It's the family seat of the Dukes of Norfolk, who is still in residence. Learning about this once politically powerful family and the ups and downs of their fortunes is the highlight of any visit. The family included several cardinals, a saint, a hero of the Spanish Armada, and the uncle of both Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. He conspired to marry both of them to Henry VIII, and both lost their heads as a result. So, by the way, did many Dukes of Norfolk.

The house is crammed with Tudor-era furniture, tapestries, and clocks as well as portraits by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, and others. While there, you can also see some of the personal possessions of Mary, Queen of Scots—the fourth Duke plotted to marry her and was beheaded for it.

Dover Castle, Guarding England Since William the Conqueror

Dover Castle commands the shortest crossing of the English Channel to France, the reason William the Conqueror himself chose it. He directed the building of a stockade there almost immediately after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. He wasn't the first to recognize this hill's importance. The Romans and the Anglo Saxons also fortified the spot, and you can see evidence of them when you visit. The castle remained a garrisoned fortress from these early days right up to the late 1950s.

Among the highlights of a visit, see the Great Tower, where six rooms of the Medieval castle of Henry II, William's grandson, have been recreated. Then tour the World War I Fire Command Post and take a guided tour of the World War II tunnels that housed a hospital and Operation Dynamo, the planning HQ for the evacuation of thousands of British soldiers from Dunkirk. Some of the costumes from the 2017 film, "Dunkirk," are on exhibit there.

Hever Castle, Anne Boleyn's Childhood Home

Anne Boleyn's childhood home is a mere 30 miles southeast of London, near Edenbridge in Kent. It's surrounded by 125 acres of gardens and includes 28 rooms where you can stay.

The Tudor house, built by the Boleyn family, sits within the 13th century, medieval castle, filled with Tudor rooms—including a bedroom reputed to be Anne's. The castle was restored by American millionaire William Waldorf Astor who created a family home in part of the castle while indulging his interest in history by renovating the house. The heavily carved paneling and furniture in the Tudor rooms are worth a visit alone.

Hever Castle is an active family attraction with events happening in the gardens and grounds throughout the summer. Don't miss the jousting and heavy horse events that take place regularly within an authentic Medieval jousting arena, complete with a royal box.

Alnwick Castle, Learn to Fly from Harry Potter's Professor

Alnwick Castle (pronounced Annick), the family seat of the Dukes of Northumberland, is the second-largest inhabited castle in England (Windsor is the largest). It's on England's northeast coast, about halfway between Newcastle upon Tyne and the Scottish border.

For more than 700 years, the castle has been home to the Percys, once an influential political family in the late Middle Ages. Today this castle is probably more famous as the location of Hogwarts in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets."

Today you can learn broomstick flying and the rules of Quiddich in Outer Bailey, where Harry and friends learned to fly. Free 25-minute broomstick training sessions are available to castle ticket holders throughout the day. And the "Professors" share the secret of taking airborne photos with "graduates."

In the Artisan's Courtyard, the family can dress up in Medieval costumes and join in with the villagers in trying traditional crafts and games. You can also go on a quest to conquer a dragon.

The castle has impressive staterooms, and about a mile down the road, the Duchess of Northumberland has created new gardens that include a gated and locked poison garden that can only be visited by guided tour.

Bolsover Castle, a Party House of the Stuart Era

Sir William Cavendish built Bolsover Castle, within the ruins of a Norman castle, in the 17th century during the reign of the Stuart king, Charles II. He was a playboy, poet, and adventurer who designed his house to resemble a Medieval castle. But it was a place for him to entertain and impress his friends. During the English Civil War, Cavendish, who was a Royalist or Cavalier fought on the losing side and fled into exile in 1644. When he returned, about 16 years later, his house was severely damaged. He set about restoring some of it into what is now the Little Castle.

A highlight of a visit is the chance to see the Cavalier Horses perform in the indoor Riding School at Bolsover Castle. The horses perform to Baroque music with riders in Cavalier costumes, every weekend from early April to early October.

This Derbyshire house is about 25 miles north of Nottingham and about 12 miles east of the Peak District National Park.

Bodiam Castle, Ruined Splendor Behind a 14th Century Moat

 Duncan George/Getty Images

Visit Bodiam Castle in East Sussex to walk the long bridge across its magnificent moat and to enter a ruined 14th century castle left much as it was the last time it saw battle. You might find that Bodiam Castle resembles the castle you may have built with a pail and shovel on the beaches of your childhood. You can climb ancient spiral staircases and see a very rare and original portcullis in the gatehouse. Picnic on the grounds or join a free archery session.

Bodiam is about 11 miles from the south coast at Hastings and only around 7 miles from Battle, the site of the Battle of Hastings, and well worth a visit.

Kenilworth, a Castle to Woo a Queen

Kenilworth started as a Norman country house. It was fortified into a castle by Henry II, William the Conqueror's grandson, who needed a stronghold to protect his throne from his many warring brothers. It was finally reduced to ruins by Oliver Cromwell's men after the English Civil War in the 17th century. But before that Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, extensively renovated the castle to please a special visitor, Queen Elizabeth I.

The story of Elizabeth and Dudley is one of the great unresolved romances of history. The childhood friends were reacquainted when both were imprisoned in the Tower by Elizabeth's sister, Queen Mary. Dudley became her favorite, and there was even talk of marriage. Then scandal over the mysterious death of his wife Amy made marriage impossible. Instead, he virtual rebuilt Kenilworth to please Elizabeth, who visited often.

Since 2014, new enclosed staircases let visitors enjoy views last seen by Elizabeth more than 400 years ago, while 21st-century gardeners recreated the privy garden created for her. And in the Leicester Gatehouse, see an Elizabethan bedroom and an exhibition about the romantic story.

Kenilworth is in Warwickshire, 105 miles from London but only 15 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, making it an excellent add-on to a short break in Shakespeare's England.

Tintagel, Echoes of King Arthur

Legend has it that King Arthur was conceived here. What is much more likely is that Richard, Earl of Cornwall, and brother of King Henry III picked this strategic headland to build his castle in the 13th century and connected it to the popular Morte d'Arthur, a "bestseller" of the early middle ages. To strengthen his claim and attachment to Cornwall, Richard clothed himself in the popular legends. Tintagel's astonishing position, perched on rocks above a beach and Merlin's cave, makes it easy to imagine legendary romances happened here.

You need a head for heights for the long steep staircases and the narrow bridge that connects the castle to the mainland. It's worth the effort. Tintagel Head is on the north coast of Cornwall between Boscastle and Port Isaac.

Warkworth Castle, the Seat of Medieval Power

Warkworth Castle, near the Northumberland coast and the Scottish border, was built by the colorful Percy family who arrived in Britain with William the Conqueror and became power players and intriguers through the Middle Ages. As the Dukes of Northumberland, they also built nearby Alnwick Castle, which is still the family seat.

The castle's position, a ruin at the top of its small English village, is dramatic. Today's visitors can explore the unusual cruciform castle keep, designed in the shape of a Greek cross. Its rooms and floors can be explored as can the Duke's chambers, two rooms roofed and floored in the 19th century for the private use of the Duke and his family. The gatehouse is the oldest part of the castle, and beyond it, the Bailey is a flat, grassy area great as a picnic and children's play area.

Warkworth Castle: The Complete Guide

Kenilworth Castle: The Complete Guide

Anne Boleyn's Hever Castle: The Complete Guide

Dover Castle: The Complete Guide

Stay Cheaper By Staying Close to - Not in - London

15 Terrific Day Trips From London

The Castles of William the Conqueror

Tintagel Castle: The Complete Guide

The Top 20 Things to Do in the UK

4-Day UK Travel Itinerary: West of London Travel Plan

5 of the Prettiest Tiny Villages to Visit in England

10 Great Reasons to Visit the United Kingdom

St. George's Chapel at Windsor: The Complete Guide

15 Best Castles and Palaces in Germany

Every UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UK

Guide to Angers in the Loire Valley, France

The Best 20 Castles To Visit In England

The Finest English Castles (Updated October 2023):

English castles are some of the most popular tourist destinations in England.

These castles , like their counterparts in Wales , are great monuments to England’s long history . Visitors flock there in droves, no doubt filled with stories of the knights and kings who lived there, and the events they have witnessed.

However, there are over 1,500 castles in the UK (according to the Castellarium Anglicanum , the definitive list published in 1983) and so we thought we’d help out by choosing the best to visit.

So then here is our choice of the best twenty castles in England.

(NB We’ve just published a post some of the many haunted English Castles. Check it out here >>> Haunted Castles In England .

For centuries, these grand structures have graced Great Britain with their imposing stone features and large aristocratic and royal estates.

Let’s look at them in more detail, and list the best castles in England (twenty of them)…

Table of Contents

The Best Castles In England: 20 English Castles To Visit Next Time You’re In In The UK

Many of the oldest castles in England date back to the Norman invasion in 1066.

In the centuries following the Norman invasion, castles in England continued to grow in sophistication and comfort.

By the 14th century, English castles not only provided superior defensive features, but also boasted sophisticated, luxurious living arrangements, and beautifully landscaped formal gardens and parks.

Throughout the Renaissance Era, a small number of castles were built for the wealthy to enjoy extravagant feasts and grand celebrations. During the 17th century, widespread religious and civil conflicts meant that castles, and the defence that they offered England, played an important role in protecting the nation’s interest.

Today, the great castles of England pay homage to the past. The noble structures stand erect as a living memorial to the centuries that have passed, the battles that have been fought, and the people that have come before. Take a look at some of the most monumental English castles and learn about the rich history of these awe-inspiring structures.

No 1: Dover Castle, Kent

Dover Castle is one of the most iconic castles in England . It also has the distinction of being among the oldest; it was originally fortified by William the Conqueror following the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Before it was turned into a fortified castle it was a general stronghold for the Saxon forces. It also served as a lighthouse for the Romans during their conquest of England.

The History of Dover Castle

It was vital that Dover be fortified because it offered the shortest distance between England and mainland Europe. In times of war, it would be the first place anyone attacked, and in times of peace, it would serve as a vital trading and sailing hub.

Dover Castle itself has had a long and eventful history to say the least. Dubbed the “Key to England” the fortress has been the first line of defense for England for over 900 years. The only castles that have had a life as long as this are the Tower of London and Windsor Castle.

The Birth of a Castle

As soon as William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings in 1066 he ordered that the defences at the castle be fortified with earthwork and stockade with timber. The castle was garrisoned as soon as it was ready and was garrisoned without interruption (meaning there was always some military force there) until 1958.

King Henry II remodelled the castle in the late 12 th -century. He planned on making the great tower of Dover Castle a palace in which he could entertain important guests. He also planned on making the tower the last redoubt for the castle; one of the most strategically important in the country. The tower stands 83 feet tall, 100 feet square, and the walls are 21 feet thick. It houses three floors, with the top-most floor being reserved for the king.

With such an impressive and imposing showpiece the king was able to welcome distinguished visitors – in particular noble pilgrims on a pilgrimage to the Canterbury Cathedral of Thomas Becket. Thomas Becket was an archbishop who was slaughtered before the altar at the castle by Henry’s knights on December 29 th , 1170; ten years before the work on the tower began. There was a chapel dedicated to the late archbishop on the second floor, made with beautiful decorated stonework.

Construction on the tower continued into the first half of the 13 th century under the watch of King John and Henry III. It was finally finished by Henry III.

A Castle Besieged

The defences of the castle were put through their paces in 1216-1217 when the castle was besieged. It was attacked by Prince Louis of France, who supported English barons in their rebellion against King John. The defences at the castle withstood ten months of bombardment by the French siege engines and every other attempt the French made to invade the castle.

The castle was further improved after the siege. Henry III added three new gatehouses and a fortified spur extension to the castle. The castle as we know it today was completed by the 1250s and it has remained a symbol of the power of the English royal family ever since.

The castle was once again besieged in October 1265. This time, the castle was besieged by Henry III’s own son; Prince Edward. The castle was held by the king’s sister, Eleanor de Montfort. Eleanor was the widow of the baron Simon de Montfort, who rebelled against the king and had been killed at the Battle of Evesham. Besieged from within and without by royalists, Eleanor petitioned for peace and was exiled to France.

A Castle Transformed

Dover Castle remained garrisoned even after the Middle Ages and would stay garrisoned until the late 20 th century. While it became less important after the 16 th century, the castle still played host to royals including Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Charles I, and their guests. It was less important from a military point of view but the fact it played host to so many important people necessitated continued protection.

The castle was reshaped in the 1740s to better defend against artillery warfare. When England was under threat of invasion by Napoleon and the French forces in the 18 th century, the castle was added to even more. A series of tunnels was built into the cliffs of Dover to serve as barracks for the multitudes of soldiers needed to protect the castle.

Dover During the Wars

Technological advances from the turn of the 19 th century allowed for coastal artillery to be commanded from a central Fire Command Post on the cliff edge. The position was deemed important enough by the Admiralty for them to commission a signal station on top of it in 1914. The Navy were able to use the station to command the flow of ships in and out of Dover harbour.

The tunnels built during the Napoleonic war were used again during the Second World War. From 1939 onwards they were the location of the command centre that controlled all naval operations in the English Channel. This is where Vice Admiral Bertram Ramsay orchestrated the evacuation of British troops from Dunkirk with Operation Dynamo.

The tunnels were expanded upon to serve as a bigger headquarters and as a hospital for the war wounded. The hospital was combined with the headquarters and the castle was an important part of defending the Straits of Dover and preparing for the invasion of mainland Europe in 1944.

The network of tunnels underwent a further transformation during the Cold War. It was planned that the tunnels would serve as a secret location for one of Britain’s Regional Seats of Government so that things could resume as close to normal if England was hit by a nuclear attack.

Modern Dover Castle

The modern Dover Castle is managed by the English Heritage group. It is open to the public and offers visitors a stunning look at the history and experience of the fortress. Visitors can tour the castle and the underground tunnels.

They can enjoy all the exhibitions that put them in the shoes of the former inhabitants of the castle and learn all about the rich history for themselves.

The castle has been preserved really well and has been mostly-restored to the original state. Some of the castle has been modified to reflect how it may have looked at different points in history to offer an authentic experience.

Ancient history fans can also experience the original Roman lighthouse that laid the foundations for the castle.

Here’s our post on Dover Castle: Dover Castle: Its History From William The Conqueror To The Modern Day

No 2: Tintagel, Cornwall

This 800-year-old castle is best known for its connection to the legendary King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

Originally built by the Earl of Cornwall, brother to the then King of England. The Earl built the castle to resemble King Arthur’s infamous court at Camelot. Today, the castle is the site of many Arthurian re-enactments and mock battles.

Every summer, the castle becomes the home of thousands of Arthurian enthusiasts who come to experience the days of King Arthur and his knights.

No 3: Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight

At the heart of the Isle of Wight is the romantic castle of Carisbrooke . The glorious castle has been many things over its long history.

Once an armed fortress, the castle has also been a king’s prison and a royal summer retreat.

Today, visitors to the majestic castle find an entertaining museum, a lovely Edwardian garden, and many wonderful events.

Here’s our post on Carisbrooke Castle: Carisbrooke Castle | Magnificent Fortress On The Isle Of Wight, England

No 4: Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire

Originally built in the 12th century, Bolsover Castle was given a makeover by Sir George Talbot in 1553 after years of neglect. The earl later became known for his marriage to ‘Bess of Hardwick’, who was probably the most astute business in the 16th century.

Today, the castle intended for luxurious living has been restored. The castle’s battlements, venus garden, and fountain have been given a second life.

Visitors are able to tour the grounds, visit the castle’s Discovery Centre (located in the castle’s riding stables), partake in one of the many events held throughout the year, or just enjoy a picnic at the lovely site.

NB We have a separate post on Bolsover castle here: >>> https://englandexplore.com/bolsover-castle/

No 5: Leeds Castle, Kent

Claiming to be the “loveliest castle in the world”, Leeds Castle in Kent (and, confusingly, nowhere near the city of Leeds in Yorkshire) is one of the most famous castles in England.

Appearing in the Domesday Book, Leeds Castle has been a stronghold for the Norman armies, a royal residence, and a royal palace occupied by kings and queens .

The location of the castle is nothing short of stunning, with it being situated on two islands in a beautiful lake. Here’s our guide:

History of Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle began life as a Royal Manor. Built in 857 AD, the manor was owned and lived in by a Saxon royal family. After the Normans invaded and conquered England they began construction on the original stone castle at the site of the manor.

The Castle became the royal palace of Edward I and Queen Eleanor in 1278. Edward made several improvements to the castle during his reign.

One notable thing from this time is the Barbican, which stands out because it is made up of three different parts. Each part of the Barbican has its own entrance, gateway, drawbridge, and portcullis. The Medieval Keep, which houses the Great Hall, is named the Gloriette in honour of Queen Eleanor.

King Edward II awarded the castle to his Royal Steward in 1321. When his wife Queen Isabella sought shelter at the castle she was turned away by the people. She was actually fired upon by the archers stationed at the castle.

Needless to say, Edward was not happy about the situation. He laid siege to the castle and reclaimed it for himself and Isabella. Edward was murdered six years later, but Queen Isabela kept the castle until her own death in 1358.

Leeds Castle has housed six medieval queens in all during its history. It housed Queens Eleanor, Isabella, Philippa of Hainhault (and wife of Edward III), Joan of Navarre, Catherine de Valois, and Catherine of Aragon.

It also technically housed Elizabeth I. She was imprisoned in the castle for a time before her coronation and ascension to the throne. It’s thanks to this history of housing queens that the castle is also called the “Castle of Queens, Queen of Castles”.

Of all the kings and queens to have lived in the castle, perhaps none are more famous than Henry VIII.

Henry VIII transformed the castle for Catherine of Aragon, his first wife. While touring the castle be sure to keep a lookout for the Field of the Cloth of Gold; a painting that commemorates when King Henry VIII met King Francis I of France in 1520.

The castle was later purchased and owned by the Culpeper family. This meant that the castle was not destroyed during the English Civil War because the Culpeper family sided with the Parliamentarians. It would later be used to house Dutch and French prisoners of war.

The last person to privately own the castle as a residence was Lady Baillie. She purchased the castle in 1926 and employed the services of French interior designers so that they might improve her new home and make it even better.

She dedicated much of her life to the restoration and improvement of the castle. It was her that set up the Leeds Castle Foundation too, to conserve the castle for years to come. Leeds Castle would be opened up to the public in 1976.

Visitors to the castle are welcome to enjoy the stunning architecture and landscaping of the grounds, which is set into a 500 acre landscape of parkland complete with a maze, grotto, vineyard, and aviary.

The maze is one of the most popular tourist attractions at the site, with a secret grotto tucked away at the centre for anyone who can safely navigate their way through.

Staying at Leeds Castle

If you want to get the most out of your stay to the castle then you should consider staying for a night or two. This gives you a lot more time to enjoy the castle grounds and also allows access to the gardens when the castle isn’t open to the general public. Stay in the State Courtyard Bedroom and enjoy a full English breakfast served at the 17 th century Fairfax Hall Restaurant.

Don’t feel like being treated like royalty? Want to try something different? The castle lets you experience the life of a knight with Knight’s Glamping. Stay under the stars in a luxurious four-poster bed with cotton bedding and wake up ready to do battle on the morrow.

If you’re looking to stay at the castle for an extended period of time then try out one of the holiday cottages. These cottages house between 2 and 10 people. There are five of them all across the property and they are all self-catering. Be sure to book yours ahead of time. Staying in the cottages means you are able to explore the grounds freely long after other guests leave.

One of the best things about visiting Leeds Castle is that tickets are valid for up to a year. You’re welcome to visit the grounds as many times as you want in that time. Think of it like every ticket is a season ticket.

During your stay be sure to have a hot air balloon flight, a ferry boat ride, a round of golf, and many of the other exciting activities that are fun for the whole family.

How to Get to Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle is around 4 miles east of Maidstone.

It’s off Junction 8 of the M20 motorway and around an hour and a half from London – or half an hour from the Channel Ports and Channel Tunnel.

No 6: Windsor Castle

20 miles west of London, The 900-year-old Windsor Castle is the oldest official royal estate, and the largest currently occupied castle in the world.

However, this residence is much more than just a castle. The grounds at Windsor contain a large church, several homes, and the royal palace.

