Explore Britain’s maritime heritage

Overlooking the golden sands of Bamburgh beach, this magnificent fortress is one of Britain’s biggest inhabited castles. As well as exploring its historic exhibits and stunning sea views, you can stay overnight in its apartments: a little slice of history, all of your own. Did you know – you’ll be following in the high-octane footsteps of Indiana Jones? The opening scenes of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) were filmed at the castle.  

This island getaway, as seen in House of the Dragon, has to be seen to be believed. It sits just off the coast of Marazion, in Cornwall, with a magnificent castle and garden at its peak, plus a quaint harbour, village and stone-built church – all yours to explore. Whether you love history or hiking, wild swimming or paddleboarding, there is so much to do here, and the sea is never more than a few steps away. The island’s cafe and restaurant serve local delicacies and seafood galore.

Though Dunluce Castle itself dates back to the 16th century, this clifftop location has over 2,000 years of human history to explore. Browse its historical and archaeological exhibits, and hear stories of the feuding McQuillan and MacDonnell clans who both lived here.

Dramatically perched on top of ancient craggy rocks overlooking the North Sea are the ruins of Dunnottar Castle. Around two miles (3.2km) south of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, the castle is steeped in history. With evidence of early habitation around 5000BC to Christian missionaries, Scottish kings and queens and invading Vikings, walk directly in the footsteps of its many historic ancestors as you get up close to the fortress walls. Inspired by the rugged scenery while visiting, Disney and Pixar weaved in aspects of the castle into the fictional DunBroch castle in Brave (2012). Other filming credits include the 1990s movie Hamlet starring Mel Gibson, which saw Dunnottar standing in for Elsinore Castle, and the 2015 film Victor Frankenstein.

Standing proudly over Cardigan Bay, these mighty ruins look straight out of a storybook. Its history is the stuff of a war epic, too: built by Welsh medieval princes, claimed by England’s Edward I, then burned down by Wales’ Owain Glyndŵr, all by the 15th century. Discover Wales medieval past for yourself and enjoy sweeping views over the town of Criccieth and the craggy peaks of Snowdonia (Eryri). There are regular guided tours of the site which reveal the site’s secrets. 

Get the lowdown on Broughty Ferry at this mighty fortress turned town museum. Built in 1490 to help defend Scotland against the English navy, Broughty Castle had a turbulent history until it became a museum. Now, its four floors tell the story of the town, its residents and its rather bumpy past, in the middle of a tug-of-war between the two nations. 

For all its beauty, Beaumaris Castle was never quite finished. It was the final castle to be built by King Edward I in north Wales, but was later abandoned – though its remains are outstanding. Its stone turrets are dotted with narrow slits to fire arrows through, and the entire site has a near-perfect symmetry. Throughout summer, Beaumaris hosts reenactment events to reveal what life should have been like: think jolly jesters, archery, battling knights and taste centuries-old recipes.