Built to keep enemies out while protecting the safety and comfort of those within, England‘s castles have long captured the imagination of travelers from around the world. Castles first appeared in Britain during the 11th century during the Norman Conquest and continued to be constructed well into the 18th century, although the later castles were built more for show than for fortification.
Today, there are hundreds of castles in England in various stages of restoration or states of decay. Many have become popular tourist destinations, offering visitors the chance to see how life in a real castle compares with storybook tales of towers, turrets and untold treasure.
25. Ludlow Castle
Built as an 11th century border stronghold, Ludlow Castle is a place to experience the historic lodging of former kings, queens, and nobility. It peels back the curtains and reveals life in the Medieval era and Tudor society for those in power.
The castle came to be two decades after the Norman Conquest. In the 15th century, it was the scene for the Wars of Roses before becoming property of the Crown. From then, the upper echelon of society resided and married here.
Today, the castle has a balance of ruins and preserved buildings, including accommodation and wedding space. With views over the beautiful Shropshire countryside, take pause on your adventures to admire the resounding scenery.
24. Lancaster Castle
Owned by His Majesty the King (King Charles III), Lancaster Castle boasts over 1,000 years of heritage. Tales of justice, felony, victory, and defeat ring throughout its hallowed walls.
The castle grounds date back to the Roman era. It was chosen thanks to its commanding position overlooking the River Lune and Lancaster town. After years defending it against the Scots and Picts, witch trials took place here. Dozens of them.
Over 200 souls lost their lives here. So, you can only imagine the haunting tales and spirits that reside here. Head to the Drop Room to find out more.
Aside from being a fortress, the castle also served as the Europe’s longest operation prison until it shuttered in 2011.
23. Herstmonceux Castle
In East Sussex, Herstmonceux Castle is surrounded by a moat, formal gardens and seemingly endless woodlands. Take one look and it’ll be clear why this estate was such a beloved retreat among Victorians and other nobility.
Built in 1441, it immediately became the largest private home at the time. With great preservation, it remains a gem to explore. Begin with a walk to the moat’s right side for amazing views of the facade reflecting on the water.
After entering through the gate, you can explore the seven formal gardens and the ancient avenue of chestnuts. Inside the castle, you’ll find rooms and chambers complete with period furniture.
22. Dunster Castle
A thousand years of history welcomes all who visit Dunster Castle. In Somerset, the ancient castle combines with its dramatic views and subtropical gardens to create a memorable experience.
On a quick-rising wooded hill, the ruins of the Norman-era castle showcase the effects of its turbulent past. But, beyond the crumbling tower and the head-turning medieval gatehouse, much remains intact.
This is due to the Luttrell family, who lived here for six centuries, transforming the castle into a luxurious country home. It helps to show the castle at its zenith, without taking away the history.
In addition, you’ll find gorgeous gardens complete with local and Mediterranean plants. A trail guides you through, eventually leading you down to the river and the still-operating windmill.
21. Tintagel Castle
On the clifftops of North Cornwall, the ruins of Tintagel Castle stand. Believed to be the birthplace of the iconic King Arthur, Tingtagel is shrouded in legend – aplace that has gone on to inspire endless authors, poets, and romantics.
An utterly dramatic landscape awaits all who visit, and it all begins with an unforgettable traverse of footbridge. One that runs across a 190ft gorge.
On the other side lies the legend of Camelot, the myths of Merlin, ancient catapults, and armory. From there you can scramble across the ruins and retrace the steps of historic figures on your way to the King Arthur statue. The more you climb, the more grand the coast views become.
20. Kenilworth Castle
The historic beauty and haunting ruins of Kenilworth Castle are merely the appetizer for those who visit. What’s left of one of England’s most formidable medieval fortresses helps tell the tale of royal scandals as much as famed sieges.
With the help of the castle docent, you’ll be able to explore the true nature of the royal romance between Robert Dudley and Elizabeth I. Including how he transformed this castle into an opulent palace as a way to impress his queen.
Later, after extensive renovations, you can enter Elizabeth I’s private rooms. Before completing your journey in the castle’s resplendent garden, home to a bustling aviary and marble fountain.