(We now have a separate post on Windsor Castle: Windsor Castle | The Queen’s Favourite Home

No 7: Hever Castle, Kent

The 700-year-old Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn is home to a fine collection of beautiful furniture, antiques, tapestries, and an impressive collection of Tudor paintings.

Additionally, the castle is home to more than 125 acres of glorious gardens and award-winning landscape. One thing is for sure, at any time of the year, the stunning castle’s exteriors and interiors are sure to take your breath away.

No 8: Bolton Castle, Yorkshire

Bolton Castle in Yorkshire was once a defensive fortress as well as a luxurious family estate. Today, the castle is a well-preserved home to many outstanding rooms and features and is one of the best castles in England to visit.

Visitors of the castle can peruse rooms like the old kitchens, the nursery, the great chamber, Mary Queen of Scots’ bedroom, the armoury, and even the dungeon.

No 9: Richmond Castle, Yorkshire

Stunning views of the Yorkshire Dales elevate the Richmond Castle into its rightful place as one of the most beloved attractions in North Yorkshire.

Originally built to keep the peace in the unruly northern region, today, the castle is one of the most inspiring Norman fortresses in Great Britain.

No 10: Skipton Castle, Yorkshire

If you’re travelling to the Yorkshire Dales , why not stop on the way to see this lovely medieval castle…

One of the most well-preserved and complete medieval castles in England, the 900-year-old Skipton Castle is a place where one can easily encounter remnants of the nation’s rich history around every corner.

From the dungeon to the watchtower, Skipton Castle was made to last. In fact, the fortification withstood a three-year log siege during the nation’s Civil War. As it stands now, the castle will be around for many years to come.

No 11: Corfe Castle, Dorset

The once majestic Corfe Castle now stands in ruins guarding the Purbeck marble quarry.

At one time, nothing could pass forth from the rocky outcrop without first going past Corfe.

The centuries-old hillside castle is the centre of many stories of the kings and queens who passed between its walls.

One of the most dramatic tales reports that the castle is where King Edward was murdered by his stepmother in 979.

No 12: St Michaels Mount

The majestic St. Micheal’s Mount is connected to the mainland by a rocky causeway. As the sea waters pour in and the tide rises, the mount becomes cut off from the nearby village of Marazion.

Pilgrims have poured to the island’s jagged shores since the 5th century when Micheal the archangel appeared before a group of people at the mount. The holy site was honoured, and a Benedictine monastery was built over the plat in the 12th century.

Still today, true believers travel to the mount and follow in the footsteps of the ancient Pilgrims to the medieval monastery located at the top of the hill.

No 13: Norwich Castle

The 900-year-old Norwich Castle is one of Norwich’s most beloved landmarks. Originally built by the Normans as a royal palace, the castle was later used as a prison.

Today, the castle is home to exquisite collections of fine art, antiques, and the collections of the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum collections.

No 14: Ludlow Castle, Shropshire

First a Norman fortress, Ludlow Castle was improved upon for centuries and eventually became a royal palace. Originally, the fortification served to hold back the Welsh.

Today, the castle is open for all to enjoy.

No 15: Barnard Castle, County Durham

Sitting high on a rock above the River Tees, Barnard Castle is named for its founder, Bernard de Balliol.

First built in the 12th century, the castle was later the property of Richard III.

Visitors to the estate are able to enjoy the castle’s famed ‘sensory garden,’ which contains a variety of scented plants and tactile-rich objects.

Click here for our post on Barnard Castle

No 16: Warwick Castle, Warwickshire

Less than 100 miles from London, the stately Warwick Castle is known for its superb medieval interior and great period re-enactments.

The Castle has been through a lot over the years. A few notable moments include when it was attacked in 1264, the siege of Warwick Castle in 1642, and the fire that tore through the castle in 1871. Despite all of these setbacks, the castle has endured throughout history and still stands today.

It was kept by the Earls of Warwick before becoming the private residence of the Greville Family until 1978, when it became the property of the Tussauds Group, who later became Merlin Entertainment Group, in 2007.

It remains with the Merlin Entertainment Group to this day and they have turned the castle into a fun and interesting tourist destination. Indeed it’s one of the few English castles of its size that welcomes overnight visitors, as we shall see.

In the meantime, let’s have a look at the castle’s long and varied history…

History of Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle was built by a king, became the seat of a kingmaker, and played a vital part in the War of the Roses and the English Civil War. Needless to say, it’s had a long and important history. It even housed a royal prisoner at one point.

The records of there being a walled-building in Warwick date back to the Saxon foundations built by the daughter of Alfred the Great, Ethelfleda.

The foundations were built to protect the area from invading Danes. It was constructed in 914 A.D. It’s incredible to think that the huge castle started life as a small fort built by the Saxons.

The Warwick Castle that we know and love today slowly came to life from 1068. The castle was a construction project for King William I, better known to historians as William the Conqueror.

It didn’t take long after the Battle of Hastings – in 1066 – for William to begin making his own mark on the country. The “castle” at this point was a wooden motte and bailey. The project to turn it into a stone castle wouldn’t be complete until the 13th century.

While the castle served William the Conqueror well it wasn’t until the Hundreds Year War that it became a notable footnote of British history.

It was during this war that it became an example followed by the architects of castles in the 14th and 15th centuries. The castles from that period were based on the best of the best and Warwick Castle was included among that list.

The castle has undergone several changes across the years. Some of those changes were because of changes in styles and tastes, some were for military reasons, and others were because of disaster.

One of the most famous changes to the castle came when following a fire in 1871.

While the two eastern towers of the castle can be traced back to the 14th and 15th centuries and the Great Hall was renovated in the 14th century, much of the interior of the castle – in particular the State Dining room – was remodelled in the 18th century.

Warwick Castle was where Edward IV was imprisoned in 1469. It would be held by the Duke of Gloucester in the 1480s before he would go on to become King Richard III .

It was an important part of the English Civil War in 1642 when it withstood a siege by the Royalist forces.

Who has Owned Warwick Castle?

Something that makes the castle so important and a key part of history is the story of the people – not to mention dynasties – that it has played host to over the years.

It has been owned by some prominent people throughout history, including the Earl of Warwick Richard Neville. Neville was a key figure in the War of the Roses and has been dubbed The Kingmaker by historians because of how important he was to the war.

Several families have been the custodians of Warwick Castle throughout history. It has always been closely connected to the royal family in some way or another.

It played an important role in the advancement and further development of castle design and construction.

It has been host to nobility from around the world and also hosted knight games that became a key part of the history and culture of medieval European history. It has since gone on to become one of the most popular tourist spots in England.

Some of the most famous families that have lived inside the walls as the Earls of Warwick are the Newburgh family (11th – 13th century), De Beauchamp (13th – 16th century), Dudley (16th century), Rich (17th to 18th century), and Greville (18th century to 20th century).

The castle has been taken over by the royal family twice across history. These days it is in the possession of the Tussauds Group, which now goes by the name Merlin Entertainment Group. The group is the second large leisure group in the world behind Disney.

They purchased the castle from the Greville family in 1978. The Greville’s had owned the property for almost four centuries (374 years) at the point of sale.

Visiting Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle was opened to the public and now represents a key tourist attraction in England.

Tourists are able to go through the castle itself, the keeps and stables, as well as the 18-meter high trebuchet; the largest trebuchet in the world. There are daily displays and shows happening all the time.

As tourists explore the castle they will learn about the history and architecture of the castle. There’s also plenty of activities for children and adults happening with events scheduled all year round.

Take a look at the schedule to see what’s happening and prepare yourself for a lengthy stay as it can take up to 5 hours to see it all.

Staying at Warwick Castle

Visitors can even stay at the castle overnight if they want.

Families are sure to love the Knight’s Village which has themed accommodation including medieval-themed lodges and glamping tents.

To travel back in time book a stay in the Tower Suites. As the name implies, these suites are located in the 14th-century Caesar’s Tower. Enjoy a beautiful bed and breakfast stay in a 4-poster bed, private castle tours, 24-hour concierge services, complimentary champagne, and two-day tickets to the dungeons.

So, then, Warwick Castle is one of the finest and historic castles in England. And, even better, you can stay there…

No 17: Lincoln Castle, Lincolnshire

William the Conqueror first constructed the fortress on the site of an existing Roman fortification. Since that time, Lincoln Castle has remained a symbol of power throughout the ages.

Today, the castle is on display and is the home site of an original 1215 Magna Carta.

No 18: Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

The stately home of the Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle was first built following the Norman Conquest.

However, the expansive home has been remodelled and renovated many times throughout the years and is today often featured in films, shows, and popular entertainment.

The castle was used as a stand-in for Hogwarts School. Additionally, the castle has also been used as a location for feature films such as Robin hood: Prince of Thieves, The Black Adder, and Becket. Alnwick Castle was also used as the location for part of the filming of Downton Abbey.

No 19: Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

On the cliffs high above the Northumberland coastline, Bamburgh Castle extends nine acres across a rocky plateau and is one of the largest castles in England that is currently inhabited.

Today, the awe-inspiring fortification sits on a throne of volcanic rock known as dolerite more than forty-five metres above sea level.

No 20: Scarborough Castle, Yorkshire

With nearly 3,000 years of history, Scarborough Castle has proudly defended the country’s inlet area and has endured medieval sieges, Civil War, and German naval bombardment.

Today, visitors can climb the embankment and enjoy sweeping views of the dramatic coastline below.

NB We now have a post on British Castles such as Scottish Castles here: https://englandexplore.com/scottish-castles/ and one on Welsh castles: https://englandexplore.com/castles-in-wales

And here are some other of our posts on the above English castles and others:

English Castle Posts:

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Skipton Castle | Well Preserved Yorkshire Castle

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Yorkshire Castles | Great Castles In The Northern County Of Yorkshire

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Windsor Castle | The Late Queen’s Favourite Home

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Tintagel: King Arthur’s Cornwall Castle?

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England and Wales Castle Tours

Explore the castles of England

There are over 1500 castles to tour in England and Wales. Uncover history and stay in an grand castle hotel.

Example Classic England Castle Tour

ROCHESTER - RICHBOROUGH - DOVER - WHITE CLIFFS

ROCHESTER CASTLE is on 3 floors. The keep is an imposing 113 feet high and was seiged by King John. In the North Sea marches, RICHBOROUGH CASTLE is the most symbolic site from Roman Britain and where all modern English roads begin. DOVER CASTLE dominates the WHITE CLIFFS. This huge complex is regarded as the oldest in England with buildings from all periods of history.

BODIAM - LEEDS - HEVER

BODIAM CASTLE is a wonderful example of a moated medieval home. Built as a luxurious mansion, the exterior is virtually complete. LEEDS CASTLE is one of the most famous forts. On an idyllic island and dating to pre-history, Henry VIII transformed it into a palace. HEVER CASTLE is picture perfect. Childhood home of Anne Boleyn, it passed to Anne of Cleves before restoration by the Astors.

OLD SARUM - BERKELEY - THORNBURY HOTEL

Close to Stonehenge, hilltop OLD SARUM is an iron age earthwork. Taken over by the Romans, Saxons and finally Normans, the ruined castle is C11th. BERKELEY CASTLE is a real gem. Owned by the same family for over 900 years and in lovely gardens, the keep is spectacular and gives a picture of medieval life. THORNBURY CASTLE is a small hotel renowned for it’s rooms and good food.

SUDELEY - LUDLOW - STOKESAY

SUDELEY CASTLE is one of the most influential castles. Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Katherine Parr have all played a part in its history. LUDLOW CASTLE sits serenely in the lovely border market town of Ludlow. It was the location of the Lords of the Marches. STOKESAY CASTLE, unaltered since the C13th, is another border castle and is the best preserved fortified manor house in England.

POWIS - CONWY TOWN

Inside Wales, POWIS CASTLE rests high on a rock above the terraces of the castle’s world famous gardens. Built around 1200, it was the home of the Princes of Wales and later, Clive of India. There are many castles in this region, and along the north coast is the ring of castles built by Edward I. These are World Heritage Sites and include CONWY, a small fortified town with the castle at its heart.

LANCASTER - AUGILL CASTLE HOTEL

Owned by the Queen, LANCASTER CASTLE offers a glimpse into England’s dark past. It was the scene of religious persecution and the trial of the C17th Lancashire Witches. Driving through the some of England’s best countryside we will arrive at AUGILL CASTLE. This Victorian folly and weekend fantasy retreat was built in 1841 and offers wonderful individual rooms for over nights stays.

HADRIAN'S WALL - LINDISFARNE

On the Scottish border, HADRIAN’S WALL dominates the scenery. Some of the best preserved Roman artefacts have been discovered here. HOUSESTEADS fort has great views of the Wall. Northumberland has many superb castles. LINDISFARNE CASTLE is dramatically set on a rocky island accessible by a 3 mile tidal causeway. Built by Elizabeth I, the castle was a ruin until transformed in the C19th.

ALNWICK - BAMBURGH

ALNWICK CASTLE is the second largest fort in the country. The seat of the Duke of Northumberland, it has 1000 years of history, opulent State Rooms and used in many movies. The gardens and grounds are outstanding. Another dramatic site, BAMBURGH CASTLE is one of the most important sites in English history. Restored by wealthy C18th industrialists, the keep and walls have history at every corner.

DURHAM - RICHMOND

A World Heritage Site, DURHAM CASTLE has been occupied since the C11th. Ruled by the Prince-Bishops, the area was a buffer between England and Scotland. Next door is the CATHEDRAL, regarded by many as the best church on the planet. It is the burial site of two saints. With breathtaking views, RICHMOND CASTLE is one of the great Norman fortresses and the best early castle in England.

WARWICK - WINDSOR

WARWICK CASTLE is England’s favourite castle once owned by the Earls of Warwick and the home of “Warwick the Kingmaker” – whose large army determined who was King of England. WINDSOR CASTLE is largest inhabited castle in the world and the Queen’s weekend home. It is truly spectacular with unrivalled sequence of State Rooms. St George’s chapel is the burial place of many monarchs including Henry VIII.

ADDITIONS TO THE ITINERARY

This tour is an example of what can be seen. There are so many castles to visit we can adjust this tour to any places you would like to add. We can theme tours on certain period like the Tudors or add few extra days exploring countryside of the LAKE DISTRICT, NORTHUMBERLAND, the KENT or LONDON.

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“Thank you for arranging a superb vacation for us. Everything was lovely but the best part was our guide. She was so able to identify what we were looking for within the first hour and adapted the itinerary accordingly. "

History tours of medieval castles and cathedrals

Reserve your spot today!

Historian, Dr Geoff, PhD Oxford, leads you on Single or Multi-Day historic tours of England.

All tours begin and conclude in London.

Take a private tour of Salisbury Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, The RAF Museum, Dover Castle, Hever Castle or even Highclere Castle - made famous by Downton Abbey.

multi-day tours

Expert guides, unique boutique hotels breakfast and dinners included.

Expert guides will lead you throughout your tours. 

Tours are limited to a group of twelve so that we keep the personal touch for your needs.

Explore areas of outstanding natural beauty - what England is famous for in your private air conditioned chauffeured coach.  

Join us at fabulous boutique hotels throughout England well off the beaten path.

Enjoy full English breakfasts and dining at our hotels (Marquis of Granby Hotel room pictured above) or great local pubs.  

Experience! Live England's History

History & old pubs can life get any better.

 We will bring you to exciting places where you can watch knights in jousting tournaments, watch a trebuchet (catapult) fire a projectile, learn about stone carving from master masons at Salisbury Cathedral, test your own skills in archery and hear the sounds of WW2 Spitfires and P51s overhead. On our tours you live English history!

We visit some of England's oldest and most famous pubs like, The Eagle in Cambridge, and Nottingham's  Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem built in 1189!

Castles & Cathedrals - 3 tours

Medieval castles, experience history.

We offer three Castles and Cathedrals tours, East, Cotswolds and South. The East tour heads from London to Kent where we visit the castles at Leeds 'the loveliest castle in the world', Hever (13th c. and home of Anne Boleyn) and Dover (11th c. origin and perhaps the most important castle in England's history. 

The Cotswolds tour heads west visiting the castles at Thornbury (Henry VIII stayed here), Berkeley, and Oxford (both from and after 11th c.), and with time permitting we will also visit the Tower of London.  The South tour visits impressive castles at Bodiam, and Arundel - the ancestral home of the Dukes of Norfolk.  

On the Eastern tour we visit the cathedral at Canterbury, the most important church in England and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is also the site of the brutal murder of St Tomas Becket in 1170. We also visit Westminster Abbey, England's most famous landmark, the burial places of famous Kings and Queens of England and others including Sir Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, and Charles Dickens. On the Cotswolds tour we see the cathedrals at Salisbury, Gloucester, Bath, and Oxford (within the grounds of Christ Church College).  The Southern tour brings us to Chichester, Winchester, and Salisbury.

Our tours are not sit back and listen. Are you brave enough to get close up to a bird-of-prey, or walk Salisbury Cathedral's external parapet 75 feet up with its master masons? Or is descending into a medieval dungeon more your thing? Why not walk the ramparts of Medieval York then shop in its world famous Shambles followed by a classic English afternoon tea at Betty's. All of these are possible on our Castle and Cathedrals tours.

Great Ambiance

Pubs and great dining.

Our tours are limited to a small group of twelve. We believe that this allows us to really get to know one another on our tour and to share our love of history, great food, hotels and English pubs.

Fabulous Shopping

We will definitely have many shopping opportunities in all of the locations we visit. Highlights include Canterbury, Bath,  and Oxford.

Have a pint where King Richard the Lionheart assembled his court in Nottingham. The first round is on us at 

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem 

that dates from 1189! 

Learn more about our 2024

Castles and Cathedrals Tours

Wars of the roses - august 15-18, 2024

Richard iii, battlefields.

Villain or Noble King?

Did Richard murder the Princes in the Tower? Let us track the Wars of the Roses and maybe find answers to the Great Medieval Whodunnit

We visit the most important Wars of the Roses battlefield and museum at Bosworth Field. Here you can follow a guided walk on the battlefield and explore the weapons and armour used on the fateful day of August 22, 1485. The tour ends with the Bosworth Medieval Festival for an entire day at Bosworth Field. This is not to be missed!

Cathedrals, Abbeys and Churches

Our tours take you to some of the most important castles in the Wars of the Roses. We visit Warwick Castle, one of the best preserved castles in England and the home of Neville, Earl of Warwick a great baron in the Wars. We also visit castles at Berkeley, York and time permitting at Nottingham.

Our tours head to Tewkesbury Abbey which was the site of a battle inside the church! We also proceed to York, the heart of Richard III's powerbase. We visit York's cathedral, as well as the smaller churches where Robert Beauchamp, the Earl of Warwick is buried.

Incomparable York

York retains much of its medieval charm. The Shambles is its famous shopping area within yards of the cathedral. There is so much to see in this gem of Yorkshire. We will take a guided tour along the castle walls then stop for a traditional English afternoon tea at the famous Betty's.  

Incredible Pubs

The pubs along this tour are exceptional. Starting with Ye Olde Starr Inne built in the early 1600s, The Abbot's Table in Tewkesbury,  and The Old Coffee Tavern steps from Warwick Castle.

Wars of the Roses Tours

britain at war 1939-1945 - June 27- July 1, 2024

Ww2 air show - duxford.

Perhaps the highlight of the tour is the Duxford Air Show. The July aerial extravaganza is dedicated to The Americans. The 2022 exhibition showed many classic WW2 planes including the B17G, P51D, P47D, P40F and others. It is not to be missed and is always sold out. 

Tanks in Action

No student of WW2 can miss the incredible Bovington Tank Museum. Its collection is second to none. Its WW2 collection includes, Tiger I, Tiger II, Jagd-Tiger as well as the M4 Sherman, M26 Pershing and Soviet tanks. The museum also has tanks of WW1 and the Cold War.

The Ultra Secret

Breaking Germany's codes, the Ultra Secret, played an enormous role in the victory over Nazi Germany. Alan Turing (played by Benedict Cumberbatch in The Imitation Game 2014) was central to this battle. We visit Bletchley Park and see where he and the famous Bletchley girls helped win the war.

Blenheim Palace

Winston Churchill held Britain together in its darkest hour. We visit the underground Churchill Cabinet War Rooms in London. See where he conducted the war 'safe' from the bombs and rockets fired in the Blitz. 

