15 Top Castles to Visit in England

England is a land of castles. From massive defensive fortresses to lovely Tudor mansions, historical ruins, and even citadel lodges, there’s no scarcity of attention-grabbing castles in England. I’ve visited many English castles through the years and can let about a few of the greatest ones to go to under.

Most of the castles of England have been remarkably properly preserved and are situated inside acres of gorgeous land. Regardless of their ages, it’s nonetheless doable to go to many of those historic buildings and ruins, and visiting England’s castles makes for an ideal time out for the entire household. With over 4,000 castles in England, I’ve helped slim down the highest picks inside this information.

15 Greatest Castles in England

I’ve grown up visiting castles in England, from the medieval Colchester Fort in my hometown to the windswept ruins of Tintagel Fort in Cornwall, and the attractive Bodiam and Lewes Castles in East Sussex, plus many extra. One factor’s for positive, you don’t must go far to discover a fairytale fortress in England.

In my checklist of the 15 greatest castles in England, you’ll uncover a variety of historic websites up and down the nation. As a lover of historical past, structure, and folklore, visiting any of England’s many castles continues to be one among my favourite weekend actions and there are nonetheless loads extra for me to find I’m positive.

1. Windsor Fort (Most Well-known Fort in England General)

Windsor is without doubt one of the most well-known castles in England and is the oldest and largest inhabited citadel on the planet. It’s been residence to the English (and later British) Royal Household for almost 1,000 years, and is now residence to round 150 residents together with King Charles III, and is commonly used for state capabilities.

Development of the citadel began in 1070 on the orders of William the Conqueror and took 16 years to finish. It’s set inside 13 acres of land 23 miles west of London. Windsor Fort is open to the general public and with over 1,000,000 annual guests, it’s the most well-liked citadel in England.

Attending to Windsor citadel from London is simple with direct highway and rail hyperlinks (although there isn’t any public automobile park so that you’ll must park in Windsor and stroll 10 minutes to the citadel). Trains depart London Waterloo hourly for Windsor and Eton Riverside from the place it’s a 10-minute stroll to the citadel grounds. There are additionally many tours from London.

Windsor Fort Particulars and Data

Handle: Windsor, SL4 1NJ
Cellphone: +44 (0)303 123 7334
Working Hours: 10:00 am-16:15 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £26.50 for adults, £17.50 for younger folks (18-24), and £14.50 for youngsters (5-17)
Web site: www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle

2. Leeds Fort (One of many Most Fashionable Castles in England)

To begin with, the stunningly picturesque Leeds Fort is nowhere close to town of Leeds in Yorkshire and is in reality in Kent. It’s so named for a Saxon chief who selected the situation of the citadel on the River Len. That being mentioned, Leeds Fort is without doubt one of the most well-known castles in England to go to because of the numerous events and festivals it hosts all year long.

It’s additionally possible to stay at this 900-year-old citadel within the period-style Maiden’s Tower or the 14th Century Battel Corridor. The location is residence to a collection of museums, 500 acres of parkland together with a moat, rivers, streams and a enjoyable maze to get misplaced in. I’ve been to Leeds Fort many occasions and it’s up there as one among my favorites – there’s a lot to do.

Leeds Fort is situated a couple of miles from Maidstone in Kent and is definitely reachable from the capital by prepare, bus, and a day journey. Trains depart London Victoria hourly for close by Bearsted and take simply over one hour. From Bearsted, you’ll be able to bounce on the shuttle bus or stroll 2.5 miles to the citadel.

Leeds Fort Particulars and Data

Handle: Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL
Cellphone: +44 (0)1622 765400
Working Hours: 10 am-3 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £32.00 for adults and £24.00 for youngsters. Tickets are legitimate for an entire 12 months.
Web site: leeds-castle.com

3. Bodiam Fort (Most Stunning Fort in England)

Bodiam Fort in East Sussex is without doubt one of the most lovely castles in England and is one among my favorites. This 14th Century fortress is surrounded by a big moat and has a big hold (tower) with portcullis (robust heavy gating). The citadel is ready inside acres of gorgeous parkland, wetland, and forest.

Bodiam isn’t the best to succeed in by public transport, but when I can handle it, you’ll be able to too. Given its rural location, that is undoubtedly one of many best-hidden gems to discover and it doesn’t get as busy as a few of the better-known castles. There’s additionally an excellent pub reverse which is ideal for lunch and a pint (the do-it-yourself steak burger is a winner).