19. Warkworth Castle
A hilltop fortress and hermitage, the Warkworth Castle will have you ready to anoint yourself as king or queen. Set above the rolling River Coquet, the castle is a portal to the era of the Dukes of Northumberland and the world of the Percy family.
Enter Warkworth Castle to explore the chambers and state rooms that are spread across the majestic cross-shaped keep. As you do, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Harry Hotspur, the bane of Scottish raiders, who was immortalized by Shakespeare.
Interactive trails later take you through the castle grounds and the circuit of towering walls. Sculptures are set along the way the unveil the lives of other inhabitants from as far back as the 15th century.
18. Durham Castle
The centerpiece of the town’s World Heritage Site, the Durham Castle is one of the oldest, continuously occupied castles in England.
Dating back to the 11th century, the castle is far removed from its days as a Norman fortress. While the Prince Bishops of Durham have also moved on. Today, it welcomes the students of Durham’s University College. A unique educational experience if you ask me!
The presence of students and the university culture infused Durham Castle with a sense of living history. The atmosphere draws you in and makes it a fun place to explore.
As you do, you’ll come across some of the castle’s 250 pieces of art, a large number of which are oil paintings. To finish off, check out the incredible Arms and Armour collection.
17. Bolsover Castle
Many English castles were strategically placed to deal with battles. The others were the homes of kings, queens, and nobles. There are a few exceptions, however. Bolsover Castle is one of them.
A visit here is a journey back to the lavish aristocratic extravagance of the late Renaissance. Although it was built in the 11th century, the castle rose to prominence 400 years later when Sir Charles Cavendish came to town.
The horse-mad, playboy son inherited the grounds. Today, you can see the Little Castle luxurious state rooms, laden with rich murals and opulent luxury.
But that’s just the beginning. The entire estate is an allegorical journey through the best of Renaissance luxury and heavenly delights.
16. Tattershall Castle
On the flat fens of Lincolnshire, Tattershall Castle has weathered the storms, the decay and the conflicts to showcase much of its original medieval designs.
Built in the 1400s, the moated castle reached its prime during the Tudor period. The Civil War changed the fortunes of Tattershall, with only the Great Tower remaining. However, restoration efforts put much of the castle’s former pieces back together. You can still spot the Gothic fireplaces and cathedral-esque windows.
Once the home of the Treasurer of King Henry VI, a big part of exploring the castle and surrounding grounds are its archaeological finds. Your adventure back in time then leads to the gorgeous wildflower meadow that bodes for great photography.
15. Lindisfarne Castle
It’s a castle, but not a castle. It stands on an island that’s also not an island. Lindisfarne Castle is like few others.
Originally built in 1550, it spent the better part of three centuries as temporary garrisons. But today it’s more renowned for its contemporary history and not its ancient past.
This is because the castle was built and transformed into a holiday home for Edward Hudson. It remains open to explore. At low tide, you can walk to Holy Island across the causeway.
Once you’ve arrived, you can explore the surprising grandeur behind the 19th century kilns, wander the shoreline and summer gardens. Inside, check out the galleries and Upper Battery for exception views of the Northumberland coast.
14. Dover Castle
Standing upon the striking White Cliffs, Dover Castle is a veritable icon. Built in the years following infamous 1066, this enormous fortress has been at the forefront of royal affairs and momentous battles.
Thanks to Napoleon’s rise to power, Dover Castle underwent vital modifications mere decades after it was first built. These fortifications remain to this day and can be seen along the memorable Battlement Walk.
Soon the one of the world’s oldest lighthouses will come into view. A tower that once helped guide Romans across the English Channel. Speaking of towers, don’t forget to step into the Great Tower and take a journey back to the Middle Ages to discover the Medieval Court of Henry II.
13. Sudeley Castle
The beauty of a visit to Sudeley Castle is the architecture and history is matched by the surrounding natural aura. In the Cotswolds, you’ll have ten magnificent gardens waiting to be explored.
Each one is different from the last, with the garden’s paths allowing you to follow the footsteps of the castle’s famous inhabitants. At the forefront is Queen Katherine Pire, the last of King Henry VII’s wives. She’s buried onsite, the only such queen to rest on private grounds.
As you move beyond the gardens and into the castle itself, you’ll find rooms filled with exhibits. These feature fascinating discoveries from as far back as the Roman era.
