Britain’s most spectacular castles

Old meets new at this York heritage hotspot, with incredible rooftop views over the city skyline.

This vibrant market town stands at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, with its must-visit Norman castle.

Look out from Elizabeth I’s private rooms, and stroll through an immaculate historic garden.

This Norman fortress presides over the Hope Valley, with panoramic views of the Peak District National Park.

A history spanning 16 centuries, this iconic fortress exhibits tales from its Roman history to its role in the Second World War.

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

Wander the ruins of this motte-and-bailey castle for a peek into Hertfordshire’s past.

Explore this impressive Norman fortress, standing proudly over the River Medway.

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

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

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

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.

Visitors to Urquhart Castle have recorded many Loch Ness Monster sightings over the years, and it even features in a 1955 photo of Nessie as well as The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970).

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let Outlander’s Sam Heughan be your guide on a themed audio tour of this magnificent site.

Meet the ‘Pink Palace’, star of Outlander series two.

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

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