We also visit one of England's treasures, Blenheim Palace. Built in 1705-22 it was the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough. The 1st Duke was John Churchill the victor of the Battle of Blenheim. His more famous descendant, Winston Churchill was born here in 1874.

D-Day Museum

The greatest amphibious invasion in history left the ports and airfields of England on June 6, 1944. We discover more about the invasion at the D-Day Museum in Portsmouth, a major port and embarkation point for the armada heading to Normandy. If time permits, we may also visit HMS Victory, Lord Nelson's 104 gun Ship-of-the-Line flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar 1805. 

Britain at War Tours

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Deposits and Payment

• Multi-Day Tour Price is based on double occupancy of hotel rooms.
• Single travellers will be required to pay a supplement of 35% of the Tour Price. 
• A Deposit of 10% of the value of the Multi-Day Tour Price or £50 per person on a Single Day Tour is required to confirm your reservation.
• The Deposit is refundable if a cancellation request is delivered and confirmed by return email at least 120 days prior to the Tour Date.
• The Deposit will not be refundable within 120 days of any Tour Date. 
• The Balance of Payment is due 90 days prior to any Tour Date.
• Payment may be made via PayPal, or accepted credit card, to Historic Tours of England Limited.

Hotel and Room Availability

• All hotels and rooms selected are subject to availability.
• In the unlikely event that a chosen hotel(s) is not available, an alternate hotel(s) in a similar category will be substituted as required.  

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• Please let us know at the time of booking if you have mobility or dietary requirements.
• A modest surcharge may be required based on your particular needs, please see our Reservation Form for more details. 

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The most impressive castles in England

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• best-castles-in-england

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 16.11.2022

Historic attractions abound in our green and pleasant land. There are ornate stately homes, gothic cathedrals and chocolate-box villages at every turn, but among the most impressive examples of heritage are the slew of majestic castles in England .

1. For Harry Potter fans: Alnwick Castle

2. one of the best castles in england — bamburgh castle, 3. leeds castle — a true fairy tale palace, 4. the deeply historical dover castle, 5. for a picturesque english castle — bodiam castle, 6. windsor castle — the oldest castle in england, 7. the commanding warkworth castle, 8. hever castle — the home of anne boleyn, 9. tintagel castle — the birthplace of king arthur, 10. warwick castle — a norman castle in england, 11. lancaster castle — historical site turned modern-day prison.

• 12. Carlisle Castle, Cumbria's mightiest castle

13. The forbidding Lincoln Castle, Lincolnshire

• 14. Highclere Castle of "Downton Abbey"

15. Corfe Castle for a beautiful hill top castle

16. arundel castle: home of the barons hall, 17. framlingham castle — one of the best castles in england, 18. the home of royalty — highcliffe castle.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to England , your essential guide for visiting England .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for England, created by local experts

20 days  / from 3018 USD

The Great British Road Trip

Get ready to explore Britain on this unique self-drive road trip. Choose the car of your liking before you hit the road: from the Cotswolds and its picturesque villages over the Beatle's favorite hang-out in Liverpool to Scotland's capital Edinburgh: this trip includes many highlights to be explored

7 days  / from 1361 USD

Magical 7-Day Family Adventure in Scotland and England : From Harry Potter to Loch Ness!

Searching for an unforgettable family adventure? Scotland is the perfect destination! With a perfect balance of nature, adventure, and Scottish culture. This 7-day trip offers a delightful mix of activities that everyone in the family will enjoy. Get ready to create life long lasting memories!

5 days  / from 643 USD

Refreshing English Countryside Break

Outside of London, England is known with a countryside full of history, picturesque villages, patchwork hills, and winding country roads. Explore the countryside with its castles, parks, and historical cities such as Oxford.

14 days  / from 3248 USD

Walking around vintage England and picturesque Scotland

Visit two traditional capitals, London and Edinburgh, and enjoy a trek through the Loch Lomond national park. This trip will let you discover peaceful Scottish islands by foot, with several days of detailed walking tours included in the trip.

12 days  / from 2894 USD

Hiking in out-of-the way Northern Cornwall

Northern Cornwall is a hiker's paradise and this itinerary includes the most scenic parts. You will start your journey in London with some unique activities to get to know the city, before setting off on a 5-day walk across Cornwall. End your trip in Bath and explore the backdrop of Bridgerton.

12 days  / from 2686 USD

A walking holiday on the Jurassic Coast

Walking the Jurassic Coast is one of the best ways to truly appreciate the spectacular scenery. Walks range from easy to challenging. 6 days walking are included in this itinerary, as is an extensive pre-program in London and a last night back in the capital.

11 days  / from 1298 USD

England Historical Highlights

Discover the highlands of England: From busy London and its Buckingham Palace over historical Oxford to the mysterious Stonehenge. England has plenty to offer and this self-drive itinerary allows you the freedom and flexibility to choose activities to your liking.

8 days  / from 3969 USD

Discover 'All Creatures Great and Small' - England & Scotland

Explore the sets of the TV show "All Creatures Great and Small". The show follows the adventures of a young veterinarian in the Yorkshire Dales during the 1930s. Start in London and make your way up to Yorkshire and then further to Edinburgh in Scotland.

Alnwick Castle , Northumberland, is undoubtedly one of the finest medieval castles in England. It’s owned by the Percys, the Dukes of Northumberland, who have presided over the estate since 1309. More recently, however, the castle found fame as Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter movies.

Take a scenic, coastal tour into the Kingdom of Northumbria and explore the medieval market town of Alnwick's stunning castle and gardens.

Find hotels close to Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle was used in Harry Potter movies © Gail Johnson/Shutterstock

Another Northumbrian gem, Bamburgh Castle , can be found in the little village of the same name . It’s most formidable when seen from the beach, where acres of sky, sea and dunes lead up to the castle’s dramatic setting atop a rocky basalt crag. This impressive medieval castle first appeared in Anglo-Saxon times, but was heavily reconstructed in the nineteenth century.

Discover the Ancient warrior kings of Northumberland, visit Bamburgh Castle, and explore Ad Gefrin, England’s first whiskey distillery on this private guided tour .

Find hotels close to Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle as seen from the beach © Dave Head/Shutterstock

Its reflection shimmering in a lake, the enormous Leeds Castle , Kent, resembles a fairy-tale palace. First built around 1119 AD, it has had a chequered history and is now run as a commercial concern, with a range of paying attractions on the castle grounds including hot-air ballooning, Segway tours and jousting. The name is misleading: you’ll find it in the High Weald of Kent .

Enjoy a full day discovering the treasures of Kent , including visits to romantic Leeds Castle, historic Canterbury Cathedral and the dramatic White Cliffs of Dover.

Find hotels close to Leeds Castle

A misty Leeds Castle - majestic castle in England you should visit © JuliaST/Shutterstock

No historical stone goes unturned at Dover Castle, an astonishingly imposing defensive complex that has protected the English coast for more than two thousand years. In 1068 William the Conqueror built over the earthworks of an Iron Age hillfort here; a century later, Henry II constructed the handsome Great Tower. The castle grounds also include a Roman lighthouse, a Saxon church and a network of secret wartime tunnels.

Join a day trip from London to Kent and take a tour of Dover Castle , the country's largest castle.

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Dover Castle overlooking the English Channel © IVAN VIEITO GARCIA/Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

One of the country’s most picturesque castles, Bodiam castle is a classically stout square block with rounded corner turrets, battlements and a wide moat. When it was built in 1385, it was state-of-the-art military architecture, but fell into neglect until restoration in the last century. The extremely steep spiral staircases will test all but the strongest of thighs.

Travelling around England, check out our list of the best things to do in England .

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Bodiam Castle in East Sussex © Jaroslav Sekeres/Shutterstock

The oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, towering above the town of Windsor in the Berkshire countryside just outside London, Windsor Castle is still important as a ceremonial residence of the Queen. The castle itself is an imposing sight, while inside you can explore the State Apartments and artwork from the Royal Collection.

Discover the royal castle of Windsor, the mysterious standing stone circle of Stonehenge, and the historic university city of Oxford on a full-day tour from London .

Find hotels close to Windsor Castle

The imposing Windsor Castle, one of the Queen's residences © sloukam/Shutterstock

Ruined but well preserved, Warkworth Castle has Norman origins, although the main building was constructed using sandstone during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Take in the view from the north of the hamlet of Warkworth, from where the grey stone terraces of the long main street slope up towards the commanding remains of the Castle.

The Rough Guides to England and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

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Warkworth Castle has commanding views © Craig Duncanson/Shutterstock

The moated Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII, and where Anne of Cleves, Henry’s fourth wife, lived after their divorce. Bought by American millionaire William Waldorf Astor in 1903, it has been assiduously restored in mock Tudor style yet it retains an intimate feel. Outside you can explore Waldorf Astor’s beautiful Italian Garden including a splashy water maze.

Find hotels close to Hever Castle

Hever Castle – once home to Anne Boleyn © Lilly Trott/Shutterstock

Myth and legend surround the desolate ruins of Tintagel Castle, said to be the birthplace of King Arthur. Sited on an islet along a wild and rugged stretch of Cornwall’s coast, the remains of the buildings have nearly all but decayed since it was deserted in the seventeenth century.

Explore Tintagel with our tailor-made 12-day hiking tour to Northern Cornwall .

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The view at Tintagel - ruins of the magical castle in England © Valery Egorov/Shutterstock

This whopping castle standing over the River Avon is well worth visiting. Historians think the first fortress was constructed here by the Saxons, but the most significant expansions were made by the Normans and later in the nineteenth century. Save time to explore the extensive grounds, too.

Explore Shakespeare’s birthplace and enjoy some time to explore Stratford-Upon-Avon. Have an extended visit of Warwick Castle and be part of a British medieval experience.

Find hotels close to Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle, overlooking the River Avon © David Steele/Shutterstock

From the dungeons to the ornate courtrooms, Lancaster Castle is a historical tour-de-force. Defences have been sited high above the river here since Roman times, and the building served as a working prison right up until 2011. Engaging guided tours bring the castle’s history to life.

Find hotels close to Lancaster Castle

Lancaster Castle — one of the best castles in England © Steve Allen/Shutterstock

12. Carlisle Castle, Cumbria's mightiest castle

Cumbria’s mightiest castle dominates the county capital Carlisle, were it has stood for over nine hundred years. Among its claims to fame is that it was where Elizabeth I held Mary Queen of Scots captive in 1568. Climb the battlements for great views over the town.

If you are planning to visit Cumbria in winter read our guide about best winter walking in the Lake District .

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Carlisle Castle - medieval castle in Lake District © stocksolutions/Shutterstock

Intact and forbidding, Lincoln Castle ’s walls incorporate bits and pieces from the twelfth to the nineteenth centuries, with a wall walkway offering great views over town. Recently the former debtors’ prison has been revamped to exhibit several rare documents, most notably one of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta.

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Lincoln Castle - where you can see a rare copy of the Magna Carta © Peter R Foster IDMA/Shutterstock

14. Highclere Castle of "Downton Abbey"

Tucked away in the northern reaches of Hampshire, 20 miles north of Winchester, Highclere Castle will be very familiar to fans of hit period drama, Downton Abbey , which is filmed here. Home to Lord Carnarvon and his family, the house is approached via a long drive that winds through a stunning 5,000-acre estate, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens designed by Capability Brown.

Explore Downton village and Downton Abbey and relive aristocratic life of a century ago.

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Highclere Castle – otherwise known as Downtown Abbey © Alice-D/Shutterstock

The romantic castle ruins crowning the hill behind the village of Corfe Castle are perhaps the most evocative in England. The family seat of Sir John Bankes, Attorney General to Charles I, this Royalist stronghold withstood a Cromwellian siege for six weeks, gallantly defended by Lady Bankes.

One of her own men, Colonel Pitman, eventually betrayed the castle to the Roundheads, after which it was reduced to its present gap-toothed state by gunpowder. Apparently the victorious Roundheads were so impressed by Lady Bankes’ courage that they allowed her to take the keys to the castle with her.

Dorset is one of the most picturesque places in England. Find more beautiful English landscapes in our guide to the most beautiful places in England .

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Corfe Castle – site of a dramatic battle in the English Civil War © Kevin Standage/Shutterstock

Despite its medieval appearance, much of what you see of Arundel Castle is comparatively new, the result of a series of lavish reconstructions from 1718 onwards, after the original Norman structure was badly damaged during the Civil War.

Inside the main castle, highlights include the impressive Barons Hall and the library, which has paintings by Gainsborough, Holbein and Van Dyck. On the edge of the castle grounds, the fourteenth-century Fitzalan Chapel houses tombs of past dukes of Norfolk. Nearby, the Collector Earl’s Garden is a playfully theatrical take on a Jacobean garden, with exotic planting, and pavilions, obelisks and urns made from green oak rather than stone.

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Arundel Castle in Arundel City, West Sussex, England © AdobeStock

The crenellations of Framlingham Castle cut a classic shape at the top of Church Street. The castle dates from the twelfth century, and was built by the Bigod dynasty later becoming the seat of the dukes of Norfolk. It’s little more than a shell inside, but the stone curtain wall, with its thirteen towers, has survived almost intact, a splendid example of medieval military architecture, many of them topped by elegant Tudor brick chimney stacks.

You can get good views of the castle from the outside by following the footpaths that lead around the moat and down to and around the lake or “mere” below, where you can see across the valley to Framlingham College.

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Medieval Castle of Framlingham, England © AdobeStock

Highcliffe Castle was built in 1831-1836 and is the epitome of Lord Stuart de Rothesay's imagination. In the years since it was built, kings and queens, princes and princesses have stayed here.

In the early 1950s it was briefly an orphanage, after which the building was used as a seminary to train students for the priesthood. Just before the students left, tragedy struck: a fire engulfed the Great Hall. An even more devastating fire broke out the following year. For two decades the castle stood in ruins, exposed to the weather and vandals.

Today the castle has been restored thanks to government funding and is open to the public. It now hosts weddings, fairs, exhibitions and plays throughout the year. The Highcliffe Castle is a treasure in the heart of the community and a popular tourist attraction.

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Highcliffe castle in Dorset © Shutterstock

For more travel inspiration check out our guide about the best road trips in the UK .

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to England without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

Ready for a trip to England ? Check out the snapshot The Rough Guide to England or The Rough Guide to Great Britain . If you travel further in England , read more about the best time to go , the best places to visit and best things to do in England. For inspiration use the England itineraries from The Rough Guide to England and our local travel experts . A bit more hands on, learn about getting there , getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.

We may earn commission from some of the external websites linked in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Top image © D K Grove/Shutterstock

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28 Best Castles In England To Visit

Are you a castle lover heading to England? Here’s my guide to the 28 best castles in England to put on your bucket list.

I must admit I’m a little obsessed with castles, and England is the perfect place for castle stalking. The country is blessed with scores of fairytale castles, both massive and petite.

Many of these English castles are UNESCO World Heritages sites or heritage monuments. They come complete with intriguing backstories, having set the stage for family feuds and pivotal events in British history.

Some of these English castles are in ruins. Others are well preserved medieval edifices. All of them boast picturesque settings — clinging to cliffs, rocky outcrops, or set amid shimmering moats.

On a visit to these amazing castles in England, you’ll step back in time and have a royal day out. Many of these castles make great day trips from London .

History Of Best Castles In England

Castle building in England began in earnest after the Norman Conquest in 1066. William the Conqueror used them both for defense and as a symbol of Norman power.

The first castles were wooden “motte and bailey” designs. This meant a wooden keep was built on a raised mound (the motte) with an enclosed courtyard (the bailey). The “keep” was the center and most fortified part of the castle.

Soon enough, wooden castles gave way to stone castles with elaborate gatehouses, towers, and curtain walls. Towers were of supreme importance. They were used to fire weapons, sling arrows, or pour boiling liquids down on the invading enemy through “murder holes.”

Some castles fell into ruins. Sometimes they remained in ruins because their strategic value had diminished or because the owners couldn’t afford to rebuild them.

In the Tudor era, comfort became more important than defense and castles were given less fearsome facades. Many castles became royal property with lavish interiors more akin to palaces.

Long after these castles in England ceased to have a practical defensive function, they were often kept by their owners for sentimental or historic reasons. Some, like Windsor Castle , are still in use.

Despite their sometimes violent past, many of these English castles are the epitome of romance.

If you are not a resident in England and want to visit several castles, you may benefit from buying an  English Heritage Pass for Overseas Visitors . This pass is valid at over 100 properties and is available for 9 or 16 days.

Best Castles In England To Visit

Here are my picks for the 28 best castles in England. I’ve put them in alphabetical order for ease of reference. So cue up your dreamy sighs and let’s explore some amazing English castles.

1. Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

Alnwick is one of the best known castles in England. It’s popular partly for its fame as a Harry Potter filming location.

Alnwick is the seat of the Dukes of Northumberland and is England’s second largest inhabited castle (after Windsor).

The de Veschy family began building the castle in the 12th century. It was one of the first castles without a square keep. When the family line died out, the Percy family claimed the castle.

The first Percy transformed the defensive castle into an even more formidable stronghold and palatial residence. He and his son built the massive towers on each side of the keep’s entrance.

The Percys were intertwined with important events in British history. Hotspur Percy helped Henry Bolingbrook ascend to the throne as Henry IV and became guardian of his son, a young Henry V.

Alnwick Castle also has a spectacular garden renovated by the current duchess. It’s home to over 4,000 species of plants, orchards, pathways, ponds, and the Grand Cascade fountain.

Alnwick Castle starred as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the 2001 film Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and the 2002 film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets . The Outer Bailey is where Harry learned to fly a broomstick.

You can visit Alnwick Castle on a guided day trip from Edinburgh .

2. Arundel Castle, West Sussex

The town of Arundel is home to one of the best medieval castles in England.  Arundel Castle  is 1,000 years old.

For centuries, it was the seat of the Earls of Arundel. Since Richard III’s reign, it’s been the Duke of Norfolk’s principal home.

The castle fell into ruin in the mid 17th century after the English Civil War between parliamentarians and royalists. It was later rescued and restored in the 18th and 19th centuries. 

The castle follows much the same plan as Windsor Castle. It has a central moat and two baileys to the north and south, curtained with thick walls. 

While, it looks medieval, Arundel was actually restored in a Norman style in the Victorian era. So it’s a bit ersatz.

If you climb up the steps of the keep, you’ll have a spectacular view of the River of Arun, the sea, and the town itself.

Arundel Castle also has some magnificent gardens to explore. If you plan to visit in the spring, you can admire the 60,000 tulips that bloom on the property.

In 2021, thieves broke into the castle and made off with artifacts valued at over $1.4 million, including the enameled rosary beads carried by Mary Queen of Scots at her execution in 1587.

You can combine a visit to Arundel castle with the romantic Amberley Castle, just 4 miles down the road. Fortified in the 14th century, Amberley has a dramatic 60 foot wall and twin tower gatehouse.

The castle is privately owned, but you can stay overnight in unabashed luxury by booking one of 15 rooms in the manor house, tower, or Bishop’s Hall.

3. Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

The history of Bamburgh Castle dates back to 420 A.D., when it was a Roman citadel. This makes it one of the oldest and best castles in England to visit.

Situated on a hill overlooking the North Sea, Bamburgh remained an impregnable fortress and royal stronghold for around 400 years. It was intended to stave off Scottish invaders and Viking raids.

The castle’s great keep was the work of Henry II. In the 15th century War of the Roses, Bamburgh became the first castle to be ever defeated by artillery, a new weapon of war.

By the 16th century, the castle was in ruins with only the keep intact. Lord Armstrong bought the castle in the Victorian era and began a massive renovation.

Nowadays, you can head inside to explore the staterooms, grounds, and the magnificent beach it looks over. There are 14 rooms open to the public with over 3,000 artifacts and exhibits. The King’s Hall is the most impressive room, with an intricate wooden ceiling.

4. Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire

Belvoir Castle is a romantic mock castle in England with an interesting 1,000 year history. It’s a romantic amalgam of architectural styles that make it movie set pretty. And, in fact, Belvoir doubled as Windsor Castle in season 3 of The Crown and in Young Victoria .

The name “Belvoir” translates to “beautiful view.” But the castle’s name is actually pronounced “Beever.”