There isn’t any public transport to Bodiam so hiring a automobile is the most suitable choice if you wish to go to this beautiful citadel (and you actually ought to). Nonetheless, I’ve visited with no automobile and though the journey wasn’t direct, it was undoubtedly well worth the problem. You’ll must take a prepare to both Robertsbridge or Battle and take a taxi the remaining distance (Uber is really helpful).

Bodiam Fort Particulars and Data

Handle: Bodiam, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5UA
Cellphone: +44 (0)1580 830196
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £11.00 for adults and £5.50 for youngsters
Web site: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle

4. Lewes Fort

Lewes Fort, additionally in East Sussex, is one other of my favorites because the views throughout the picturesque city and Sussex countryside are phenomenal (and there’s a handy close by Brewery you’ll be able to go to too). The Norman citadel was constructed after the Battle of Hastings and likewise homes the Museum of Sussex Archaeology with exhibitions from prehistory to medieval Lewes and past.

The citadel grounds are an ideal place for a picnic (there are many grocery shops and supermarkets within the city to seize provides from) with panoramic views over the South Downs, the most effective locations to go to in England for mountaineering and nature. Lewes is one among England’s most picturesque cities and is properly value a go to.

Lewes is definitely reachable from close by Brighton and London by highway and rail, and the prepare station is only a five-minute stroll from the citadel. It takes only one hour to succeed in Lewes from London Bridge station and simply fifteen minutes from Brighton. Hiring a automobile can be possibility when you want to spend some extra time exploring the Downs.

Lewes Fort Particulars and Data

Handle: 169 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1YE
Cellphone: +44 (0)1273 486290
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £10.00 for adults and £5.50 for youngsters
Web site: sussexpast.co.uk/attractions/lewes-castle

5. Colchester Fort

I grew up in and round Colchester and have visited its historic Norman citadel many occasions through the years. The citadel is constructed on prime of an historical Roman temple (Colchester was the Roman capital of Britain, generally known as Camulodunum) and proof of Colchester’s Roman previous is seen within the dungeon/basement.

The citadel because it stands immediately dates again to the eleventh Century and has one of many best-preserved keeps (towers) in the entire of Europe. The citadel is ready inside a big park overlooking close by Highwoods Country Park and the rolling Essex countryside. Inside, is a big museum with many interactive shows, medieval garments to attempt on, and far more.

Colchester is only one hour from London and 20 minutes from Ipswich by prepare. It’s a five-minute stroll to the underside of Fort Park from the principle Colchester North Station. The Fort is situated within the heart of city simply off the Excessive Avenue and may also be reached by automobile by way of the A12.

Colchester Fort Particulars and Data

Handle: High Street, Colchester, CO1 1TJ
Cellphone: +44 (0)1206 282393
Working Hours: 10 am-5 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £11.95 for adults and £6.75 for youngsters
Web site: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colchester-castle/

6. Tintagel Fort

The atmospheric Tintagel Fort on the North Cornish coast is steeped within the myths and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Spherical Desk. That is one among my favourite spots because the citadel overlooks a surprising stretch of shoreline, and has a big footbridge excessive above the cliffs.

The citadel dates again to the 13 Century however fell right into a state of disrepair through the late Center Ages. That does nothing to decrease the spectacular web site and Tintagel is without doubt one of the must-see castles in Cornwall for its magnificent location and interesting historical past. The small village of Tintagel can be properly value a go to.

Hiring a automobile is one of the simplest ways to go to Tintagel Fort and discover the north Cornish coast, although the 95 Bude to Newquay bus does cease on the village. You possibly can attain Bude and Newquay by prepare from London with an anticipated journey time of round six hours.

Tintagel Fort Particulars and Data

Handle: Castle Road, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0HE
Cellphone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £16.30 for adults and £9.80 for youngsters
Web site: www.english-heritage.org.uk

7. St Michael’s Mount

St Michael’s Mount is without doubt one of the most spectacular castles in England because it’s situated on a tidal island that turns into fully lower off from the mainland at excessive tide. The island is residence to a citadel, a backyard, a small harbor, and a seashore; making it a wonderful time out for the entire household with tons to see and do.

I’ve visited each St Michael’s Mount and its French counterpart in Normandy; Mont Saint-Michel. Though the English model is barely smaller in dimension, it’s undoubtedly the extra spectacular of the 2, (I could also be biased), because of its picturesque location inside Mounts Bay.

The closest massive city to St Michael’s Mount is Penzance, which is reachable by prepare from London Paddington with a journey time of round 5 hours. Nonetheless, to get the most effective out of a visit to Cornwall, hiring a automobile is greatest so that you could simply discover each Tintagel Fort and St Michael’s Mount at your individual tempo.

