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Visit some of England’s favourite castles

Windsor, England

Walk through 1,000 years of history at Windsor Castle, exploring its opulent state rooms and superb royal artefacts.

Photo by: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022

Visitors with ice cream, Windsor Castle
Warwick, England

Spectacular shows and spellbinding storytelling bring history to life.

Photo by: gary718/Shutterstock

Location: Warwick, England

A hot air balloon floats over Warwick Castle in Warwickshire, England.
London, England

Get hands-on with history at this former palace and prison. It’s full of tales and treasures, including the Crown Jewels.

Photo by: Visit Britain/George Johnson

Beefeater walking by the, Tower of London on a sunny day
Highclere, England

Step inside the real Downton Abbey.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Anastasia Ustenikova

Food truck and direction signs at a festival at Highclere Castle with house behind
Hever, England

Hever Castle was the childhood home of Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn, who later became queen of England for just 1,000 days.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pete Seaward

A man and woman in a rowing boat, rowing in still waters
Alnwick, England

A really magical day – the setting of wizarding schools for Harry Potter, Alnwick Castle even offers magic performances and wand-making workshops.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Young woman hovering on a broomstick in the Outer Bailey of Alnwick Castle
Bamburgh, England

Overlooking the golden sands of Bamburgh beach, this magnificent fortress is one of Britain’s biggest inhabited castles.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Chris Ceasar

View from a distance of a castle on hill near a beach
Broomfield, England

Leeds Castle is jam-packed with things to do: from an adventure golf course and mind-boggling maze, to a bird of prey centre and outdoor art sculptures.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Woman in a punt on the moat looking towards castle
Dover, England

With jousting tournaments, secret wartime tunnels and a medieval palace, Dover Castle brings Britain's history to life.

Photo by: billie_the_kid_071

Dover Castle
Exeter, England

Visit the last castle to be built in Britain, with the rugged Dartmoor tors that surround it.

Photo by: National Trust Images/James Dob

Exterior of Castle Drogo, looking up through the fir trees
Castle Howard, England

A remarkable pile that’s been in the Howard family for more than 300 years.

Photo by: Castle Howard/Nick Howard

Large country house surrounded by trees with stream in the foreground
Thornbury, England

King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed here on their honeymoon – and you can enjoy its luxury too.

Photo by: Les Searle

An overhead view of Thornbury Castle on the outskirts of Bristol
Arundel, England

Take a trip to Arundel Castle, towering on its motte, in the South Downs and see its 1,000 years of history.

Photo by: Arundel Castle

Location: South Downs

Arundel Castle
Lewes, England

Head to lovely Lewes in East Sussex and climb to the top of its historic castle overlooking the town.

Photo by: Sussex Past

Location: South Downs

Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum
Marazion, England

This island getaway sits just off the coast of Cornwall, with a magnificent castle at its peak.

Photo by: National Trust Images / David Noton

A person windsurfing off the coast of the castle on St Michael's Mount, Cornwall
Dunster, England

From festive lights trails to ghost-hunting trips, this ancient house offers festivals and events galore.

Photo by: National Trust Images/James Dobson

Location: Dartmoor and Exmoor

Dunster Castle and Watermill
Lancaster, England

Tales of witchcraft and crime await at the King’s northern castle – take a tour through its medieval Well Tower or explore its collection of heraldic shields.

Photo by: Marketing Lancashire

 External view of Lancaster castle with visitors sitting around the lawn in the foreground
Grantham, England

The turrets, battlement walls and gardens at this castle will be a familiar sight to fans of the television show The Crown and The Da Vinci Code movie.

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicestershire, England

A long distance outdoor shot of Belvoir Castle
Alnwick, England

From the dungeon to the torture chamber and the castle’s resident ghosts, you’re guaranteed a terrifying day out.

Photo by: Jane Coltman

Chillingham Castle_Making an entrance by Jane Coltman
Cheltenham, England

A fairytale castle with romantic ruins and swoon-worthy gardens, Sudeley is a Cotswolds heart throb.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Location: Cotswolds, England

Pärchen, das sich im Garten in der Nähe eines Springbrunnens umarmt

The best castles in Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland

Discover this dramatic fortress, perched on top of a dormant volcano at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Steven Oates

Location: Edinburgh

Green and red deck chairs laid out on grass in a park
Alford, Scotland

A striking fairytale castle that hosts anything from Shakespeare plays to wilderness survival skill workshops.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ramona Jones

Woman walking on a path between grass, towards a castle
Stirling, Scotland

Venture into Stirling Castle’s Palace Vaults, stroll the Queen Anne gardens, and experience the opulence of royal life in the 1500s.

Photo by: valentynagretchyn

A woman posing in front of Stirling Castle, Scotland
Dornie, Scotland

Immerse yourself in Scottish heritage. Eilean Donan sits in an incredible setting: the castle’s stone turrets are surrounded by rugged peaks, and it sits at the meeting point of three west coast lochs – Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Guy Richardson

Aerial view of castle and surrounding countryside
Drumnadrochit, Scotland

Visitors to Urquhart Castle have recorded many Loch Ness Monster sightings over the years, and it even features in a 1955 photo of Nessie.