The first castle on the site was built after William the Conqueror’s ascension to the throne. Belvoir was then in the hands of the Albini and de Roos family for centuries.

The castle was damaged in the War of the Roses. The first Earl of Rutherford got rid of the medieval remnants and turned it into a Tudor manor home.

That castle was then destroyed twice and rebuilt, for the final time, in the Victorian era in a Regency style. Queen Victoria was one of the castle’s many illustrious guests.

A must see room inside is the Regent’s Gallery. It displays Gobelin tapestries that once belonging to Louis XIV of France. The tapestries tell the story of Dion Quixote. 

5. Bodiam Castle , East Sussex

Bodiam Castle  is one of England’s true storybook castles. It’s a square fortress completely surrounded by a large lake-like moat. 

Built in the 14th century by the wealthy Sir Edward Dallingridge, Bodiam is one of the last medieval castles in Britain. It has a perfect symmetry with stout drum towers at each corner and crenellated walls. Conceived as a courtyard castle, it has unusually open middle grounds.

Like many castles of this period, Bodiam combined a fearsome facade with luxury elements. There were big rooms, toilets, and fireplaces.

By the 17th century, Bodiam was a celebrated and romantic ivy clad ruin. The exterior was restored in the 19th century. 

You can take the free guided tour or explore each nook and turret on your own. There’s a parking lot on site and you pay at the kiosk.

Bodiam Castle offers free tours that occur almost every day and give a brief history of the castle. The tours start at 12:15 pm and 2:15 pm and last around 35-45 minutes. 

6. Camber Castle, East Sussex

Camber Castle is a one mile walk from the picturesque town of Rye in Kent. It’s also known as Winchelsea Castle.

It’s a 16th century Henry VIII “gun fort” built in the shape of a flower. It was built to defend Rye Harbor against French attacks.

The castle lies in ruins. You can’t go inside, but you can admire the atmospheric exterior.

7. Colchester Castle, Essex

Colchester Castle was built in the 11th century and has the largest keep of any castle in England. It was built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, linking the Normans with the glory of Rome .

Today, it’s more museum than castle. But the Castle Museum is well worth the visit.

It houses important archaeological artifacts covering 2,500 years of history, including the most important Roman finds in Britain. The most famous piece is the Sheepen Cauldron, a huge and mysterious vessel dating from the Bronze Age in the 2nd century B.C.

An interactive tablet also shows you how the castle would have looked in its heyday.

8. Corfe Castle, Dorset

The once powerful Corfe Castle now lies in jagged ruins. This English castle was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and destroyed in the English Civil War.

Corfe was an important castle in England. Its location gave William access to southern coast and his homeland. Unlike other Norman castles, it was built out of stone, not wood, further underscoring its importance.

After William, Corfe Castle was a favorite of John and Henry III, who built curtain wall, towers, and a gloriette (a castle within a castle). It remained in royal hands until Elizabeth I sold it to one of her favorite courtiers. In 1635, Sir John Bankes bought the caste.

In 1642, the English Civil War broke out, pitting parliamentarians against royalists. Lady Bankes held out against the parliamentarians until she was betrayed by one of her own officers. As punishment, Corfe Castle was destroyed.

When the monarchy was restored in 1660, Corfe Castle was returned to the Bankes family. But they chose not to rebuild it. In 1982, they bequeathed the castle to the National Trust.

Today, you can wander through the picturesque archways and explore the west bailey, the oldest surviving section of the castle.

9. Deal Castle, Kent

Built in 1539-40, Deal Castle was the largest of Henry VIII’s “gun forts.” It was built to protect England’s southern coast against the threat of invasion from France and the Holy Roman Empire. The castle was funded by Henry’s dissolution of the monasteries after the Reformation.

Deal Castle has a large central keep with six huge round bastions and an outer moat. It was meant to appear menacing, and it looks almost extraterrestrial.

In total, the castle features 66 firing positions. When viewed from the air, the castle takes on the sexfoil pattern of the Tudor rose.

Deal was famous as the spot where Henry’s fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, landed when she came to England in 1539.

The castle’s information center gives you a good history of the castle and Henry’s military strategies. There are beautiful coastal views from the top of the bastions.

10. Dover Castle, Kent

Dover Castle  is awesome in scope and size. Medievalists will be delighted by one of the oldest and best castles in England.

The first fortification on the site dates from the Iron Age. The strength of Dover’s position on the sea was so impressive that even Julius Caesar said it was “no place to attempt a landing” when he attacked England. The Romans further fortified it and then the Saxons moved in.

One of the greatest Norman monarchs, Henry II, built the imposing 12th century keep you see today. He was determined to keep England safe from France, which was just 17 miles away. Dover was a formidable castle the likes of which had never been seen before.

The central keep was 80 feet tall and the walls 100 feet long. The inner wall had 14 towers to accommodate archers.

The castle was never breached, though Prince Louis of France almost succeeded in 1216. You’ll find a multi-media exhibition dramatizing the event.

After that close call, Henry III improved Dover’s fortifications once again. He also added the great hall and royal accommodations.

Much of what you see today is unchanged from that era. The castle could take all day to explore, if you wanted to poke into every nook and cranny.

The castle’s highlight is the central keep with its Great Hall, royal chambers, and private chapel. 

The Constable’s Gateway is also impressive, with a labyrinth of tunnels that were important to medieval defense and served as an operations center during WWII. You’ll see examples of Medieval and Tudor arms and weaponry.

You can visit Dover castle along with the town of Canterbury on a guided day tour from London . You can also check out my complete guide to spending one day in Dover on a day trip from London .

11. Hastings Castle, East Sussex

Hastings Castle is an 11th century ruined castle built by William the Conqueror after landing in England. With a good harbor and site at the end of a peninsula, it was easy to defend.

The building of the castle is depicted in the famed Bayeux tapestry, which chronicles the events leading up to William’s invasion of France.

From this stronghold, William rampaged through southeast England, leading a campaign of intentional destruction and looting.

All the remains of the historic castle is a few walls and crumbling stone structures.

Because it’s perched high on a steep cliff, Hastings is not the easiest castle to visit. The only way up is via a steep staircase or funicular.

While visiting Hastings, you can watch 1066 Story , a 20 minute film on the fascinating history of the castle and the battles that decided England’s fate.

12. Herstmonceaux, East Sussex

Like Bodiam Castle, Herstmonceaux Castle was built to stave off possible French invasion. The 15th century castle is really more manor house than craggy castle.

Still, the castle has a battlements, a moat, and 300 acres of lovely gardens and woodland. The Elizabeth Garden is the most exquisite, with its rambling roses and daisies.

The red brick exterior is original, but the interior has been completely remodeled.

13. Hever Castle, Kent

If you’re a Tudor enthusiast, Hever Castle is one of the best castles to visit in England. Hever is a petite double-moated castle with a craggy romantic visage that’s largely unaltered by time.

It’s famously linked to the ill-fated royal couple, Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII . Their story is a fascinating one, one of the most dramatic in English history.

Hever was the childhood home of Anne, Henry’s second wife. It’s also linked to Henry’s fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, who was installed there after Henry divorced her in favor of Anne.

On a visit to Hever Castle, you can walk in the footsteps of these famous Tudor monarchs. And you can admire the castle’s medieval keep and gatehouse, Tudor rooms, original portraits, and exquisite gardens. 

The award-winning gardens are set over 125 acres. The peerless Italian Garden is the highlight of the castle gardens. It’s the setting for a collection of classical statuary from Roman to Renaissance times. 

You can also row boats on the 38 acre lake, wander through yew and water mazes, sniff roses, or try your hand at archery. There’s even an open water swimming course.

Here’s my complete guide to Hever Castle . You can get to Hever Castle from London on several guided day tours:

• a  full day guided Tudor tour of Hever Castle and Hampton Court Palace
• a  private half day tour to Hever Castle
• or a  6-8 tour of Hever Castle and Garden

14. Highclere Castle, Hampshire

Highclere Castle  is the country seat of the Earl of Carnarvon and one of England’s best and most beautiful castles. The stunning 300 room castle is most famous, though, as the real life  Downton Abbey from the hit British period TV series. 

Originally built in 1679, the castle was remodeled in the 1840s by the same architect who designed the Houses of Parliament in London. Famous landscape architect Capability Brown designed the gardens.

Royalty, politicians, famous writers, and film stars have stayed at Highclere Castle.

The current Earl’s family has been living on the estate since 1679. The Carnarvon are a busy lot. They’ve been involved in the founding of Canada, the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt, scandalous affairs, and sordid court cases.

The main things to see are the State Rooms, the Egyptian Exhibition, and the gardens.

The castle is open seasonally, so check opening dates on the website before planning a visit.

Highclere has some special events throughout the year, including an Easter Egg Hunt, Afternoon Tea, and various Christmas events. These events sell out quickly, so you should pre-book tickets online in advance.

The easiest way to get to Highclere is by car.

If you’d rather take a guided tour, this one includes a  visit to Highclere Castle and other  Downton Abbey  filming locations . You can also book a guided tour from London that combines  Highclere and Stonehenge .

15. Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire

Kenilworth Castle was once the seats of medieval nobles. Today, the former castle lies in a heap of evocative ruins.

But what lovely ruins they are for ruin lusters. This is a place where your imagination can run wild.

Kenilworth has a compelling history and a colorful cast of characters. Sir Geoffrey de Clinton began work on the castle in 1122. But he didn’t hold it for long.

Henry II confiscated it to defend himself against his rebellious son. The king’s other son, King John, added a curtain wall and three defensive towers. He was later forced to surrender the castle as proof of his intent to comply with the Magna Carta.

When Henry III ascended the throne, he grabbed Kenilworth back and gave it to his sister and her husband Simon de Montfort. Bad move.

Montfort was angered by Henry’s chipping away at noble rights and soon led a rebellion. He lost in one of the most famous sieges of the Middle Ages.

After this battle, violence gave way to a more genteel castle. The Lancastrians took ownership, gussied up the place, and built a Great Hall. Under Henry IV, the castle officially became a royal residence.

Kenilworth’s swan song came when Elizabeth I gave the castle to her favorite courtier, Robert Dudley. He built enormous guest quarters to accommodate and delight the queen and her entourage on her famous visit in 1575. After that, the castle went into decline through disinterest and abuse.

Today, you can stroll the castle grounds and reconstruct its history. Take a walk along the curtain wall and see Mortimer’s Tower and Water Tower (the best preserved bit from the 13th century).

Near the Water Tower is Leicester’s Stables, which houses an exhibit on the castle’s history. Admire the gatehouse and then venture into the inner court.

Inside, you can admire the ruins of a Norman keep with turrets. You can see balls imbedded in the walls that date from the great siege of 1266. You can also visit the former Great Hall, ascend the Strong Tower for views, and see the ruins of Dudley’s buildings for Elizabeth.

16. Leeds Castle, Kent

Leeds Castle  is one of Britain’s best and most beautiful castles. The castle has a picturesque island setting on a lake in the wooded countryside of Kent.

Leeds’ history is no less romantic. Leeds Castle has been a Norman Stronghold, a Royal Palace, and the stately home of an American heiress. 

Today, you can visit the New Castle, the 13th century Gloriette tower, Maiden’s Tower, and the extensive grounds and gardens.

The castle was a royal residence until Tudor times and known as the “Ladies Castle.” Seven queens lived at Leeds. 

The castle was also a favorite abode of Henry VIII, who shuttled his ex-wife Catherine to live there permanently after their divorce. 

With Henry’s deep pockets, he lavished improvements on it, transforming Leeds from castle to royal palace. He added grand reception rooms, suites of rooms in the Gloriette, the graceful Maiden’s Tower, expensive glass, and fireplaces.

Thereafter, the castle fell into ruins. In 1926, American heiress Olive Paget (later Lady Baillie) purchased the castle. She saved it from centuries of neglect and restored it to medieval perfection.

You’ll be dazzled by its pristine landscaping, tasteful period furniture, and collection of medieval memorabilia.

The highlight is the Gloriette. You can visit the Banqueting Hall, the royal bedrooms, and climb the 16th century spiral staircase.

The castle is set on 500 acres of park land, landscaped by Capability Brown. The gardens include the Culpepper Garden, the Princess Alexandra Gardens, and the Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden.

Children will enjoy the mazes, the duckery, the aviary, and the archery station.

For more information, here’s my complete guide to visiting Leeds castle . In high season, you should  pre-book a skip the line ticket  for the castle. It’s a bit pricey, but good for an entire year.

There are also guided sightseeing tours from London that stop at Leeds Castle. Here are some options: 

• 1 0 hour tour combining Leeds, Canterbury, and Dover
• 11 hour tour combi ni ng Leeds, Canterbury, and Greenwich
• 8 hour private t o ur to Leeds and Canterbury

Leeds Castle is also one of the few castles where you can stay overnight in the lap of luxury and feel like a royal. There are traditional cottages and bed and breakfasts available to book, including:

• Weir Cottage  ( 1 bedroom)
• The Oast  (3 bedroom)
• Stable Courtyard  (bed & breakfast)
• Maiden’s Tower  (bed & breakfast)
• Holiday Cottages

17. Leicester Castle, Leicestershire

Leicester Castle played a pivotal role in the English history. The first iteration of the castle was built just after the Norman conquest in 1066.

By the reign of Henry I, the castle had passed into the hands of the Earl of Leicester. In 1150, he set about improving the defensive structure and built a great medieval hall.

Unfortunately, Henry II sacked the castle in 1173 to squelch a rebellion. Only the Great Hall survived.

Simon de Montfort rebuilt the castle and, in the great hall, held the first English parliamentary session. But royalist forces caught up to de Montfort. He was killed and the castle passed to the Earl of Lancaster, who transformed the stronghold into a primary Lancastrian residence.

During the late 15th century, the castle was still occasionally used as a royal residence — Henry IV, Henry V, Henry VI, and Edward IV all stayed there.

Despite taking a beating during subsequent battles, two important medieval structures remain onsite: the Great Hall and the ancient Church of St. Mary de Castro.

The 12th century Great Hall is believed to be the oldest surviving castle hall with a bay, aisles, and timber roof in all of Europe. The church was the castle’s lavish chapel.

Unfortunately, the interior of Leicester Castle is mostly inaccessible, open only on special event days or Heritage Sundays . You can also attend mass at the church.

READ : One Day In Leicester Itinerary

18. Ludlow Castle, Shropshire

Ludlow Castle has been dubbed the “the very perfection of decay,” so ruin lusters will think it’s one of the best castles in England.

The de Lacy family began building Ludlow in the 11th century. You can see remnants of their efforts in the gatehouse, keep, and Norman chapel. The chapel’s unique round nave, associated with the Knights Templar , still stands.

The castle came into the hands of the de Genevieve family in the 13th century and the infamous Roger Mortimer in the 14th century.

Mortimer was the secret lover of Queen Isabella and implicated in the murder of Edward II. When he grew too powerful, he was executed. The tower named for him, Mortimer’s Tower, has a semi-circular design and still stands in the bailey.

In 1461, Ludlow became a royal castle and would stay that way for the next three centuries. Edward IV’s son, Edward, was sent to live there. When his father died, he traveled to London.

But Richard III imprisoned the presumptive new king and his brother Richard in the Tower of London and they disappeared, while Richard was crowned king.

Did Richard murder the princes? It’s one of England’s most famous legends and mysteries. Even today, the fate of the princes is uncertain.

The last royal Ludlow occupant was Arthur, the son of Henry VIII, who died there. After that, the castle was abandoned and fell into the well-preserved medieval ruins you see today.

The Earl of Powis purchased Ludlow in the early 19th century. The family invested heavily to halt its decline and allow it to open as a tourist attraction. Make sure to climb up the tower for the best views over the picturesque Shropshire town of Ludlow.

19. Pevensey Castle, East Sussex

Pevensey Castle is one of the oldest castles in England. Some scholars call it the first Norman castle in history.

Pevensey is where it all began. It was here that William the Conqueror landed to claim the throne of England in 1066.

The crumbling ruins of the castle stand high on a hill with sweeping views of the English Cannel. In its heyday, Pevensey was an impregnable fortress that never fell to assault during its turbulent history.

After the Conqueror landed, he converted an ancient defensive fort into a motte and bailey castle. Later, the Earl of Richmond built a tall curtain wall and towers.

In the 15th century, the castle was abandoned. What you see today are the remains of the impressive curtain walls, the ruins of a medieval building in the inner bailey, and a 13th century gatehouse with dungeons.

Legend holds that the ghost of Lady Pelham walks the outer walls of the castle at night. She was the wife of the castle constable.

20. Raby Castle, Durham

Raby Castle is one of the finest intact medieval castles in England.

Built in the 14th century by the powerful Neville family, it has a storied history. Raby was home to Cecily Neville, the mother of two kings of England.

It was the the scene of plotting and a parliamentary stronghold during the English Civil War. When that rebellion failed, the castle was forfeited to the crown.

Originally moated and accessed via a drawbridge, Raby was built as a palace fortress. It boasts a sequence of massive towers linked by curtain walls.

Inside, the castle has Medieval, Regency and Victorian interiors. The entrance hall has tall Gothic vaulted ceilings, a massive fireplace, and armory decorating the walls.

The Baron’s Hall was where much of the civil war machinations took place. Today, you can admire an art collection and a beautiful Neo-Gothic beamed ceiling.

The castle’s distinctive blue kitchen is really a pretty space. Dating to the 14th century, it has a collection of Victorian copper cooking utensils

Raby Castle offers 1 hour guided hours . You’ll get an informative history of the castle during its heyday, from the medieval Neville family up to the Vane family who still owns the castle today. You’ll hear tales of family disputes and the many royal visitors that Raby has hosted.

Raby is also a popular filming location. The castle doubled as the temporary Royal Family residence in the new  Downton Abbey  film. It was also featured in film Elizabeth  (1998) and the popular drama series  Victoria  (2016-19).

21. Rochester Castle, Kent

Rochester Castle  has one of England’s best preserved Norman keeps. Dating from the 12th century, it’s also one of the tallest at 113 feet high. 

The castle is just a shell now, but still steeped in history. William the Conquerer granted the castle to his half brother Odo, who built a strong motte and bailey castle. He was a powerful and clever man, but was brought down by his own ambition.

Odo made a bid for the crown in 1082. But lost a siege of Rochester Castle and was banished from England.

The present day castle dates from 1127. For almost a century, it remained in the hands of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Later, barons rebelling against King John (the evil king from the Robin Hood tales) stole the castle. John took them down in a long, slow siege where the resistors were starved to death.

Rochester Castle was damaged during Simon de Montfort’s rebellion and again in the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381. Later kings weren’t enamored with the ancient keep and it fell into ruins, although the outer keep was preserved.

You can enter the keep and, if you are game, tackle the steep spiral staircase to the top of the battlements for views of the countryside. 

22. Rockingham Castle, North Hamptonshire

Rockingham Castle is a former royal castle and hunting lodge in Rockingham Forest. Rockingham has been the home of the Watson family since the 16th century. Before that, it was a royal enclave for 500 years.

Fortifications have been on the site since the Iron Age. The Romans and Saxons were there. William the Conqueror built the first castle after the Norman Conquest.

Rockingham is known for its sprawling hunting grounds and beautiful countryside views. This made it a favorite of medieval monarchs.

By the 15th century, the castle was no longer in favor. Henry III sold it to Edward Watson in 1533.

Unlike many castles in England, Rockingham still has vestiges of its medieval past. The castle’s Norman walls are partially intact, as is the 1290 gatehouse.

Inside, the Great Hall is filled with some important Tudor portraits, including one of Jane Seymour (Henry VIII’s favorite wife) and of Elizabeth I surrounded by her councilors.

The Long Gallery has some of finest paintings and furniture in the Castle. There are 18 acres of gardens with a 400 year old “elephant hedge.”

23. Sissinghurst Castle, Kent

Just 40+ minutes from Hever,  Sissinghurst Castle  is a National Trust property and major highlight for garden lovers.

Laid out in the 1930s, the castle boasts one of the world’s greatest 20th century romantic gardens. 

Former owner and writer Vita Sackville-West designed the gardens to look like rooms of a house. Each one has its own color scheme and theme.

The gardens are most beautiful in spring.

24. St. Michael’s Mount, Cornwall

1,600 feet from the Cornish coast in Mount’s Bay is a small tidal island called St. Michael’s Mount . It’s reminiscent of France’s Mont Saint-Michel . Often overlooked, it really is one of the best English castles.