The castle is also a great destination for kids, with an Adventure Playground, safaris, and fun events throughout the year.
12. Highclere Castle
Ever watched or heard of Downton Abbey? Well, the Highclere Castle is the show brought to life. Fans of the show will have a blast wandering the lush grounds, spotting the locations where pivotal scenes took place.
But there is more to Highclere Castle than being the set of a TV show. Records here can be traced back to the mid-8th century, a remarkable timeline.
Travelers can book tours of the castle, where you can wander the bonnie 13th century gardens that have been maintained for over 700 years. Later, you’ll enter the state rooms for a look into noble life. Afterwards, explore the Egyptian Exhibition within the former staff quarters which commemorates the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun.
11. Rochester Castle
In Kent, the Rochester Castle has been incredibly well-preserved. Strategically placed along the River Medway, along the Old London Road, the castle was first built in the 1100s.
In just its infancy, Rochester Castle would see plenty of action. In fact, the fortress walls and castles allowed it to be a chief stronghold in the rebellion against Bad King John. The only casualty? Losing an entire tower after a pig fat bomb exploded.
The keep would remain a viable military piece until the 1600s. Today, explorers can discover some of England’s finest Norman architecture and the tallest tower of its kind in Europe – all just steps away from the Cathedral which is an equally powerful symbol of medieval life.
10. Corfe Castle
The ruins of Corfe Castle rest on a hill near a quaint village of the same name in the southern county of Dorset. Built in the 11th and 12th century, the castle was designed to intimidate would-be attackers with a limestone keep that stood 20 meters (70 feet) tall. The castle was famously defended for three years during the English Civil War by Lady Bankes.
During the final attack, Lady Bankes rained hot coals down at Parliamentary soldiers from her personal chambers. Like many of the fortified castles in England, the inner keep of Corfe Castle was then slighted, or dismantled, by its captors so that it could not be used by Royalist forces. Arrow slits and murder holes are still visible in the castle ruins today.
9. Alnwick Castle
The seat of the Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick is the second largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor Castle, the Queen’s favorite weekend home. Built during the 11th century, Alnwick Castle has been home to the Percy family for the last 700 years.
Although the present Duke and Duchess still live in a section of the castle, the rest is open to the public seven months out of the year. Alnwick Castle has been revamped, renovated and refurbished many times over the last seven centuries.
The castle’s rooms serve as rich backdrop for one of the finest collections of paintings in England, including works by Titian, Reynolds and Gainsborough. The exterior of the castle has been featured in several films and served as exterior shots for the Hogwarts school in the Harry Potter movies.
8. Framlingham Castle
Located in the east of England in Suffolk, Framlingham castle is a perfect example of the classic “motte and bailey” fortifications of the 11th and 12th century. Bailey is the term for the protective outer wall of the castle; motte refers to the hill or raised earthwork upon which the castle is constructed. Today, the stockade and 13 towers attract visitors who come to walk along the top of the castle wall.
Framlingham played an important historical role during the Tudor Period when the Howard family owned the castle. Henry VIII seized the estate, Queen Mary returned it and Elizabeth I took it back again. After her death, the castle was once again returned to the Howards. The castle was donated to Pembroke College in 1636, and the inner buildings were tore down to build a poorhouse. Visitors can explore the castle’s history at the “From Powerhouse to Poorhouse” exhibition and can view the Howard family tombs at the nearby Saint Michael Church.
7. Leeds Castle
Large, grand, intact and surrounded by a wide moat, Leeds Castle is what many people imagine when they think of an English castle. Located in Kent in the southeast corner of England, the castle was constructed during the reign of Henry I and served as residence for royalty for much of its more than 900-year-long history.
Six queens called Leeds home, earning the castle the nickname “The Ladies Castle.” The castle’s last private owner was a woman as well. Olive Wilson Filmer, Lady Baillie, inherited the estate in the early 1900s and established the foundation that has run the castle as a tourist destination since her death in 1974.
From its lavish palace to its lush grounds, the vast 500-acre estate has more attractions than can be experienced in a single visit. The moat that surrounds the castle is actually a lake fed by the River Len, and punting on the water is a favorite activity. The castle grounds boast an elaborate yew maze as well as a turf maze designed for young children.