Photo by: Inverness & Loch Ness

A view from above Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness in Scotland.
Golspie, Scotland

Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland's great houses, and the biggest in the Northern Highlands – with an incredible 189 rooms.

Photo by: moliviabegnami

A view from below Dunrobin Castle, Scotland
Culzean, Scotland

This is no ordinary castle – Culzean has its very own beach, country park, Adventure Cove and more.

Photo by: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

Culzean Castle and Country Park
Crieff, Scotland

One for nature lovers, Drummond Castle Gardens offer everything from snowy splendour in winter, to a summertime riot of colour.

Photo by: colindrumwright

Drummond Castle Gardens
Crathie, Scotland

The Scottish holiday residence of the British Royal Family. Tour the historic gardens and estate of picturesque Balmoral Castle.

Photo by: @pumpkin_the_pompom

Balmoral Castle and Estate
Inverarary, Scotland

A fusion of modernity, baroque, palladian and gothic, Inveraray Castle was inspired by a sketch from the architect that brought Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard to Britain.

Photo by: Inveraray Castle

A view across the grounds of Inveraray Castle
Dumfries, Scotland

Built in the shape of a triangle, this unique 13th-century fortress sits on the southern coast of Scotland.

Photo by: VisitScotland/Damian Shields

Caerlaverock Castle
Dunvegan, Scotland

The longest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, this fairy-tale place perches on a rock by a loch.

Photo by: MacLeod Estate

436 Dunvegan Castle8
Kelso, Scotland

From outdoor theatre shows to Halloween frights, this historic house knows how to put on a show.

Photo by: VisitScotland / Ian Rutherford

Location: Lowlands

Floors Castle, Roxburghe estate, Kelso in Roxburghshire
Ballindalloch, Scotland

Discover beautiful artworks, storied antiques and decadent decor at the ‘Pearl of the North’.

Photo by: VisitScotland /Damian Shields

Location: Cairngorms

Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens
Cockpen, Scotland

This hotel spa features a Roman-style sauna, Turkish-inspired steam bath and a menu of decadent treatments.

Photo by: Sean Elliot Photgraphy/Dalhouseie Castle

Location: Lowlands

Dalhousie Castle Spa
Linlithgow, Scotland

This 15th-century stronghold is dubbed ‘the ship that never sailed’ thanks to its imposing appearance on the Firth of Forth.

Photo by: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam

Location: Lowlands

Blackness Castle

The best castles in Wales

Caerphilly, Wales

Just outside Cardiff, step into history at Caerphilly Castle, which dates back to the 13th century.

Photo by: VisitWales

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A woman in sunglasses looking out across Caerphilly Castle
Cardiff, Wales

Almost plucked straight from a fairytale, Castell Coch is a medieval style castle built by Victorians, and is surrounded by woodland idyll.

Photo by: Cadw Photographic Library

Location: Wales

A juggler in costume juggling balls at Castell Coch in Wales
Raglan, Wales

Cutting a megalithic figure on the Monmouthshire countryside, Raglan Castle features turrets, moats and Tudor tours and falconry days.

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

SVW-C47-1617-0003
Harlech, Wales

Explore the dramatic ruins of Harlech Castle through immersive storytelling, Knight School and staged battles, all with a backdrop of Snowdonia (Eryri).

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Castle standing on a grassy hilltop. Blue skies and clouds
Caernarfon, Wales

More than 700 years old, Caernarfon Castle towers over the River Seiont in north Wales and hosts a ram-packed calendar of events beneath its turrets.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Row boats in a moat surrounding a castle
Conwy, Wales

Standing tall for more than 700 years, this medieval fortress overlooks the pretty town of Conwy – both a joy to explore.

Photo by: VisitBritain/David Angel

Location: North Wales

A castle lit up at night in winter snow near harbour
Beaumaris, Wales

Explore the packed events of the near-finished Beaumaris Castle – the last to be built by King Edward I in north Wales.

Photo by: Cadw Photographic Library

Man in costume carrying crossbow during a show at Beaumaris Castle, Wales
Laugharne, Wales

Part castle, part Tudor mansion, Laugharne Castle was the place that inspired famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas.

Photo by: Crown Copyright (2022) Cadw

View from the outside of Laugharne Castle
Pembroke, Wales

The only castle in Britain to be built over a natural cavern.

Photo by: Peter Morgan

A long range shot of Pembroke Castle at night
Abergele, Wales

Explore the courtyard where the contestants stayed, the telephone box, the Clink – and even the privy!

Photo by: ITV / Lifted Entertainment

Location: North Wales

Gwrych Castle: I'm a Celebrity
Swansea, Wales

Is this Wales’ most haunted castle? Join a ghost tour and find out.