The castle is accessible on foot via a cobblestone causeway that resurfaces during low tide or by small boat transfer.

During a history that began in the 12th century, St. Michael’s Mount has been a priory, fortress, place of pilgrimage, and, finally, the private home to the St Aubyn family.

In 1954, the St. Aubyns partnered with the National Trust to open the castle to the public. As you pass through the medieval doors, you can tour the armory, the Gothic drawing room, and a 14th century church.

The castle also boasts some exotic terraced gardens. In the summertime, the castle’s lit up to appear as if it’s floating in mid air on a calm sea.

25. Tonbridge Castle, Kent

Tonbridge Castle is one of England’s most authentic medieval   castle, standing guard (rather menacingly) over the market town of Tonbridge in Kent. 

After being gifted the plot by William the Conqueror, Richard Fitz Gilbert built a wooden motte and bailey castle on the site. But Fitz Gilbert backed Odo against William in the civil war of 1088. William laid siege to Tonbrige and it fell.

Nonetheless, Fitz Gilbert’s son, Gilbert de Clare, became fast friends with William and rebuilt a stone castle.

In the late 13th century, another de Clare, the notorious “Red Earl,” built the mammoth 5 story gatehouse. The structure contained guard rooms, a great banqueting hall, and living quarters.

Today, you can enter the gatehouse and explore the great hall, winding stairs, and basement. Climb the battlements for breathtaking views across the town.

If you’re a fan of Madame Tussaud’s, you’ll love Tonbridge. Life size wax figures are scattered through the castle to give you slices of life from the Middle Ages. You can also get the complete scoop with the castle’s audio guide.

READ : One Week In Kent Itinerary

26. Tower of London, London

After Warwick Castle, the Tower of London is the second most popular castle in England. The Tower is also the most famous, with 900 years of history and blood. 

It has served as a royal palace, a fortress, an infamous prison, a mint, a military storehouse, a treasury, home to the Crown Jewels, an armory, a public records office, a royal observatory, and a royal zoo. Even as a place of execution. 

You will be blissfully immersed in the various successions of the Edwards, the Richards, and the Henrys.

It was here that Richard II abdicated, Henry IV was crowned, Henry VI was imprisoned (and possibly murdered), the princes of Edward IV were imprisoned, and Anne Boleyn was both crowned and executed.

William the Conqueror built the first version of the tower. In 1078, he authorized construction of what is now known as the White Tower, which took almost 20 years to build.

Over the centuries, Henry III and Edward I   expanded William’s fortress. They added huge curtain walls with a series of smaller towers and enlarged the moat. Medieval kings and queens added luxurious apartments. 

Here’s my complete guide to visiting the Tower of London . If you loathe queues, be sure to purchase a skip the ticket in advance .

The Tower is also free with the  London Pass , which you will likely want to purchase if you’re in London for several days.

For a more in depth experience, you may want to book your own tour with an expert. I’ve taken this  3 hour guided tour  and it was excellent. If you’re traveling with your family, check out this special  3 hour guided tour  for kids.

27. Warwick Castle, Warwickshire

Warwick Castle is one of the most significant castles in English history and the most visited castle in England. Your first glimpse will take your breath away.

The legendary Warwick Castle shaped 900 years of British history. The castle was built by a king. In 1449, it passed into the hands of the warmongering Duke of Warwick, Richard “the Kingmaker” Neville.

The castle was the backdrop for one the most famous dynastic conflicts in England, the War of the Roses . It was an epic battle for the throne between the House of York and the House of Lancaster.

The wealthy Kingmaker played chess with his Yorkist cousins, backing the monarch who best served his interests at the time. At one point, he imprisoned Edward IV in Warwick Castle and attempted to rule as uncrowned king.

After his defeat at the Battle of Barnet, the castle eventually landed in the hands of John Dudley, an ally of Edward IV. He claimed the earldom, but then lost his head when he tried to promote Lady Jane Grey to to the throne.

With that rich history as a backdrop, you will love visiting Warwick Castle and there’s a tremendous amount to see.

Warwick is everything you’d expect in a storied fairytale castle – crenellated turrets, moats, and dungeons. You’ll want to walk the 127 feet tall high walls and climb Caesar’s Tower, the most majestic of the castle’s three primary towers.

Displays in the castle are also stellar. There is a magnificent Great Hall.

You’ll also see period furnishings, extraordinary life-like waxwork models, the state rooms, and reenactments that aim to give you insight into what life was like in a medieval castle.

The castle also prides itself on bringing history to life. The exhibition on “a day in the life of Richard Neville” is quite good. But other exhibitions make the castle seem a bit Disney-fied.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting Warwick Castle . Click  here  to book a skip the line ticket.

From London, you can book a  self guided tour that includes train and entry tickets or a  private guided tour from London .

28. Windsor Castle, Berkshire

Windsor Castle is a striking 11th century castle that’s the official home of the royal family. This is my favorite castle in England and a must visit for history buffs.

Windsor Castle’s history is deep indeed. By legend, Sir Aurther and his knights of the Round Table met regularly in Windsor. William the Conqueror was the first builder, making Windsor one of his “ring around London” castles meant to subdue the city.

The castle is the longest occupied royal residence in the world. It’s been the symbol of the monarchy for 1,000 years. The castle was expanded by Henry II, Edward III, and Henry VIII.

Later, George III and George IV redesigned interior portions of the castle, wiping away some of its medieval roots.

You enter the castle through St. George’s Gate. At the castle, you can see the sprawling grounds, take the “long walk,” admire lavish royal staterooms and apartments, and visit a magnificent Perpendicular Gothic chapel. 

St. George’s Chapel is simply gorgeous. It’s the place to pay homage to ancient dead kings, including the infamous Henry VIII. The chapel is also the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, England’s most prestigious club.

Not only is Windsor an authentic medieval castle, it’s home to some of the finest and most famous paintings in the British Royal Collection . You’ll find master works from English portraitists, the Northern Renaissance, the Italian Renaissance, and the Baroque eras.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting Windsor Castle . Click  here  to book a skip the line admission ticket. If you want to see the changing the guard, visit on Thursday or Saturday.

Windsor Castle is also included in the  London Pass , if you have that card. Windsor is easy to reach from London. You can also book a guided half day tour to Windsor from London . 

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best castles in England. You may enjoy these other England travel guides and resources:

• 3 Day Itinerary for London
• 5 Day Itinerary for London
• Hidden Gems in London
• 30 Day Trips from London
• Tourist Traps To Avoid in London
• Best Museums in London
• One Day In Canterbury Itinerary
• One Day in Oxford Itinerary
• One Day In Stratford-upon-Avon
• Harry Potter Places in London
• Guide to Westminster Abbey
• Guide to St. Paul’s Cathedra l

If you’d like to visit England’s best castles, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on June 14, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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Enjoy the royal treatment in Great Britain

Travel through time on one of our legendary England tours, from the prehistoric mysteries of Stonehenge through the grand castles and battlements of the British Empire, to the pop culture touchstones of modern England and Wales. Whether you opt for a grand tour or a quick getaway, you'll get to glimpse a side of Great Britain you've never seen before.

London's iconic clock tower holds the bell named "Big Ben," which weighs over 15 tons and rings out the time on the hour.

Researchers now believe it took more than 1,500 years for ancient tribes to build this stone monument. Yet it still aligns perfectly with the sunrise on summer solstice.

• Snowdonia National Park

This beautiful 823-square-mile national park boasts the highest mountain in England and Wales, and the largest natural lake in Wales.

Shakespeare's Birthplace

The home where Shakespeare grew up—and which he later bequeathed to his heirs—once served as an inn, called the Swan and Maidenhead.

• Windsor Castle

This thousand-year-old castle is the longest-inhabited castle in the world, and was a particular favorite of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I.

• Tower of London

The fortress at the heart of London has a long and exciting past, as a royal residence, a prison, an armory, and even a zoo. It's currently home to the royal family's priceless Crown Jewels, including the incredible Cullinan diamond, over 500 carats of sparkle.

The Cotswolds

The rolling hills and charming villages of The Cotswolds served as the inspiration for the equally charming Shire in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings novels.

Roman Baths

The mineral-rich hot springs in Bath drew visitors for more than 2,000 years. The ancient Romans and Britons soaked away their aches and pains here in the time of Caesar.

Harry Potter Studio Tour

The moviemaking magic that helped create the eight movies of J.K. Rowling's classic Harry Potter novels is on full display at the Studio Tour. Visitors can see many of the thousands of costumes, props and sets that went into creating the series—including the full-sized Hogwarts Express.

• Cardiff Castle

There are 2,000 years of history inside the walls of this grand castle in the "World Capital of Castles." Cardiff Castle started as a Roman fortification before the current towers and walls were built in medieval times.

Big Ben and Parliament

No trip to London is complete without a visit to these imposing, world-famous landmarks.

Hampton Court

The dramatic history of Henry VIII and his wives comes alive in this Tudor palace in Richmond, surrounded by gorgeous gardens and the famous Maze and Great Vine.

• Castle Howard

This sublime 18th-century mansion with its elaborate chambers was the setting for the filming of Brideshead Revisited.

The Fab Four got their start in this port city, noted for launching the Beatles—and a famous football team.

Coastal England

On England's beautiful, rustic coast, you're never very far from glorious views.

London's Tower Bridge

The grand bridge over the Thames is often erroneously called London Bridge (and it's never fallen down!).

Palace Ceiling

English castles and palaces boast splendid interiors reminiscent of the country's regal and lordly past.

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22 England’s Best Castles To Visit [Castle Guide]

For many people the word ”England” it’s always been associated with medieval castles, palaces, knights and queens.

Thanks to the filming industry, English Castles are advertised on a big scale.

It is indeed the land of castles which are spread across the country from sea to sea, and many of them are still standing mightily today!

If you find yourself a castle lover, below you have an ultimate guide to the most beautiful castles you can visit in England.

Each of the buildings has its own magnificent story behind where you can step back almost thousands of years.

1.Windsor Castle, the Queen’s Weekend Home. 

Being the home of 39 monarchs since the 11th century, Windsor Castle embodies almost a thousand years of architectural history.

William the Conqueror built Windsor Castle during his campaign in England designed to protect their presence in the outskirts of London.

Like many other castles at that time it was initially a wooden motte-and-bailey castle which later upgraded to stone fortifications.

Windsor Castle had seen all the ups and downs of England’s Middle Ages and modern history , from the Baron’s War up until Second World War when it served as a bombing refugee for the royal family.

To the present day, Windsor is the Queen’s weekend’s favourite residence which is also the world’s longest-occupied palace.

Daily thousands of tourists are heading to the Castle to find out more about its history, enjoy the guided tours or just to have a picnic on the family day.

As it’s located just on outside of M25, it will take you half an hour by car and 40 minutes by train which are running regularly from Paddington train station in central London.

Address : Windsor SL4 1LJ

2.Warwick Castle, a great family escape.

Located in the town of Warwick, Warwick Castle is another famous English fortress which William the Conqueror built during his conquest.

First built in 1068 like Windsor, it began as a wooden motte-and-Bailey type castle located on the bank of the River Avon.

Normans founded Warick with the intent of strengthening and control in the Midlands while William advances his armies to the north.

Warwick was used as a stronghold up until the 17th century when the Greville family converted it into a country house and lived up until 1978 when they sold it to Tussauds Group.

Today Nick Leslau is the owner of the site, but Merlin Entertainments are operating the Castle through a 35-year lease. 

Warwick has recommended itself as one of the best family out of Castles in the UK.

Once there, you will experience the guided tour through well maintained inside and out architecture, castle dungeon show with real actors, restaurants, picnic area, Knights Village accommodation and open-air events which include the world’s biggest functional trebuchet.

Warwick is also one of few castles in England that has its doors open for those wh o wants to spend Christmas in a castle .

Address : Warwick CV34 4QU

3.Tower of London a 900 year-old fortress.

Officially Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London.

Also called a “White Tower” the Tower of London is one of England’s most iconic buildings.

William the Conqueror built the Castle in 1066 to an unprecedented scale to demonstrate the power of the Norman Kingdom.

The Tower of London hosted significant events in England’s history, including the executions of three English Queens.

The Castle is also a surviving example of the best Norman military architecture.

Ones inside it’s hard to realise that our ancestors could build such a tower almost a thousand years ago.

If you are in London for a weekend, we encourage you to check out the White Tower, as it’s easily accessible in the centre among many other attractions.

You can get to the Tower of London by walking about 7 minutes from Tower Hill (Circle & District Line) underground station or about 15 minutes from London Bridges Station(Northern Line).

Address : St Katharine’s & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB

Opening Hours

Wednesday-Sunday 10:00-17:00

4.Bamburgh Castle, a Northumberland Gem.

Another gem on our bucket list was built by William the Conqueror rising overlooking the village Baburgh gracefully on one side and the North Sea on the other.

The originally Celtic Brittonic fort build in 420, later passed between Britons and Anglo-Saxons three times and Vikings wrecked the fortress in 993.

In the year 1095 Normans built a brand new castle which is the core of the present Castle.

As all the castles on our list, Bamburgh has a rich background of events and famous owners.

In 1894 William Armstrong bought and restored the Castle, later he opened it to the public and still belongs to its family.

It’s a great family-friendly castle where you can easily reserve yourself a full day for it.

Getting there early enough will allow you to take advantage of all assets of the Castle; the interior, shop, cafe, a walk on the beautiful beach or even stay overnight in the Bamburgh’s accommodations.

If you’re spending a whole weekend in Northumberland, you might consider visiting Alnwick and Lindisfarne castles; both are 17 miles away.

Address : Bamburgh NE69 7DF

5.Bodiam Castle, England’s Most photogenic castle.

The most iconic Castle of England by many reviews, even if you are not a castle lover, you must’ve seen it on the cover of the book, magazines, music videos or movies.

Edward Dalyingrigge built Bodiam in 1385, and it is more of a gorgeous fortified country house rather than a robust medieval castle.

Even though England was going through the Hundred Years War with France at the time, Sir Edward built the Castle more for showing off his influence and surprise the guests rather than to resist an attack of an invasion.

Lord Curzon donated the Castle in 1924 on his death to the National Trust and now is open to the public.

Bodiam Castle is in just 1.5 hours drive from London, where you’ll also enjoy England’s stunning countryside views on the way to the Castle.

By public transport, you need to get a train from Charing Cross to Hastings and the bus 349 to Hawkhurst, the bus stops in front of the main entrance.

Address : Bodiam, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5UA

Ticket Prices:

There is free entry to the castle grounds; however, there is a small fee for those who want to enter the Castle.

Opening Hours:  10:00am -04:00pm

6.Dover Castle, the Key to England.

Also called in the “The Key to England” Dover castle was one of England’s most strategic border garrisons.

It’s an absolute must-see for castle enthusiasts as some sources say it is one of th e tallest Castle in England, along with Warwick, Rochester and the Tower of London .

You will step inside Henry’s great tower and explore the recreated WWI interiors, astonishing views for the rooftop over the English Channel.

You can see and feel even the dramatic events of World War Two by experiencing the Castle’s underground hospital and tunnels where the people from Dunkirk’s evacuation are made real. 

There is also the oldest surviving lighthouse in the country and an Anglo-Saxon church and many more things to do and see at Dover castle.

It is a great family-friendly castle as you are allowed with your food and just have a picnic in the Castle’s courtyard.

Getting to Dover Castle 

If you’re in London, it will take you about two hours drive or by national express buses.

If you take the M2 route, you can have a stopover in Canterbury on the way if you have time, which is a lovely city to visit.

Address : Castle Hill Rd, Dover CT16 1HU

Opening Hours:  

Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 4 pm.

7.Highclere Castle, great for Downtown Abbey fans.

A magnificent country house built in 1679 and famous worldwide as the primary filming location of a historical drama series Downton Abbey.

During the First World War 5th Countess of Carnarvon Converted the Castle Into a hospital for wounded soldiers, and in the Second World War as a home for children evacuated from London.

Highclere Castle is a perfect stopover on your trips to Cornwall or Wales and not far from London.

The palace is an excellent family day out destination where you can explore the grand oak staircase, the estate rooms, and vast gardens recreating every scene from the popular series.

Explore the newly opened Egyptian exhibition, standard and special guided tours or even spend Christmas at the Castle 

Address : Highclere, Newbury RG20 9RN

Opening Hours:  9:30 am – 5.00 pm.

8.Leeds Castle, loveliest castle in the world.

Moving back to the east you can visit another beautiful English moated stronghold, the Leeds Castle.

You are probably asking yourself why it is called Leeds Castle? When everyone knows the city of Leeds is 250 miles away in Yorkshire.

But not many people know there is a small village next to the Castle, also called Leeds village.

Like many other English castles, it has all the features that a real castle tourist would love to see; gatehouse, drawbridge, portcullis and a massive lake-size moat which makes it unique.

Leeds Castle is often referred to as the “Castle of Queens” as it was a home for six medieval Queens.

Getting There 

Leeds Castle is just in. One hour and fifteen minutes drive from London and about 30 minutes for Dover ferry port, 4 miles from junction 8 of M20.

Address : Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL

Opening Hours:

Grounds and Gardens 10:00am – 06:00pm

Castle. 11:00 am – 04:00pm

9.Arundel Castle, stunning architecture and gardens.

Arundel Castle is a restored and remodelled medieval castle in Arundel, West Sussex.

Roger the Montgomery, one of the principal councillors of William the Conqueror, established the Castle in 1067.

Castle experienced severe damage during the civil war and restored in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today opened to the public with many fun activities for any age.

You can climb on the stone keep , squeeze through narrow passages and enjoy the view from the top of the walls.

Contemplate the fine art, fabulous furniture, regency library and statues in the staterooms.

Wonder through the explosion of colours in the castle gardens where you can also meet the Fitzalan Chapel and the history behind it.

During the guided tours, you will have a chance to transform yourself into a real knight by wearing medieval costumes with a shield and a sword.

Address : Arundel BN18 9AB

  Adults £15.00

 Opening Hours:  Arundel castle is due to open 1st of April 2021

10.Framlingham Castle 

Framlingham Castle is a Motte-and-Bailey Castle located in the market town of Framlingham, Suffolk.

Built in 1148 and then destroyed by Henry ll in the aftermath of the revolt of 1173 and then rebuilt to a new mighty stronghold by Roger Bigod.

It might not offer as much as the other castles on this list, but it is still worth checking out if you are on a road trip to the east coast or Norwich.

By the reviews of our subscribers, it is a lovely family and dog-friendly castle ideal for a day out!

You can take the audio guide, climb on top of the wall and enjoy the view of the countryside and including the Mere and Framlingham College.

Getting to the Castle will take you about three hours by car and two and a half by train service to Ipswich and bus 118 to the Castle.

Address : Church St, Framlingham, Woodbridge IP13 9BP

Opening Hours:  10:00am – 04:00pm

11.Alnwick Castle, Harry Potter’s filming location.

The fans of Harry Potters and Downton Abbey will recognise these walls almost immediately.

Built in the 11 century is one of the largest castles in England sometimes called “Windsor of the North”.

Normans built Alnwick with the intent to control the border with Scotland during the Norman conquest.

Today the Castle gets visited by over a million visitors a year thanks to its appearance in popular movies like: “Elizabeth”, “Robin Hood”, “Price of Thieves”, and “Harry Potter” “.

So if you plan to bring your whole family, get some snacks with you cause the kids will want to spend some time here.

Moreover, the castles can be overcrowded according to the latest reviews so allow plenty of time to see everything that Alnwick has to offer.

If you come for far and have a couple of days available in Northumberland check out Bamburgh and Lindisfarne castles which are about 40 minutes drive from Alnwick.

Address : Alnwick NE66 1NQ

Opening Hours:  10:00am – 4:00pm daily

12.Bolsover Castle a 17th-century aristocratic retreat.

The Peverel Family built the first Castle on the site in the 12th century. Later in the 17th century, the Cavendish family reconstructed a new luxurious castle for entertaining influential guests.

Today is in the care of English heritage, and it’s open to the public.

It will entertain you and your family with its lavish rooms of the little Castle, ruined terrace range and views for the wall walk.

