Most Beautiful Castles in The UK

Full of secrets and scandals, Britain’s castles are full of stories. Marking where battles were won and dynasties were upheld, these royal residences come battle forts mark history’s most famous moments.

Beyond tours and exhibitions, there are lots of new ways to get hands-on with history. Witness a sword-clashing skirmish between medieval knights, sleep in the childhood home of a former queen, or party in the real-life Downton Abbey? Here are just some of our most treasured castles, along with the one-of-a-kind experiences you can find…

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

Screen stars

For some juicy stories and insights, take a themed tour of your favourite movie-loving castle. Britain’s castles love the camera and have starred in countless films from Highclere Castle doubling as Downton Abbey to Alnwick Castle’s role of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series. Maybe you’ll recognise Eilean Donan Castle from Highlander? Or Belvoir Castle from The Da Vinci Code?

View from the Norman motte, high above the castle grounds.

Festival fun

Castles aren’t just about a delve into history, many double-up as impressive festival and live music locations. It’s not unusual to see A-list gigs at the likes of Warwick Castle or Arundel Castle to a fromage fancier’s fantasy at Caerphilly Castle’s Big Cheese Festival. Many offer outdoor theatre and film screenings throughout the summer.

Man leaning on gatepost, looking out to views of castle

Big battles

With swords clashing and shields smashing battle reenactments bring a castle’s epic history to life. From Viking and Saxon skirmishes at Corfe Castle to medieval jousting at Kenilworth Castle, watch the battles that shaped Britain today.

Behind the scenes

A behind-the-scenes castle tour reveals the secrets of these imposing structures. Discover the inner workings of Castle Howard, Windsor Castle and Durham Castle which run curated talks and events for that extra special insight.

View from a distance of a castle on hill near a beach

Royal sleeps

Snooze in chambers fit for royalty. Many of Britain’s castles offer accommodation whether that’s a luxurious B&B at Hever Castle – Anne Boleyn’s childhood home – or self-catering boltholes in Bamburgh Castle’s towers. Leeds Castle has medieval-themed glamping tents in its grounds, while Warwick offers stays in its Knight’s Village.

Visit some of England’s favourite castles

Windsor Castle

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

Warwick Castle

From dragon-slaying to sword-fighting, history really does come alive at the 1000-year-old Warwick Castle.

Aerial view of long buildng with a pineapple dome

Tower of London

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

Highclere Castle

Step inside the real Downton Abbey.

Hever Castle

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

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

Alnwick Castle

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

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

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

Leeds Castle

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.

Woman in a punt on the moat looking towards castle

Windsor Castle

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

Warwick Castle

From dragon-slaying to sword-fighting, history really does come alive at the 1000-year-old Warwick Castle.

Tower of London

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

Highclere Castle

Step inside the real Downton Abbey.

Hever Castle

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

Alnwick Castle

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

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

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

Leeds Castle

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.

The best castles in Scotland

Edinburgh Castle

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

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

Craigievar Castle

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

Woman walking on a path between grass, towards a castle

Stirling Castle

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

Eilean Donan Castle

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.