St Michael’s Mount Particulars and Data

Handle: Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0HS
Cellphone: n/a
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £14.00 for adults and £7.00 for youngsters. The village and harbor are free to go to.
Web site: stmichaelsmount.co.uk

8. Durham Fort

Durham Fort, within the north of England, is one other citadel with an extended historical past courting again nearly 1,000 years. Like Windsor Fort, it’s been constantly inhabited because the eleventh Century, although now it’s residence to students at Durham College relatively than royalty.

The citadel varieties a part of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the cathedral. The citadel is open to the general public for guided tours within the afternoons throughout time period time and mornings and afternoons through the holidays. Durham can be a citadel in England that provides lodging as there’s a bed and breakfast on campus.

Durham is within the northeast of England 20 miles south of Newcastle upon Tyne. It has direct highway and rail hyperlinks to the remainder of the UK, with direct trains from London King’s Cross taking simply three hours. The citadel is situated within the metropolis heart and is definitely walkable from the principle prepare station.

Durham Fort Particulars and Data

Handle: Durham, County Durham, DH1 3RW
Cellphone: +44 (0)191 334 3800
Working Hours: 12 pm-4 pm, Mon-Fri
Entrance Charge: £5.00 adults and youngsters go free
Web site: dur.ac.uk/durham.castle/visit

9. Berkhamsted Fort (Oldest Fort in England)

Berkhamsted is the oldest citadel in England that dates back to 1067 simply after the Norman Conquest. Though all that is still are ruins, it’s nonetheless a powerful web site and is worthy of a go to. It’s additionally free to enter and stroll across the ruins, and it’s an ideal place for a picnic too.

Berkhamsted railway station is only a two-minute stroll from the citadel and trains from London Euston take simply over half-hour; making it very simple to succeed in with public transport.

Berkhamsted Fort Particulars and Data

Handle: White Hill, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LJ
Cellphone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: Free
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk

10. Dover Fort (Largest Fort in England)

Dover Fort is the largest castle in England and is without doubt one of the most spectacular because of its fabulous location atop the White Cliffs of Dover. The Fort has been used as a backdrop for a lot of movie and tv packages together with the Crown, the Different Boleyn Lady, and Avengers: Age of Ultron.

The views throughout the English Chanel from Dover Fort are incredible and on day, you’ll be able to even see throughout to France. The Norman citadel dates to 1066 and the time of William the Conqueror and has an interesting historical past from medieval sieges to the D-Day Landings. That is undoubtedly one among my favourite English castles and I at all times stay up for returning.

Attending to Dover is simple from London and the continent. There are each day ferries from Calais in France and the crossing takes round 90 minutes. Trains from London’s St Pancras take simply over one hour to succeed in Dover. This is without doubt one of the greatest castles to go to in England by far.

Dover Fort Particulars and Data

Handle: Castle Hill Road, Dover, Kent, CT16 1HU
Cellphone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £21.80 for adults and £13.00 for youngsters
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk

11. Warwick Fort

Warwick Fort has a historical past courting again over 1,000 years and is a good household possibility with tons to see and do from sleepovers to an journey playground, dwell reveals, and over 200 completely different occasions yearly. It’s additionally doable to book a stay at Warwick Fort at one of many lodges or glamping websites.

The big medieval citadel is situated within the heart of Warwick within the Midlands and is definitely reachable from the remainder of the UK with trains from London Paddington taking round two and a half hours.

Warwick Fort Particulars and Data

Handle: Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4QU
Cellphone: +44 (0)1926 406610
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £20.00
Web site: www.warwick-castle.com

12. Alnwick Fort

The Norman period Alnwick Fort was constructed after the Norman conquest of Britain and is the seat of the twelfth Duke of Northumberland. If you happen to acknowledge this spectacular constructing it might be as a result of it’s been used as a movie location for blockbusters reminiscent of Harry Potter and the favored TV collection Downton Abbey.

You should definitely try the close by Alnwick Garden, created by the Duchess of Northumberland, which contains a secret “poison backyard” with a few of the most deadly plants identified to man inside. That is someplace that has been excessive on my checklist for a very long time as a fan of so-called “darkish tourism” and I hope to go to in 2023.

Alnwick is within the far northeast of England simply north of Newcastle upon Tyne (so you’ll be able to tie it in with a go to to close by Durham Fort when you’ve got time). Trains from London Victoria take round 5 hours.