The Castle is about 3 hours drive from London and 1,5 hours from Birmingham. By public transport, you can get a train to Chesterfield and then bus A1 to the Castle.

Address : Castle St, Bolsover, Chesterfield S44 6PR

Saturday – Sunday 10am – 4pm

13.Rochester Castle, the castle of great English Sieges. 

Construction of the Rochester started in 1087, and it was strategically important as it helped to protect the east coast of England from invasion.

Historians call Rochester the “castle of destruction and rebuilding” as it went through the most bloody sieges in English history.

One of them was the epic siege in 1215 when King John crushed the southern wall down using the fat of 40 pigs to fire a mine, and after two months of battle the rebels finally gave up.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, owners carried out restoration works, and today it is under the protection of English Heritage.

Rochester Castle is a fantastic preserved piece of the Norman military architecture.

It will please any history lover with its history and beautiful gardens, The majestic Rochester Cathedral in the vicinity and the old town with bars and restaurants so obviously everyone loves it.

Rochester is located just one hour drive from London on M2 and only at 5 miles from junction 2.

Address : Castle Hill, Rochester ME1 1SW

14 Durham Castle, a home for students.

Durham Castle is a Norman castle in the city of Durham, England, which has been occupied since 1837 by University College, Durham after its previous role as the residence of the Bishops of Durham.

Built in 1072 soon after William the Conqueror arrived in the north there are still debates whether or not Durham castle has initially been a stone or wooden structure.

The Castle stands on the top of a hill overlooking the river Wear and the Durham cathedral.

As the Castle now is used as a home for students, visiting the Castle is only possible through guided tours.

By booking a guided tour, you’ll get to see two chapels, the black staircase, the long gallery Norman doorway arch in the courtyard.

The guides are highly rated by visitors as knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

Address : Durham DH1 3RW

15.Herstmonceux Castle, English fairytale castle.

Yes, this Castle is located in England! as you would think it’s a French castle judging by the name.

Herstmonceux is a brick-built castle dating from the 15th century in East Sussex, and one of the oldest buildings in the country built from such material.

Herstmonceux Castle has seven gardens listed as Grade ll in the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

Moreover, the Castle also operates as an International Study Centre for Queen’s University in Canada, where students are coming every year to study in such a chill place.

It’s well worth seeing with the whole family, a brilliant stopover on your trip to the south coast.

England’s fairytale castle as many visitors describes it surrounded by fantastic woodlands.

Herstmonceux is child and dog friendly, has a coffee shop, information Center, and a shop. 

Address : Hailsham BN27 1RN

16.Lindisfarne Castle, a fortress on the Holy Island.

Lindisfarne is a 16th-century castle used as a border garrison with Scotland, an area which was fought not only by English and Scots but also by Vikings.

The Castle sits on the highest point of the island, on a whinstone hill called Beblowe.

Building the Castle started in 1550 when the local Priory went out of use and the stones from its masons were used as a building material for Lindisfarne Castle.

After the death of Queen Elizabeth the Castle lost its strategic importance, skipping a few centuries by the end of the 19th century it fell into disrepair.

The Castle is well worth a visit even though the rooms are empty of furniture and art at the moment.

All interior belongings have been taken away during the major restoration 2016-2018 and have not yet been returned.

Lindisfarne Castle, it’s unique and has its spectacular feeling and look when you explore it from the outside and also enjoy the view of the harbour, village and Cheviot Hills from the Upper Battery.

The Castle is open mid-February to the end of October or the first week of November (exact dates vary, but the Castle is closed for winter). Opening times vary by day, depending on tide times you can check on  their website.

You can quickly drive to the Castle but allow yourself plenty of time to fit between the tides; otherwise, the tide will force you to stay on the island overnight.

If you plan to stay overnight on and enjoy the dinner while everyone rushes to leave the island, there are some great guest houses to choose from.

Address : Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2SH

17.Lincoln Castle, a great medieval walk.

Lincoln Castle is another crucial castle built by William the Conqueror on top of a pre-existing Roman court.

Built in the 11 century Lincoln is different from other castles which William the Conqueror constructed at the time.

The Castle has two mottes (main building in the Medieval Castle) there are only two such castles in England, the other one is in Lewes, East Sussex.

Things to do and see at the Lincoln Castle 

Castle Grounds

Lincoln Castle’s grounds are open even during England’s lockdown and are a perfect area for the rest, picnic and explore the Castle’s history.

Medieval Wall Walk 

We encourage you to take advantage of the unique experience of walking on the Lincoln castle curtain wall.

It costs 10£ and is accessible by a spiral staircase or lifts and where visitors can walk the whole circumference enjoying the stunning view of the city and Lincoln Cathedral.

Georgian and Victorian Prisons

You can also explore the prison built in 1788 the only original of its kind left in the world.

DAVID PJ ROSS MAGNA CARTA VAULT

The Castle is home to Lincoln’s Magna Carta 1215 and Charter of Forest 1217.

Lincoln Castle is the only place where you can see these two documents together which shaped the society that we know today.

Address : Castle Hill, Lincoln LN1 3AA

Opening Hours:  10am – 4pm

18.Warkworth Castle, a home of Percy family.

Now we are moving back to Northumberland where mighty Warkworth Castle’s waiting for its visitors on a loop of the River Coquet, less than a mile from England’s northeast coast.

The actual date of Warkworth’s foundation is uncertain. However, It was first documented in a charter of 1157–1164 when Henry ll granted it to Roger Fitz Richard.

Warkworth has been a home for many Noble families including the Percy family, whose lion budges can be seen on many parts of the stronghold.

English Heritage is looking after the site since 1984, which is a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

What tourists love about Warkworth is that the staff is friendly at the entrance and the shop, the audio guide is free and informative.

The Warkworth village itself is beautiful, with late medieval cave Hermitage and chapel of a solitary holy man half a mile away.

Address : Castle Terrace, Warkworth, Morpeth NE65 0UJ

Opening Hours:  10:00 – 16:00

19.Carisbrooke Castle, Medieval Fortress on Isle of Wight.

Strategically located in the middle of Isle of Wight, village Carisbrook, (near Newport), Carisbrooke Castle is a Motte and Bailey castle also.

It’s believed that the history of Carisbrooke dates back to the Roman invasion, where they might have built fortifications, but historians never proved.

Carisbrook is an Anglo-Saxon stronghold in the 8th century with a curtain wall built by the year 1000 as a defence against Vikings raids.

Carisbrooke Castle hosted Charles l as a prisoner for 14 months before his execution, and princess Elizabeth died here.

Now the Castle is under the care of English Heritage and is open to anyone visiting the island.

Shame to miss Carisbrooke Castles if you visit the island as it’s very engaging for both adults and children.

You can explore the history, walking around the walls, views the surroundings and have a nice picnic area.

Children will love the Castle’s activities, enjoy watching the donkeys operating the wheel, sword fitting and museum can keep them captivated for hours.

The Isle of Wight is easily accessible by ferry from Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington to which trains are heading from London regularly.

Address : Castle Hill, Newport PO30 1XY

Opening Hours:  10:00am- 4:00pm

20.St Michael’s Mount, the Cornwall’s top tourist attraction.

At first glance, St Michael’s Mount looks like a smaller copy of the Mont Saint-Michel in France, which is just about 500km away across the English Channel.

Usually, St Michael is why many people are heading to Cornwall, one of the prettiest travel destinations in the UK among Lake District and Snowdonia in Wales.

Some records are saying there might have been a monastery from the 8th to early 11th centuries on the site.

Ancestors founded the monastic buildings, and the Castle during the 12th century, since then St’ Michael’s Mount went through an endless list of rulers and challenging events. 

Today both National Trust and the St Aubyn family are managing the Mount together bringing a unique experience for anyone willing to visit the island.

The Mount has a designated car park at your disposal in the town Marazion from where you take the causeway when the tide is out. 

We recommend getting there a little earlier when the causeway is not accessible to get some stunning shots before many tourists arrive.

Booking the tickets in advance and checking the weather is essential as can be a quite a windy place sometimes.

The Mount is closed during the winter.

21.Lancaster Castle, discover England’s dark history

Another English medieval castle located in Lancaster with unclear early history is Lancaster Castle.

Some chronicles say that Lancaster originates in the 11th century, built on the site of a Roman fort overlooking a crossing of the River Lune.

Lancaster Castle is the oldest standing building in the region, and the first owner used it as a prison in 1196.

Fully functional HM prison until 2011 and in the next year The Duchy of Lancaster (Her Majesty the Queen is the Duke of Lancaster) regained the ownership of the stronghold, and major restoration works started.

We recommend Lancaster Castle to any history enthusiast who wants to discover this magnificent medieval building and its importance in English history.

An excellent family castle where you’ll enjoy an entertaining and informative guided tour, a well-presented courtyard, Priory and a Roman bathhouse.

Address : Castle Grove, Lancaster LA1 1YJ

Lancaster Castle is open seven days a week.               

Opening Hours:  9:30 – 5:00 pm

22.Belvoir Castle, “The Crown” series filming location.

The last on our list but not an unpopular one, Belvoir Castle is frequently appearing on TV in recent years.

Belvoir is a historic castle and a stately home 10km west of the town of Grantham, Leicestershire.

Built immediately after the Norman Conquest of 1066 and since the following owners rebuilt the Castle at least three times.

Today the  Manners Family  owns a corner of the Castle, and the rest of it is open to the public and filmmakers who are usual guests here.

Belvoir Castle played a significant role in films like;

Little Lord Fauntleroy  1980,  The Da Vinci Code  

Young Sherlock Holmes ,  The Young Victoria  2007 and recent Netflix worldwide blockbuster “ The Crown” .

If you are on a trip to East Midlands, Belvoir Castle is well worth a visit with the whole family.

It offers everything you would expect from a castle plus its unique architecture is well maintained throughout.

Beaver Castle’s interior it’s easy to explore, has gorgeous gardens and great food in the cafe.

Many people don’t know that can spend Christmas at Belvoir Castle

Believe me or not, you can also spend  Christmas at Belvoir castle , what an incredible experience it could be.

Address : Grantham NG32 1PE

Opening Hours:  10:00am- 4:00pm (Monday-Sunday)

Summary 

Thanks for stopping by and we hope the bucket list above was helpful to you!

 We always add new guides and information about castles all over the world, and you can explore more interesting facts and history in our  blog section  any time you want to sit down with a cup of coffee.

+44 (0) 1422 323 200

Castle Tours

Our self-drive tours are designed to guide your exploration of a new region or country, taking in a historic castle on each night of your journey. All tours can be modified to suit your requirements, or we'll be happy to create a personal itinerary that fits your needs, let us know your ideas!

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Castles and Manors of Britain

A Britain Castle Tour – Indulge in the history and heritage of England, Scotland and Wales by day and see its character reflected in your unique and distinguished accommodation each night on this deluxe tour of Britain. With your overnight accommodation in quality castle or manor house hotels, your tour will take you through the elegant cities of York, Bath, Oxford and Edinburgh as well as the natural beauty of the Cotswolds, the Yorkshire Moors, the Scottish Lowlands and the mountains of Snowdonia.

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Departing London, travel through affluent Buckinghamshire, perhaps stopping at Cliveden or Hughenden Manor on route to Oxford where you'll enjoy the college quads and spires of the world-renowned Oxford University. Soak up the unique academic ambience which once inspired the likes of Tolkien, CS Lewis and Oscar Wilde and explore the famous colleges such as Magdalen College, Christchurch College, New College Hall and the Bodleian Library which featured as parts of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies. Nearby lies the village of Woodstock home of the stunning baroque mansion of Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill. By afternoon, make your way to Stratford-upon-Avon, your base for the next two days.

Overnight: Alveston Manor / Billesley Manor or similar, near Stratford-upon-Avon.

Journey details: 100 miles / 2hrs approx *

Spend this morning exploring Stratford-upon-Avon, a medieval town of Tudor timberwork buildings, open greens and boats bobbing on the river Avon not to mention a wealth of heritage sites dedicated to the town’s most famous resident William Shakespeare. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage or Mary Arden’s Farm. By afternoon venture South in to the quintessential English countryside of the Cotswolds home to rolling hills, patchwork fields and chocolate-box villages of honey-coloured cottages with eccentric names such as Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold.

Meals: Breakfast included.

Journey details: 50 miles / 1hr 10mins (Stratford to Stow round-trip) approx *

Continuing your journey north you may choose to stop at England's most impressive medieval fortress at Warwick Castle on route to the grandiose city of York. York is home to a wealth of historic and cultural sites from the cobbled Shambles, Britain’s first shopping street to Viking heritage at the Jorvik Centre. Stroll along the remaining medieval city walls, gates and towers or visit the National Railway Museum, current home of the Flying Scotsman. Historic attractions include the Elizabethan Mansion House or the Tudor exhibition at Micklegate Bar, before enjoying York’s undoubted highlight at York Minster, Northern Europe’s largest gothic cathedral.

Overnight: Aldwark Manor Hotel / Hazlewood Castle or similar, near York.

Journey details: 150 miles / 2hrs 45mins approx *

With York as your base you can spend today exploring the outlying countryside; York is surrounded by two areas of outstanding natural beauty in the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moor. The former is Herriott country and the setting of the famous veterinary tales whilst the latter was Bronte’s inspiration for Wuthering Heights. A journey to the North East coast will take you to the fishing village of Whitby home to a cobbled harbour and magnificent cliff-top Abbey whilst there are a host of historic sites closer to home including the World Heritage Site at Fountains Abbey and Water Gardens and the elegant, quintessential country manor at Castle Howard.

Departing York, continue North; you may choose to stop at the city of Durham to see the Norman era Durham Cathedral and Castle or at Hadrian’s Wall the ancient border between England and Scotland where you can visit one of the famous Roman border forts which punctuate its path. Then crossing the border in to Scotland pass through the mellow landscapes of the Scottish Lowlands perhaps stopping at one or more of the region's stunning monastic ruins including those at Melrose Abbey, Jedburgh Abbey. Your final stop can be the intriguing Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by the Da Vinci Code book and film before arriving on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Overnight: Dalhousie Castle or similar, near Edinburgh

Journey details: 200 miles / 4hrs approx *

Make your way in to central Edinburgh and dedicate today to exploring the magnificent Scottish Capital from the winding streets of the cobbled old town to the wide avenues of the opulent Georgian new town before visiting the Queen's residence at the Palace of Holyrood House. Enjoy the national museums and galleries in the shadow of the Burns Monument before strolling through Princes Street Gardens or climbing to Arthur's Seat for spectacular views over the city. You may choose to head for the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith Docks or view the modern Scottish Parliament building before climbing the Royal Mile to the city's centrepiece at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret's Chapel.

From Edinburgh travel north to nearby historic Stirling; on route you may choose to stop at the intriguing Falkirk Wheel, an amazing feat of engineering, or the beautiful towering scultptures of the Kelpies. Arriving in Stirling, visit the towering Wallace Monument erected in dedication to the Great Scottish Hero Braveheart William Wallace. Then explore the cobbled old town to visit Stirling Castle which, once the Royal Seat of Scotland, rivals that of Edinburgh for its historic significance and beauty. Time-permitting, venutre further north in to the the Trossachs National Park to Loch Lomond for a flavour of the Scottish Highlands before returning south for your overnight stay.

Overnight: Airth Castle Hotel, near Stirling Sherbroke Castle Hotel, Glasgow or similar

Journey details: 90 miles / 2hrs 15mins approx *

Departing Scotland travel south through the understated rolling hills of the Scottish Lowlands where you may choose to stop at New Lanark Mill a heritage site nestling on the banks of the River Clyde. Then pass through Gretna Green before crossing the border to England. First stop here can be Birdoswald Roman Fort visitor centre to uncover the secrets of Hadrian's Wall before returning west in to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Lake District home to towering peaks, rolling dales and tranquil waters.

Overnight: Augill Castle or similar, Lake District

Journey details: 165 miles / 2hrs 45mins approx *

Today continue to explore the region in more depth; the area is a haven for walkers, hikers, budding artists and photographers or those simply looking for tranquil boat trips or lazy drives soaking up the scenery. Possible cultural visits include Wordsworth’s Rydal Mount and Dove Cottage along with Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop Farm. Take a heritage steam-train ride through the scenery and sample local specialities such as Grasmere gingerbread. The region also boasts a wealth of stunning historic houses including Hutton in the Forest, Lowther Castle and Gardens and the Levens Hall.

Continue south to visit the magnificent city of Liverpool which was designated as European City of Culture in 2008. The city is home to two cathedrals, dozens of listed buildings, the famous Albert Docks and a wealth of Beatles Heritage including Matthews Street, the Cavern Club, Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields and the Beatles Story Exhibition. Then on to the Roman city of Chester, home to Roman City walls and gate-towers, the stunning excavated Roman Amphitheatre, an impressive cathedral and the unique Tudor Facaded "Rows". By evening, cross the border in to Wales to the nearby town of Ruthin your base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Ruthin Castle or similar, North Wales

Journey details: 140miles / 3hrs approx*

From your base near the English/Welsh border spend today exploring North Wales. Pass firstly in to the glorious mountain scenery of the Snowdonia National Park where you can ride a mountain steam train at Blaenau Ffestiniog or visit the National Slate Museum exploring the slate mining history of the region. Then descend the Conwy valley to the North Wales Coast. Here you can visit the 19th century seaside resort of Llandudno where you can enjoy a stroll along the promenade and admire the elegant Victorian architecture before travelling to nearby Conwy. Conwy is a hidden gem seemingly frozen in time, consisting of a medieval harbour, narrow streets, cobbled squares and still surrounded by its ancient town walls. The highlight though is the dominating 13th century fortress at Conwy Castle.

Journey details: 80miles / 2hrs approx (when travelling via Snowdonia to Conwy) *

Departing north Wales pass by Welsh town of Llangollen to view the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which carries canal boats 126 feet above the valley floor. Crossing the border in to England you may choose to stop at quaint market town of Shrewsbury or the World Heritage site at Ironbridge, a stark symbol of the Industrial Revolution. By afternoon, continue to the City of Bath. Bath oozes Georgian opulence and is home to so many sites of historic importance that the entire city has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. Visit architectural highlights including the Elizabethan Abbey and Pulteney Bridge, the opulent No.1 Royal Crescent, a wealth of quality museums including the Jane Austen Exhibition and of course the spectacular Roman Baths and Pump Room.

Overnight: Homewood (or similar), Bath

Journey details: 185miles / 3hrs 45mins approx*

Returning East pass on to the Salisbury Plain to see the famous standing stones at Stonehenge or lesser known but equally enchanting Avebury Stone Circle. You may choose to stop in historic Salisbury to visit the magnificent cathedral which boasts England's tallest spire, Europe’s oldest working clock and houses an original copy of the Magna Carta. Afterwards, head to historic Windsor to spend the balance of the day exploring this beautiful and affluent town home to cobbled squares, timber fronted houses, and the world’s largest inhabited castle at Windsor Castle, the Queen’s favoured residence.

Overnight: Beaumont Estate, near Windsor and Heathrow

Journey details: 110 miles / 2hrs 45mins approx (travelling via Salisbury) *

This morning enjoy a final breakfast in your hotel before checking out. You may have a chance for some last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing before making your way back to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airports, return your vehicle and check-in for your return flight to your home nation.

Oxford University, Oxford, England

Stratford-upon-Avon, England

York Minster, York, England

Castle Howard, Yorkshire, England

Hadrian's Wall, northern England

Panoramic view of Edinburgh castle from Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Stirling Castle, Stirling, Scotland

Lake Windermere, Lake District, England

Lake District, England

Liver Building, Liverpool, England

Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Pulteney Bridge, Bath, England

Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, England

Windsor Castle, Berkshire, England

*Journey times and distances are estimates and are based on the direct route between the start location and end location for each day of the itinerary, where applicable. They do not include detours or stops for sightseeing.

What's included

• 13 nights’ accommodation in Castle Hotel or Manor House accommodation as per the itinerary (also listed below).
• Full cooked regional breakfast each morning
• 14 days car rental inclusive of all mandatory taxes, insurances and charges.
• Historic Scotland Explorer Pass (3 days in 30) offering admission to 78 historic sites and castles across Scotland including Stirling & Edinburgh castles.
• English Heritage Pass (9 Consecutive Days) offering admission to 100 historic attractions and castles across England including Stonehenge & Hadrian’s Wall.
• Shipment of your personal travel document and information pack containing all travel vouchers/tickets, printed copy of your itinerary, overview driving map and our own travel information and tips.
• Toll-free calls (from USA and Canada) to your Britain vacation specialist whilst planning your trip.
• Expert assistance during the planning of your trip and local out-of-hours number for use during travel.