Photo by: lynnewilliams_photography

Young child sat on a green armchair in front of a fireplace with a teddy bear next to them at Criag y Nos Castle in the Brecon Beacons

Spectacular Northern Irish castles

Bushmills, Northern Ireland

Though the castle itself dates back to the 16th century, this clifftop spot has over 2,000 years of human history to explore.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

People looking at a historic stony castle from a hill
Belfast, Northern Ireland

Visit the official residence of the Royal Family in Northern Ireland.

Photo by: @historicroyalpalaces

Hillsborough Castle and garden

British castles you can stay in

Warwick Castle, Warwickshire

Fancy staying in a medieval castle? Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, the imposing Warwick Castle holds two hidden gems within the 14th-century Caesar’s Tower. Fit for royalty, you can choose from two private chambers to spend the night in this British castle. The suites are decorated in traditional medieval style complete with four-poster beds and dark wooden furniture. Each booking includes the full VIP service with two-day Warwick Castle entry tickets, champagne on arrival, a concierge service, breakfast, a private tour of the castle, afternoon tea and more.

Photo by: gary718/Shutterstock

Location: Warwick Castle

A hot air balloon floats over Warwick Castle in Warwickshire, England.

Langley Castle, Northumberland

For a dramatic building that makes a statement, Langley Castle ticks the boxes. This 14th-century castle hotel has a rich history of lords and ladies. There are nine opulently designed rooms within the castle with original features dotted throughout. The castle is a popular stop-off point between England and Scotland, Hadrian’s Wall is close by and the Lake District is around a one hour drive.

Peckforton Castle, Cheshire

Built around 1850, this medieval-style castle was given Grade I listed status in 1952. At Peckforton Castle you can expect a luxurious stay with mod-cons including underfloor heating and 24-hour in-room dining, all set within the original features of the hotel. With accessible bedrooms available and a choice of fine dining, you can expect turrets, towers and four-poster beds.

Roch Castle, Pembrokeshire

With a dominating position high on a rocky outcrop, a stay in Roch Castle provides renovated modern luxury within the walls of this 12th-century stronghold. The castle, built by the Norman knight Adam de Rupe, boasts 360 degree views of the Pembrokeshire coastline and surrounding countryside and offers bed and Welsh breakfast.

Photo by: Planet Wales

The sun setting behind Roch Castle in Wales.

Thornbury Castle, Gloucestershire  

Wander in the footsteps of kings and queens at Thornbury Castle. Once owned by King Henry VIII and Queen Mary I, choose from a number of bedchambers, with tapestries, fabrics and period furniture taking you on a journey back to Tudor Britain. You can even sleep in the Henry VIII Suite, where the king himself stayed in 1535 with his wife at the time, Anne Boleyn.

Inverlochy Castle, Fort William

This 19th-century castle in the Scottish Highlands once received high praise from Queen Victoria, who spent a week at Inverlochy Castle in 1873 while on a trip to Balmoral, declaring: “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot.” Inside the castle hotel, bedrooms are warm and inviting and there are a range of dining experiences to choose from, including Seasgair, overseen by world-renowned chef Michel Roux Jr. Dining here is high-end yet inclusive, with separate vegan and vegetarian menus, afternoon tea and a suitably mammoth whisky list.

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

Make the famous walls of Bamburgh Castle your home with a stay at The Clock Tower, a luxurious yet cosy apartment built into the 13th-century tower and turret of the castle walls. Offering striking views over some of Northumberland’s most impressive scenery, you’ll get exclusive access to the castle grounds, as well as the state rooms when the castle is open. The quirky three-bedroom accommodation offers a delightful mix of antique furniture, stylish heritage decor and the latest modern appliances. 

Photo by: VisitBritain

Rear view of man standing in a landscape looking at a castle

Sherbrooke Castle, Glasgow

Sherbrooke Castle Hotel is a baronial building crafted in rich red sandstone. Offering not only rooms within the walls of the castle itself, you can also book cottage and garden suites. The luxurious bedrooms are the ideal place to relax after an action-packed day exploring Glasgow. Sherbrooke Castle Hotel is located on the south side of the city in the peaceful surroundings of Pollokshields.

Hedingham Castle, Essex

Fit for a king or a queen, The Royal Chamber at Hedingham Castle offers a grand four poster bed so you can experience the royal treatment in the heights of the castle. While guests had previously been able to stay in properties located around the castle’s medieval park, you can now spend the night inside the 900-year-old building itself. Soak up the room’s majesty in the spacious double bath before venturing out to explore the surrounding Essex countryside.

More of Britain’s history hotspots

Love the finer things in life? Discover historic homes and regal palaces for the full panoply of Britain's stately treasures.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Marina Comes

Woman walking in Blenheim Palace gardens surrounded by greenery

From medieval Edinburgh to Georgian Bath, Britain is full of cultural treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Photo by: The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa

Location: Bath

External view, through a field of blurred out daffodils in the foreground, of the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath

Dare you visit our darkest, most haunted corners? From playful poltergeists to headless queens, Britain’s brimming with ghosts.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Pedestrians walking down steps near a castle

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