Alnwick Fort Particulars and Data

Handle: Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ
Cellphone: +44 (0)1665 511100
Working Hours: 7 am-9 pm, Mon-Fri
Entrance Charge: £16.75 for adults and £8.85 for youngsters
Web site: alnwickcastle.com

13. Lindisfarne Fort

Lindisfarne (also called Holy Island) is a small island within the northeast of England very near the border with Scotland. It’s an immensely historic place because it was the place the Vikings first landed in England in 793. It’s additionally residence to a sixteenth Century citadel that may be reached at low tide by way of a causeway.

The closest city to the citadel is Berwick-upon-Tweed which is simply 60 miles south of Edinburgh. Trains from London Kings Cross take between 4 and 5 hours.

Lindisfarne is unquestionably one of the lovely castles in England and is one I hope to go to quickly (together with close by Alnwick).

Lindisfarne Fort Particulars and Data

Handle: Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2SH
Cellphone: +44 (0)1289 389244
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £8.50 for adults and £4.25 for youngsters
Web site: nationaltrust.org.uk

14. Arundel Fort

The gorgeous Arundel Fort in West Sussex is without doubt one of the oldest in England courting to only after the Norman Conquest. The citadel has been restored and reworked since struggling harm through the English civil conflict, although fortunately, most of the unique options nonetheless stay.

Arundel is without doubt one of the most lovely castles in England and contains English and tropical gardens, actions reminiscent of archery, outlets, cafe, and eating places, making it an ideal time out.

The citadel is a ten-minute stroll from Arundel station with direct trains to and from London Bridge taking round 90 minutes.

Arundel Fort Particulars and Data

Handle: Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9AB
Cellphone: +44 (0)1903 882173
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £22.00 for adults and £11.00 for youngsters
Web site: arundelcastle.org

15. Thornbury Fort (Greatest Fort to Keep in England)

The attractive Tudor Thornbury Fort close to Bristol is one other citadel you’ll be able to keep at in England providing beautiful, interval rooms full with 4 poster beds. You’ll be sleeping in the identical place that King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn slept so this actually is a spot match for royalty.

The resort has 4 onsite eating places that serve all the things from luxurious breakfasts to Sunday lunches, night meals, afternoon teas, and personal eating experiences.

Thornbury Fort is a 30-minute drive from Bristol which lies 15 miles to the south. There are hourly trains from London to Bristol with a journey time of below two hours. Reserve your stay.

Thornbury Fort Particulars and Data

Handle: Castle Street, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 1HH
Cellphone: +44 (0)1454 281182
Working Hours: 24 hours
Entrance Charge: n/a, doubles from £289 per night time
Web site: thornburycastle.co.uk

Greatest Castles Excursions in England

Under is a collection of incredible citadel excursions. I’ve taken various citadel excursions myself as day journeys from London and advocate my favorites together with Leeds Fort, Dover Fort, and naturally England’s prime vacationer attraction and residence of the King; Windsor Fort.

Durham Strolling Tour

This two-hour walking tour is a good way to discover Durham and its historical citadel and cathedral. Your skilled information may even fill you in on tales of crime and punishment via the ages giving an interesting perception into the native historical past.

Leeds Fort, Canterbury Cathedral, and Greenwich Tour

This fantastic day trip from London takes within the majestic Leeds Fort and likewise features a journey to Canterbury Cathedral, Dover (the place you’ll be able to see the citadel there too), in addition to Greenwich.

Windsor Fort Tour

This half-day trip from London to Windsor Fort contains resort pick-up and entrance to Windsor Fort and Gardens. You’ll get to journey by luxurious coach and the tour additionally contains an interesting historical past of the citadel and British monarchy.

White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Journey

I took this Dover and Canterbury Day Journey a couple of years in the past and it was a incredible time out. Not solely will you get to discover the attractive metropolis of Canterbury and its well-known cathedral, however the tour additionally makes a cease on the gorgeous Dover Fort with unbelievable views of the White Cliffs.

Alnwick and Bamburgh Fort Tour from Edinburgh

This full-day tour from Edinburgh could have you visiting historic Alnwick Fort, which has been used as a backdrop for the Harry Potter films. This expertise additionally features a cease at Bamburgh Fort so it’s a super possibility for historical past buffs like myself.

Castles in England: FAQs

Under are some regularly requested questions concerning the castles in England.

In Conclusion

Now about the most effective castles in England, which one would you want to go to first? From the gorgeous clifftop castles at Dover and Tintagel to the island castles of St Michael’s Mount and Lindisfarne, these historic buildings are simply ready to be explored.

Or how about your very personal keep within the citadel that’s seen residents from King Henry VIII to Laurance Olivier at Thornbury? England has such a wealthy historical past and discovering its many castles courting again over 1,000 years needs to be on everybody’s bucket checklist.