Our Selected Lodging

• Alveston Manor or Billesley Manor (or similar), near Stratford-upon-Avon x 2 nights
• Aldwark Manor or Hazlewood Castle (or similar), near York x 2 night
• Dalhousie Castle (or similar), near Edinburgh x 2 nights
• Airth Castle Hotel (or similar), near Stirling or Sherbrooke Castle, Glasgow x 1 night
• Augill Castle (or similar), Lake District x 2 nights
• Ruthin Castle (or similar), North Wales x 2 nights
• Homewood Hotel (or similar), Bath x1 night
• Beaumont Estate (or similar), near Windsor and Heathrow x 1 night

Optional extras

• Enjoy a traditional Scottish evening including food and entertainment in Edinburgh.
• Add pre/post tour accommodation in London, Windsor or at Heathrow Airport before or after your trip.

Customize this tour!

• Add a night in South Wales near Cardiff or Scotland in the Scottish Highlands or St Andrews area.
• Add extra nights in any location to further explore the area.
• Have your very own private driver-guide chauffeur your tour.
• Trip Insurance – we ask that our guests purchase suitable cover in case planned travel is affected or disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances. More information on the benefits of trip insurance can be found here .
• Flights – adeo Travel do not book air travel but are happy to offer advice on where to seek competitive airfare.
• Meals and/or sightseeing other than that outlined above.

Departure Dates 2023/2024

This self-guided tour is customizable and can be taken at any time throughout the year and starting and ending on any day of the week - simply let us know your preferred dates of travel!

Pricing 2023/2024

From GBP £2,875 per person (based on two people travelling). Single supplements apply for single occupancy rooms, please ask for a quotation for details.

Pricing above is representative pricing of this tour - this pricing is based on travel in shoulder-season (April/October) with two people sharing a twin/double room, staying in the sample accommodations as listed and sharing a compact automatic vehicle. Our proposals are always based on live availability and pricing which may fluctuate based on a range of factors and inclusions. For a direct quote for your preferred dates of travel please  contact us .

Pricing Notes

• Above pricing is an estimated "from" price based on shoulder-season travel (April/October). As this tour can be taken at any time pricing will vary dependent on departure day, date of travel, selected accommodations etc.
• Above pricing is based on suggested accommodations listed however please note that we can tailor your specific quote to accommodate your budget and preferences.
• Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room and one vehicle with automatic transmission.
• Prices are for land only travel and do not include flights.
• Prices are in GBP£ currency for approximate amounts in other currencies please contact us for a quotation.

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Castles and knights inspiration

Medieval castles, grand châteaux & fairytale palaces

Discover the secrets of the world's castles with your Local Specialists. Hear thrilling tales of bravery and betrayal, learn the histories of feuding lords and ladies, and dine like Kings and Queens in stately castle rooms.

See the best castles in Europe

Our castle tours will show you some of Europe's best, including the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany and Bran Castle in Romania, once thought to be the home of Count Dracula. Enjoy a private tour of the famous Windsor Castle in England, or visit Doune Castle in Scotland , featured in films and shows like Monty Python and Game of Thrones.

Stay with Stories in real-life castles

With our castle travel experiences, you’ll get to spend the night in some of the grand castles and châteaux of Europe. Stay at the award-winning Lodge at Ashford Castle in Ireland, where you’ll enjoy a royal dining experience. Indulge in a delicious Welsh dinner in Ruthin Castle , before retiring to your regal sleeping quarters. Or step back in time with a stay in the elegant 16th and 17th-century Château de Beauvois in France.

Discover the history of Europe’s castles

We’ll reveal the secrets and stories behind Europe’s castles. Discover the eclectic refurbishments of Cardiff Castle in Wales, and visit Glamis Castle , once the home of the Queen Mother. Explore Stirling Castle in Scotland, home to Mary, Queen of Scots and several Scottish Kings over the centuries. You can even cruise past Wray Castle on England’s largest lake, which inspired the likes of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.

The best castles and châteaux unlocked for you

Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

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All you need to know about Castles and Knights Tours

How many medieval castles are there in europe.

There are thousands of medieval castles in Europe, although the exact number is not known. Some of the most famous medieval castles in Europe include Windsor Castle in England, Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, Mont Saint Michel Castle in France, Bran Castle in Romania, the Castle of Coca in Spain, and the Ksiaz Castle in Poland.

Which country has most castles?

Germany has the most castles, with at least 20,000 castles, including the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle and Heidelberg Palace. Most castles in Germany are over 100 years old. Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country. Known as the Castle Capital of the World, the country has over 600 castles, including Conwy Castle, Cardiff Castle and Raglan Castle.

What is the oldest castle in Europe?

Reichsburg Cochem is the oldest castle in Europe and one of the oldest castles in the world. It’s located in Cochem, Germany, and is believed to have been built around the year 1000 by the Palatinate count Ezzo. The first recorded documentation of the castle dates back to 1051 when Ezzo’s oldest daughter, Richeza, gave the castle to her nephew.

Which country has the best castles?

You’ll find the world’s best castles scattered all over the world. Our castle tours take you to Germany’s Gothic palaces, Romania’s medieval castles, France’s majestic châteaux, Japan’s feudal castles, Spain and Portugal’s romantic palaces, and the ancient fortresses of the United Kingdom. We also love Croatia’s medieval castles and the Czech Republic’s fairytale castles.

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England for Anglophiles

The 30 Best Castles of England Worth The Journey From London

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With more than 4000 castles, how do you know which are the best castles in England to visit? With the help of travel writer friends, we have created a list of the best castles England has. Castles in Northern England include Alnwick Castle, famous as Hogwarts in Harry Potter. Castles in Southern England include Tintagel which is associated with King Arthur. For central England, there are beautiful castles in East Midlands, castles in West Midland and castles in East Anglia, many of which are steeped in important historical events that shaped the country’s path.

Best Castles of England – Central England

Some of the best castles of England lie in the middle of the country. As armies from the north and the south of England clashed, lots of the beautiful castles in England were left in ruins. There was lots of history made in the castles of the East Midlands, such as Nottingham Castle, and the castles of the West Midlands, such as Tutbury Castle. Castles in East Anglia, likewise, have plenty of history including Norwich Castle which is now a full-blown museum.

Baconsthorpe Castle

One of the most wonderful things about England is that beauty hides around every corner. As you trundle down the farm track towards Baconsthorpe Castle , you’d have no idea that the ruins of this 15th-century manor house are even there. Located in Baconsthorpe, just outside of Holt in Norfolk, this English Heritage site offers a fascinating insight into the history of the area. Once owned by the highly influential local family, the Heydon’s, the castle was passed down through many generations until too much spending meant that much of it needed to be sold off to pay debts. The castle sits in a truly idyllic setting, the highlight of which is the impressive moat where it is possible to see swans in the summer. There are also a number of beautiful circular walks nearby. Unlike many other English castles, Baconsthorpe offers remarkable value for money and is free to enter. The only costs that guests will incur are the cost to park in the car park which is charged at £2. English Heritage members park for free. Pet owners will also be pleased to hear that Baconsthorpe Castle is dog-friendly. Animals, however, should be kept on leads at all times.

– by Sheree Hooker at Winging The World

Bolsover Castle

Bolsover Castle is located within the beautiful village of Bolsover, Derbyshire. Set atop a steep hill, you can marvel at the spectacular 17th century fairy-tale mansion as you approach. The castle itself originates as a gift from William the Conqueror to one of his knights. As you wander around the grounds, you can see remnants of the lavish rooms that were designed to impress and entertain. Explore the fountain garden, the extensive terrace and the little castle. But best of all, gaze at the spectacular views of the countryside from the medieval style turret walls. Bolsover castle is part of English Heritage and accordingly, to enter the grounds you will need to purchase a ticket on the day, or in advance. There is a visitor centre where you can purchase audio guides for an immersive historical experience. You can also learn a lot from the free leaflets and posters. However, if you just want to enjoy the view of the castle itself, you can park on the hill, cross the small path and come out into the large open field at the foot of the castle. Best of all this part is free!

– by Kerry Hanson from VeggTravel 

Kenilworth Castle

Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden is a large castle that is owned and maintained by English Heritage. The castle is located in the town of Kenilworth in the county of Warwickshire. The gardens had a major revamp at a huge cost of around 2 million but it was more than worth it as the gardens are stunning. They were originally created for Queen Elizabeth 1 by Robert, Earl of Leicester. In a huge Tudor stable you will find a cafe and next to here the staff often host family-friendly activities such as learning how to shoot arrows and build battle defences. The castle itself is largely ruined but that doesn’t mean there’s not much to explore. Some of the ruin has staircases and platforms now installed so that you can climb high up and enjoy some impressive views. The ruined Great Hall is also incredibly impressive with some fabulous views of the gardens from the Castle Keep. In the gardens, there are some lovely statues, flowers, plants and herbs that you can rub to smell. There is a cute aviary with canaries and other small birds. The centrepiece is a fountain made entirely out of marble. You can also look around Leicester’s Gatehouse which is an intact part of the castle with some interesting reconstructed rooms that you can look around. Kenilworth Castle is one of our favourite days out.

– by Suzy McCullough at Yorkshire To Do With Kids

Norwich Castle

What Norwich Castle lacks in beauty, it makes up for with history. It is a Grade I-listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The castle was founded by William the Conqueror sometime around 1067. Up until the mid-12th century, when Henry II built Orford Castle, Norwich was the only major royal castle in East Anglia. Today only the castle keep still stands on a hill in the middle of the Norwich city centre. Since 1895, it has been a museum. Norwich Castle is one of the best things to do in Norwich and perfect for a day out with the kids. Allow at least two hours to visit Norwich Castle. Inside the keep nothing remains of the medieval layout. You can walk around the castle and learn about its history through interactive displays. They also offer tours of the dungeon and the battlements. In the exhibition area next to the keep, they have a diverse collection of fine art, including costume, textiles, jewellery, glass, ceramics, teapots, and silverware. There are also displays about Boudica (Queen of the Iceni), and the Romans, Anglo Saxons and Vikings. You will also find a section about the Egyptians as well as a Natural History Gallery. – by Anisa Alhilali of Norfolk Local Guide

Nottingham Castle

Nottingham Castle definitely comes under the bracket of epic castles in England. Although the castle doesn’t have impressive turrets or battalions that other castles have it is overflowing with historical significance and is one of the top Nottingham attractions . Nottingham Castle was originally built as a wooden structure in 1068 on top of a sandstone cliff known as ‘Castle Rock’ which was a huge vantage point. The wooden castle was replaced with a much stronger stone castle during the reign of Henry II. This castle was used as a royal residence and served as one of the most important fortresses in England due to its strategic position near a crossing point of the River Trent. For this reason, Nottingham Castle was used as a secondary location for parliament to be held. In 1642 Charles I chose Nottingham Castle because of its defensive capabilities as the rallying point for his armies at the start of the English Civil War. After many skirmishes at the site it was left in a semi-ruined state, and after Charles I was executed the medieval Nottingham Castle was razed to the ground to prevent it being used in future uprisings. The current Ducal Mansion was built on the foundations of the previous Nottingham Castle by the Duke of Newcastle between 1674 and 1679 and today it houses various art collections and galleries on the history and archaeology of Nottingham.

– by Stephanie Jackson from Book It Let’s Go!

Oakham Castle

All that is left of Oakham Castle is its Great Hall which has survived from Norman times. Unlike Pevensey Castle , it was not fortunate enough to have a Roman base which could withstand the test of time. The Castle is conveniently located in the center of Oakham, the county town of Rutland, the smallest county in England.

One of the unique things about Oakham Castle is its collection of horseshoes. No one knows where this tradition started but every visiting nobleman or royal has to provide a horseshoe to hang on the wall of the Great Hall on their first visit to Oakham Castle. The oldest horseshoe belongs to Edward IV from the 15th century. There are over 200 horseshoes now including horseshoes given by Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria.

The Great Hall at Oakham Castle is surrounded by a large field where the Castle’s outbuildings would have stood. The defensive walls are also still in place. From the top of the hill for the wall, you have fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.

Rockingham Castle

Rockingham Castle stands on the “Rock” high above the River Welland Valley close to the border of Northamptonshire and Rutland. Rockingham Castle is a motte and bailey castle (which comes from the Norman French words for mound and enclosed land) and was built around 1070 by King William the Conqueror. Several Kings and Queens have stayed at the castle, including Richard the Lionheart, King John, and Edward I during its 900+ years. In 1544 the castle passed into private hands when Henry VIII gave Rockingham Castle to Edward Watson who turned the Castle into a family home. Since then Rockingham Castle has remained in the hands of the Watson family, undergoing many changes throughout the years, who still own it today as their private home. Rockingham Castle is open to visitors several times a year and its Civil War Themed Events are very popular. The gardens, set in 18 acres, are worth touring where a 400 year old Yew Hedge known as the “Elephant Hedge” is a prominent feature as well as seventeenth century terraces, a circular rose garden and a nineteenth century woodland garden. An interesting side trip you can make is a walk down Rockingham Hill to the village where you can see many tudor houses lining the road and even have a Pint in the 16th Century Sondes Arms Public House. – by Dave at the Silver Backpacker  Beautiful castles in England to visit include Rockingham Castle, one of the castles in East Midlands (Image credit: Silver Backpacker).

Shrewsbury Castle

Shrewsbury is a very historic town in the county of Shropshire and at the heart of it is the castle. Shrewsbury castle dates back to 1067 just after the Norman conquest, thus it has quite a story to tell. The Castle is a key attraction in Shrewsbury and is one of the first thing visitors see when arriving by train or road. They built Shrewsbury castle with red sandstone on some higher ground overlooking the River Severn. Shrewsbury castle dates back to 1067 when William the Conqueror ordered it to be built. William aimed to use it as a defensive fortification and base of operations for forays into Wales. The castle is open to visitors to explore the castle grounds or visit the Shropshire Regimental museum that calls the castle home. The museum is very interesting and contains uniforms, weapons and medals relating to the regiment. In the basement, there is an exhibit is about the castle’s history which is interesting. The grounds and outer fortifications are a haven for photographers and artists, these are free to explore. However, to enter the principal building and museum costs £4.50 for adults or £2 for children. There are also lots of things to see and do in Shrewsbury , a great town if you enjoy seeing historical buildings.

– Richard Meek of RJ on Tour

Tutbury Castle

Tutbury Castle , located in the Staffordshire countryside offers a fascinating opportunity to explore castle ruins whilst it is still being discovered. Large parts of this castle are still being unearthed, its fascinating history being pieced together, telling stories of British Kings and Queens. Following the Norman invasion Tutbury Castle was originally built in 1071. The castle later became an important medieval fortress in the rebellion against Henry II. It is currently owned by the Duchy of Lancaster. It is best known for being Mary Queen of Scots prison. She was imprisoned at Tutbury several times by Queen Elizabeth I. Its hillside location in the middle of the country far away from Scotland meant guards could easily watch for her supporters who may try to free her. The Castle is now a popular tourist attraction in the small town of Tutbury. The ruined walls are fascinating to explore and the views across the surrounding countryside to the River Dove are breathtaking. It is home to an authentic Tudor Garden and the “haunted” Great Hall. It is just £2.50 to visit and there’s a lovely tea room and bar during weekend evenings. Tutbury holds regular events such as historic re-enactments and fireworks displays and can be booked as a unique wedding venue.

– by Karen Quinn of Marvelous Middle England

Warwick Castle

Warwick castle is a majestic English castle located along river Avon in Warwickshire. Founded by William the conquerer, the castle holds a rich thousand year history in its sleeve. Several wars have been fought around the castle. Many kings and famous people have been hosted as guests and struggled as prisoners. There are plenty of things to do inside the castle, enough to keep you occupied for a day. And if you are travelling as a family, there are interesting things to keep the kids occupied. Don’t miss out the Horrible Histories Maze, Princess tower, Trebuchet, and Castle dungeons. Explore the tower and ramparts and soak in the views from the castle. If you are travelling with a young princess, don’t forget to get the timed tickets for Princess Tower. The Trebuchet in the castle is one of the largest replica siege machines in the world. Don’t miss out the live demonstration of Trebuchet. The castle gardens are huge so be sure to picnic if the weather is good. There are also seasonal shows that run in the castle. Be sure to check their website for up-to-date information. Warwick can be explored by car or public transport. It is only 15 minutes from Stratford upon Avon and 45 minutes drive from Birmingham.

by Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple

The Best Castles in Northern England

In terms of castles, Northern England seems full of them. In fact, Northumberland has the most castles of any county in England. The troublesome Scots were always raiding from across the border which explains all the castles in Northern England.

Alnwick Castle

Dating from Norman times, Alnwick Castle has been home to the Duke’s of Northumberland for the last 700 years. As England’s second largest inhabited castle (after Windsor Castle), Alnwick holds an important defensive position in the north of the country on the border with the Scots.

One of the best castles of England, Alnwick Castle rose to fame as the setting for Hogwarts on the Harry Potter movie series. Alnwick Castle has also been featured in the Downton Abbey film as well.

There is plenty to see and to do in Alnwick Castle including a large collection of Old Masters collected by the Dukes over the years. The Alnwick Castle gardens are extensive and the latest Duchess has created an intriguing Poison Garden.

Alnwick Castle is great with children too. There is broomstick training for Harry Potter fans, Peterkin the Jester demonstrates medieval comedy and Knight School for budding wannabe knights.

Bamburgh Castle

You really can’t miss Bamburgh Castle on Northumberland’s coast, it towers over the village of Bamburgh, holding an incredible defensive position with marvellous views to both Holy Island and the Farne Islands. There has been a defensive building here since the Celtic fort of the year 420 and today’s Grade I listed building dates from Norman times, passing eventually into the ownership of the Armstrong family in 1894 where it remains now.  The castle has been used as a private residence, a free school and a pharmacy over the years and can be seen for miles around. There’s a lot to see within Bamburgh Castle and you should plan a full day to visit, have lunch at the café or bring a picnic, there’s lots of space here to enjoy the magnificent views from the walls and gardens.  There are even apartments that can be rented as holiday lets. Tickets to Bamburgh Castle cover access to all the open areas and there are fabulous activities for families during school holidays and weekends too. The State Rooms are particularly beautiful and kids will have great fun dressing up in the armour and chain mail. A visit to Bamburgh Castle is one of the top things to do in Northumberland , England’s most northerly county and shouldn’t be missed!

– by Sarah Carter at A Social Nomad

Chillingham Castle

Dating back to the 12 th  century, Chillingham Castle in the North of England was initially built as a monastery. It is still owned by descendants of the Chillingham family.

It was used as a fortress for English armies during the England and Scotland border wars. Plenty of captured soldiers were kept and tortured in the dungeons and are said to have never left. Chillingham Castle is notorious for being the most haunted castle in England .

Now, parts of Chillingham Castle England are open to the public for tours. The tours include a display medieval torture instruments. It’s also possible to spend the night in one of the eight en-suite rooms located inside the castle.

We took a ghost tour of Chillingham Castle and sadly did not encounter any paranormal phenomena.

Dunstanburgh Castle

The ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle are managed by the National Trust. Built in the 14th century, Dunstanburgh was built to show off positively in comparison to nearby Bamburgh Castle.

Dunstanburgh Castle was strategically important during the War of the Roses of the 15th century. The castle never recovered from these battles and fell into disrepair. When the Scottish and English thrones merged, the importance of castles in Northern England fell away.

The ruins of this most beautiful castle in England, standing in its isolated grandeur on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, attracted artists to feature it in their works. J.M.W. Turner featured Dunstanburgh Castle heavily in his works.

You can visit the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle by a 1.5 mile coastal walk from nearby Craster. Alnwick Castle is a mere 8 miles away.