6. Arundel Castle
The seat of the Duke of Norfolk, Arundel Castle is located in West Sussex in the south of England. One of the best of the continually inhabited castles in England, Arundel Castle features a well-preserved interior filled with rare paintings, tapestries and furnishings. The castle’s oldest feature is its motte, the earthwork mound that lifts the castle 30 meters (100 feet) high from the now-dry moat below.
Arundel Castle has remained the residence of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for more than 850 years. Nearly destroyed during the English Civil War of the 17th century, the structure underwent many renovations over the centuries, and in the 19th century, the 15th Duke of Norfolk completed a long restoration project. Today, the estate’s 14th-century chapel, its exquisite gardens and many of the castle’s breathtaking rooms are open to the public.
5. Bamburgh Castle
Situated on the shore of England’s northeast county of Northumberland, Bamburgh Castle stands on an outcrop of volcanic stone along the coastline. With origins that date back as far as the 3rd or 4th century, Bamburgh Castle may have been the capital of the kingdom ruled by the native Britons known as Din Guarie. The core of present castle was built by the Normans in the 11th century, and it’s believed that Henry II ordered the construction of the castle keep.
In 1894, the Victorian industrialist William Armstrong purchased the castle and restored it. It remains the Armstrong family home today, but 16 rooms are open to visitors. Some rooms have been converted into exhibit halls for artifacts like Medieval armor, including the famous 7th-century Bamburgh Sword excavated from the site during an archaeological dig.
4. Tower of London
Construction for the Tower of London began in 1066 on the north bank of the River Thames. Although built as a fortified castle and royal residence, it was mostly used as a prison from 1100 to 1952. Many famous figures of English history were imprisoned within its walls, including royals like Richard II, Henry VI, Edward V and Elizabeth I. Two of Henry VIII’s six wives were beheaded on the Tower Green.
Although the castle’s official name is Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, the royal family has not used the Tower as residence since the Tudor period. The castle has been a popular tourist destination since that time, attracting visitors who come to see the castle’s menagerie, its amazing displays of armory and the nation’s Crown Jewels. Yeoman Warder tours led by knowledgeable, friendly and chatty “Beefeaters” are the highlight of a visit to the Tower of London.
3. Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1068 on a bend of the River Avon. Since its construction in the 11th century, the castle has undergone structural changes with additions of towers and redesigned residential buildings. Originally a wooden structure, it was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century.
During the Hundred Years War, the facade opposite the town was refortified, resulting in one of the most recognizable examples of 14th century military architecture. It was used as a stronghold until the early 17th century, when it was granted to Sir Fulke Greville, who converted it to a country house. It was owned by the Greville family until 1978 when it was bought by a leisure company.
2. Bodiam Castle
Located to the southeast of London in East Sussex, Bodiam Castle is considered one of the best examples of a Medieval fortress, despite the fact that the 14th century structure was built more for status than for strength. After the conclusion of the 100 Years’ War, Richard II granted veteran soldier and landowner Sir Edward Dalyngigge a license to fortify his home as a measure of protection against French invasion.
Looking like something out of a fairytale, Bodiam has all the attributes that people expect when visiting a Medieval castle, from its soaring towers and battlements to its forbidding portcullis and moat. The interior of the castle lies in ruin, however. It was dismantled during the English Civil War in the 1600s to prevent the castle from being used by the enemy. In 1829, art philanthropist John Fuller purchased the castle for 3,000 guineas to save it from demolition.
1. Windsor Castle
Located about an hour west of London, Windsor Castle is often called the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world. It is one of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II who spends many weekends of the year at the castle, using it for both state and private entertaining.
The earliest surviving buildings at Windsor date from the reign of Henry II who came to the throne in 1154. Originally designed to protect Norman dominance around the outskirts of London, Windsor Castle was built as a motte and bailey castle, with three wards surrounding a central mound. Gradually replaced with stone fortifications, the castle withstood a prolonged siege during the First Barons’ War at the start of the 13th century.
During the Tudor period, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I made increasing use of the castle as a royal court and center for diplomatic entertainment. Today, much of the castle, including the magnificent State Apartments and St Georges Chapel can be visited.
Can you tell me what castles can you stay at in England and Ireland. Around July and August