Durham Castle

The city of Durham is about 220 kilometers away from Edinburgh and merely 30 kilometres away from Newcastle upon Tyne. It is a university city with historic Romanesque features in England that may not be known to a lot of tourists. However, Durham is perfect for a day trip from Edinburgh or Newcastle upon Tyne. Take a train in the Waverley Station getting there from Edinburgh, trains depart every hour and the journey takes about two hours. The city’s skyline is defined by the striking Durham Cathedral, which has a history of over one thousand years. Together with the Durham Castle on the opposite side, these UNESCO World Heritage Site are open to the public for free unless they are used for ceremonies and events, including the congregation of Durham University. The Durham Castle is a Norman castle dated back to the year 1072; it was previously the residence of the Bishops of Durham, and a fine example of Norman architecture of citadel – round arches and massive proportions. Today, the castle served as a museum, and part of Durham University’s campus and dormitory, which visitors may take a guided tour to see the chapels and halls. – by Kenny Chow of Knycx Journeying Durham Castle, one of the best castles of England to visit (Image credit: Kenny Chow)

Raby Castle

Raby Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in England, has a picture perfect setting among a couple of hundred acres of deer park near Durham England. The castle is still privately owned by the Barons Barnard.

Raby Castle has a famous collection of paintings, including Old Masters, that have been collected by the owners. For children, there is a woodland adventure playground as well as special events, like open air cinemas and theatre, that are held at Raby Castle.

Raby Castle has appeared on film inthe 1999 Oscar-winning movie Elizabeth and the television drama series, Victoria .

Raby Castle is only open to the public during the summer. You can visit on your own or through a guided tour. The gardens are extensive with both a walled garden and a kitchen garden. You can rent bikes to pedal through the parkland to see the deer up close.

Ripley Castle

Ripley Castle, a 14th century castle located near Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales, has been owned by the Barons Ingilby for 7 centuries. That’s 26 generations of the family that have called this place home!

Ripley Castle is open to the public for guided tours including a special children’s guided tour geared towards making a castle tour fun. It’s one of the castles in the best castles in England if you want to see a priest’s hiding hole.

The castle grounds are extensive and include various gardens like a walled garden and hothouses for a tropical garden. Ripley Castle puts on special events like the House & Garden Fair and outdoor concerts. The castle grounds are home to the national Hyacinth collection.

The grounds are also great for kids because there are a lot of outdoor activities available, such as archery and kayaking. The park walk is beautiful and includes deer (naturally) and an ornamental lake.

Skipton Castle

The Yorkshire market town of Skipton isn’t necessarily the first place you would think of when considering grand castles in England. And granted, Skipton’s offering is more about functionality rather than finery, but it is definitely not one to overlook. At over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England. On your visit, you will have a unique opportunity to explore the whole castle from top to bottom. Some notable highlights include the grand Banqueting Hall, the impressive Bedchamber, and the depths of the dungeon. Your tour is self-guided using a comprehensive information sheet, which is available in 10 different languages. Along the journey, you will discover how Skipton Castle was able to survive a three-year siege during the Civil War. You can also admire the pretty yew tree in the courtyard that was planted in 1659 to celebrate the restoration of the castle. To make the most of your visit to Skipton, you will also want to spend some time exploring the quaint market town. It is full of independent stores and a bustling market feel. You can also explore Skipton Castle Woods, a 36-acre ancient woodland, now maintained by the Woodland Trust. – by Hannah Ackroyd of  Get Lost Travel Blog

Spofforth Castle

Spofforth Castle was once the seat of the prominent Percy family who now have a seat at Alnwick Castle further north in Northumberland. Although riginally constructed in the 11th century, the ruins seen today date back only to renovations done in the 14th and 15th-century.

Entry to the ruins of Spofforth is free. Spofforth Castle has an important backstory since it is where the rebel barons met to write the Magna Carta, a charter of rights for the nobles that has become an important part of the British constitution. The barons then went south to meet King John at Runnymede to force his hand.

Any castle ruins this old is bound to have a ghost story or two. People have reported seeing the figure of a phantom woman throwing herself from the ramparts in despair.

Wray Castle

Despite its name, Wray Castle is not actually a castle. It is a private home that was built in the Gothic Revival Style in 1840 along the shores of Lake Windermere in Low Wray, England. Wray Castle is possibly most famous as the holiday and summer home of Beatrix Potter, the author of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.” Visitors can explore Wray Castle’s elaborate hall, private rooms, towers, turrets, and more. While none of the original furniture remains, many photos of the original home are prominently displayed. The castle also has mock ruins, hidden doors, and the Peter Rabbit Adventure to explore. Outside, visitors can enjoy a pleasant walk along the shore of Lake Windermere. There is also a cafe on-site, with large grounds and gardens to explore while enjoying a treat. The Castle is easily accessible via car from the nearby town of Ambleside. Parking at Wray Castle ranges from £5 (6.94 USD) for two hours up to £7.5 ($10.41 USD) for four or more hours. Visitors can take a fifteen cruise from Waterhead Pier, just outside Ambleside. Note: because of COVID-19, there are limited cruises being offered. It would be best to check what cruises are available while planning your trip. Visiting the grounds outside Wray Castle is free, with pets welcome to explore the area. Entrance to the Castle will cost you £10.40 ($14.45 USD) for adults and £5.20 ($7.22) for children. Wray Castle offers a group discount for groups of at least fifteen people. The most popular time to visit Wray Castle is during the summer. The warm evenings make watching the sunset nearly magical. Wray Castle is open year-round and hosts several seasonal events. No matter when you visit, Wray Castle is a destination not to be missed. – by Catalin Geangos from Travel Trained

The Best Castles of Southern England

There’s a variety of castles in Southern England to visit from the haunted ruins of Berry Pomeroy Castle in Devon to the world class art contained at Longford Castle in Wiltshire. Then there are the castles in Southwest England that are tied to legend (Tintagel Castle) or located on their own island (Mount Saint Michael).

Berry Pomeroy Castle

Although maintained by English Heritage, Berry Pomeroy is still owned by the Dukes of Somerset.

Berry Pomeroy Castle was built in the 15th century to keep order in the area because Devon at the time was hotbed of unrest.

The Pomeroy sold it to the Seymours (the Dukes of Somerset) eventually. The Duke of Somerset was the Lord Protector for England because his nephew, Henry VIII’s son, Edward VI, was still a young boy. The Seymours kept enlarging it because they wanted to show their wealth and power. Then the Seymours abandoned Berry Pomeroy without actually finishing it.

Berry Pomeroy was a favourite of the Victorians who loved their romantic ruined castles. Lots of ghost stories were promoted about Berry Pomeroy Castle which still lead people to believe that it is haunted today.

Berry Pomeroy is a short distance from both Dartmouth Castle and Totnes Castle. The castle ruins are cool and the grounds are great for exploring.

Carisbrooke Castle

If you’re looking for the best castles in England you can’t miss Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight. This evocative stone building has had various uses through the centuries, from fortress, a king’s prison right through to a royal summer retreat. Carisbrooke has been a key building on the Isle of Wight for over 1000 years. It’s probably most famous for being the prison of Charles I who was held here during the Civil War before being taken back to the mainland for his execution. Charles I attempted to escape from the castle but wasn’t able to get through the bars. It’s very atmospheric to see where he would have been held and how desperate he must have felt. Today you can have a picnic on his bowling green which he had constructed. If you’re visiting on a family holiday to the Isle of Wight , the castle put on lots of events which kids will love. Visitors of all ages will enjoy winding their way through the rooms and discovering history through the ages in the various quarters. Walk along the battlements for some of the best views of the Isle of Wight. Carisbrooke also have a relatively new garden designed by the award winning garden designer Chris Beardhsaw, the Princess Beatrice Garden which is inspired by Edwardian times. So even today it is evolving and giving so much pleasure to countless visitors.

– by Nichola West at Globalmouse Travels

Corfe Castle

Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, Corfe castle is one of the most beautiful castles in England. Located in the stunning Dorset countryside, this picturesque castle is part of the Purbeck Heritage Coast. Once upon a time, this castle stood at the top of the hill as a sturdy fort, yet now only ruins remain. However, these ruins are some of the most beautiful castle ruins around, making this site one of the most visited historic structures in the whole of England. With over a thousand years of history, this castle is an epic day out for everyone. From children to adults everyone can enjoy the unique history lesson as well as the incredible scenery. We advise that the best way to visit Corfe castle is by staying at one of the quaint campsites in Swanage and taking the steam train to the castle. The heritage railway at Swanage is one of the most popular heritage railways in Britain, with trains running every day between April and October. You will love arriving at the train station in Corfe as it is a postcard-perfect station with magnificent views of the castle and takes just 22 minutes to get to from Swanage station. – by Breanne Fleat of Family Camping Europe

Dartmouth Castle

The salty remains of Dartmouth Castle cling to the cliffs above the entrance to the River Dart in South Devon. Unlike many English castles, it has never been home to kings or courtiers. But since the 14th Century it has played an important role in protecting the nearby port of Dartmouth. French raids were common in the area, so over the centuries towers and batteries were added to the fortifications, giving the guns longer range into the English Channel. A chain could also be drawn across the river mouth between Dartmouth Castle and Kingswear to stop unwelcome vessels entering. Today you can visit the castle’s battery, casemates and gun tower where troops were stationed periodically right up until the Second World War. It’s also fascinating to wander around the gravestones of St Petrox Church, which has stood in the same location for nearly 200 years longer than the castle. One of this castle’s very best features are the panoramic views over the sea and down the River. Stand on the top of the gun tower and you’ll be able to see the Britannia Royal Naval College perched on the hill above Dartmouth and the comings and goings of hundreds of sailing boats. – by Claire Hall of Devon with Kids

Longford Castle

Salisbury is the perfect city to see an amazing English estate. It is the perfect English city and offers everything you’d expect from a travellers imagination from middle class town market to world class sites like the Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge as well as the spectacular Longford Castle. To get here, takes a quick 2 hour train ride from London Waterloo or Clapham Junction stations on South Western Railways. The best part is Salisbury is the beautiful Longford Castle. It is the same castle that is shown as the Castle of fictional Genovia in Princess Diaries movies. In reality, however, it is the seat of the Earl of Radnor. It is one of the most beautiful castles in England and definitely worth a visit. It is built in a hexagonal shape with all towers linked to each other. The gardens around the castle are vast and beautiful and perfect for a summer picnic or an evening stroll. If you want to visit the castle you must book it in advance though through their website and the tours happen only 28 days a year. – by Ucman Scher of Brown Boy Travels Longford Castle is one of the best castles of Southern England thanks to its important art collection, some of which is on loan to the National Gallery in London. (Image credit: Ucman Scher)

Powderham Castle

One of the beautiful castles in England, Powderham Castle, has been owned by the same family for hundreds of years. Lying near Exeter in Devon, Powderham Castle was built in the 14th century. 

Powderham started off as a fortified manor house and got upgraded to the castle designation in the 17th century. It’s still missing elements that would make it a proper castle like a moat even though castle-like elements were added in the 19th century.

There are plenty of things to do in Powderham Castle. You can take tours of the castle interiors, and visit the gardens. There are guided tours of the gardens or alternatively, just go on a ramble of the grounds. Among the gardens to see are the walled garden, the American garden, the rose garden and the secret garden. The Belvedere Tower on the grounds, formerly used as a ballroom, gives great views over the countryside.

You may recognise Powderham Castle from the 1993 movie, The Remains of the Day .

Saint Michaels Mount

Saint Michael’s Mount located in Cornwall, is one of the rare tidal islands in the U.K. that you can get to via a short walk. When the tide is high, the island sits detached from land, in the middle of the sea and is inaccessible. Located in Mount’s Bay near Marazion in Cornwall, the pathway to get to the island is actually man-made and can be used when the tide is low. The island is managed by the National Trust and contains a castle, chapel, and gardens. St. Michaels Mount, which looks quite similar to the Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France, is actually its cornish equivalent. Legend has it that the castle here was home to Cormoran the giant, of Jack the giant slayer fame. Till date, some believe that the boulders and scattered tree trunks around are due to the giant! Currently owned by the St Aubyn family, the castle has quirky items scattered all over. There’s a clock that tells the time of the tide as well as the time of day, a piece of Napoleon’s coat which he wore at the battle of Waterloo and even a mummified cat! It is also believed that St. Michaels Mount is haunted so if you like such places, the legend, history and all the mystery make it a must visit!

– by Lavinia Dsouza at Continent Hop

Sudeley Castle

Sudeley Castle is a beautiful attraction in the Cotswolds AONB in England. Located near the village of Winchcombe, Sudeley Castle is a great place to spend a few hours while in the area. The history of the castle dates back to the 15th century and is associated with King Edward IV, King Richard III and King Henry VIII, and is also the burial place of a queen. The long and trembling history of the place is explained in detail in the indoor exhibition, while the Castle Rooms present an extensive collection of art pieces and other objects. Outdoors, visitors to the castle will be able to enjoy a large area of green space, featuring several gardens with various flower collections. Wander in the White Garden, the Secret Garden or even the Ruins Garden that is created around the remains of an old section of the castle. Nested in the gardens, you will find St Mary’s church. It is a small church that was hugely destroyed during the Civil War and it was restored in the 19th century. Bird enthusiasts will be able to find more than ten species of pheasants, many of which are globally endangered in the outdoor pheasantry. The easiest way to reach Sudeley Castle is by car; however, it is still possible to visit it using public transport. To do so, you need to take the train or bus to Cheltenham Spa, and from there you need to take bus W to Winchcombe. The castle is about 15 minutes on foot from there.

– by Elina Michaelidou at Empnefsys & Travel

Tintagel Castle

There is something magical and evocative about the medieval fortification that is Tintagel Castle . Set on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, the ruined Tintagel Castle is managed by English Heritage and has been open to tourists since the middle of 19th century. Built in 1233 by Earl Richard, the castle is prominently known for its connection to the legendary King Arthur. After Earl Richard, Edward, the 1st Duke of Cornwall, reworked the hall into smaller buildings. But over the years the castle remained largely deserted and became dilapidated as the following Earls of Cornwall were not interested in it. It was only in the 19th century that interest was renewed in the castle ruins, mainly due to Arthurian legends, and it became a tourist attraction. Today, visitors can follow in the footsteps of Tintagel’s medieval inhabitants, explore the ruins, enjoy outdoor works of art, take in the stunning scenery or relax on the lovely beach below the castle. Because of its clifftop location, there are some steep slopes and uneven surfaces to reach the top. But the dramatic views more than make up for the not-so-easy climb up. After you are done exploring, you can head to the Beach Café to enjoy tasty local dishes while enjoying the views out to the sea.

– by Deeptha at The Globetrotter

Star Castle

Visiting the Scilly Isles? Star Castle Hotel is a must – whether you stay or just go for afternoon tea.

Built in the reign of Elizabeth I in 1583, it was intended to provide fortification and an early sighting of potential Spanish invaders! Thanks to its island setting, it became a Royalist stronghold and was a refuge for the Prince of Wales (later crowned Charles II) in 1643.

Now, it’s a charmingly restored hotel with the dungeon converted to a bar and with quirky rooms where you can stay in the look-out towers.

– by Fiona Maclean of London Unattached

Map of the Best Castles in England

Here’s a map for your planning convenience that shows the best castles of England that are more than a day trip from London. Our choices of the best castles in England including beautiful castles in East Anglia, castles in East Midlands, castles in West Midlands, castles in Northern England and castles in Southern England.

SPREAD THE WORD! PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!

We did not receive compensation of any form, monetary or otherwise, from any of the products, services, hotels etc mentioned in this article.

This site generates income via partnerships with carefully-curated travel and lifestyle brands and/or purchases made through links to them at no extra cost to you. More information may be found on our Disclosure Policy.

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Castles and Cathedrals Oxford PhD Guide 2 Day Tour

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Admission to Historic Sites with guided tours
• Options - Great Pubs for lunches
• Castle and Cathedral activities: archery, crypt & other tours
• Entry/Admission - Hever Castle & Gardens
• Entry/Admission - Dover Castle
• Entry/Admission - Canterbury Cathedral
• Marylebone, Melcombe Pl, London NW1 6JJ, UK We meet outside the Entrance at 8 am where our coach will take us on our way to Hever Castle!
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• If you cancel at least 4 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
• If you cancel within 3 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
• Canterbury Cathedral
• Dover Castle
• Hever Castle & Gardens

Similar experiences

• brbrfrank 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Tour! Great tour. Geoff is very knowledgeable and engaging. We could not have picked a better person to explain the culture, history, and architecture of the Abbey. We highly recommend his tour. Thank you so much Geoff. Read more Written November 7, 2023
• 939bernard 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Westminster Abbey Private Tour Oxford PhD Guide Geoffrey Sedlezky It was a wonderful and fantastically interesting tour of Westminster Abbey. I am very much impressed by Geoffrey’s knowledge and the way he imparted it to us during our visit there. I really could listen for hours to his stories about the Abbey and the history of England in the broad context of universal history. It was a great pleasure that we could listen to Geoffrey's stories and it was a very good investment to the tour he offered. I would certainly like to come back and learn from him (a true erudite) about other aspects of English history and historical places in London. I recommend Geoffrey’s tour to all visitors to London who would like to learn more about its history, and Westminster Abbey in particular. Bernard, Poland Read more Written November 6, 2023
• wbjanik 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Private tour Oxford PhD guide Geoff We had planned a weekend trip to London and were very excited to learn about the history and architecture of the Westminster Abbey. We booked with Private tour Oxford PhD guide Geoff. His degree and knowledge is unparalled for this tour and we would highly recommend booking with him. His love of cathedral architecture was apparent in our conversations. He is enthusiastic and professional and a joy to converse with. Our flight was canceled twice and he worked tirelessly to make accommodations for us as our arrival time continued to change. Truly, the level of care and compassion that Geoff showed was unprecedented and we will absolutely book a tour with Geoff on our next visit! Read more Written November 4, 2023
• miladoc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Westminter Abbey Tour Our tour guide was magnificent. He gave us more than we had scheduled for, was always able to answer our questions, and was helpful with difficulties. His knowledge and mastery of his subject was thorough. At the same time he was pleasant and fun to interact with. My wife was so impressed, she is seeking to obtain a copy of his book! Would go on another tour with him in a second. Read more Written October 25, 2023
• tingtingly 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great trip with knowledgeable PhD Guide It was a great trip led by Geof. In fact, this was not my first time to visit Westminster Abbey. But since I'm traveling with my daughter (10 years' old), I wanted the trip to be more informative and interactive. I felt really lucky that I found Geoff's tour. His knowledge and passion about the building and about history has certainly made the visit much more interesting and rewarding. One other plus is that we got to skip the queue since Geof is a member, and that certainly saved us extra time. I won't hesitate to recommend Geof's tour to anyone who wants to visit the Abbey, for the first time or just to know more about its history. Read more Written October 15, 2023
• janemiller2018 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Not to be missed! Fantastic guide. We had a great time with Geoff! He is a great guide and we learned so much. Our tour surpassed our expectations. What a wonderful place to visit. Highly recommended! A++ Read more Written October 15, 2023
• Laura D 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Westminster Abbey, fantastic tour Fantastic tour and guide. Geoff is like an encyclopaedia. We learned so much and he made the history come alive. Highly recommend any of his tours! Read more Written October 9, 2023
• lc485343 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful Experience Geoff was an incredible and knowledgeable guide. We were able to skip all lines and receive so much information about the history and design of Westminster Abbey. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting London. Read more Written August 24, 2023
• cortneym511 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles PhD Geoff had another group while we had Isabelle. She was a true Londoner! You could really tell she loved giving tours and teaching others about the Abbey. She knew most of the actual workers and yet seemed like a real person. Her know;we’ve was incredible! Read more Written July 1, 2023
• sushi4soup 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The Only Way to Tour Westminster Great tour with Geoff! He really made sense of Westminster for us - it can be overwhelming. Loved the inside story and info tidbits - made the history come alive. very helpful in making sure we saw some other sights on our way to the tube. Would gladly take any other tours he offered! Read more Written June 10, 2023
• Jvarao 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Westminster Abbey Tour Geoff was an excellent guide. His knowledge exceeded our expectations. He kept the whole family engaged including our two boys; ages 10 and 13. I highly recommend. Read more Written April 24, 2023
• laura d 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic tour guide! This was an excellent tour of Westminster Abbey. Dr Geoff from Oxford is an encyclopaedia of knowledge. He brought the building to life and told the stories of people who walked through in the last 1000 years. Not to be missed 10/10 Read more Written March 8, 2023

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