The castles of England are some of the most vivid icons of an era long gone. From their images of daring sword fights, dramatic sieges, and tales of romance and intrigue, castles inspire imagination in anyone who has ever read of King Arthur or Robin Hood, or delved into Shakespeare’s plays.
Alnwick Castle
If you want to go to the set of famous movies and shows, head to Alnwick Castle! Since its origins in the early 14th century, Alnwick Castle has had a varied history as a military outpost, a film set, a teaching college, and a shelter for evacuees. Its history is rich with stories, and it is one of the largest castles in England to be still inhabited. Visitors may recognize the tall walls and wide courtyards from the Harry Potter movies, or as the site of several episodes of Downton Abbey. Located in the heart of the Northumberland countryside, Alnwick Castle is easy to reach by bus, train, or car. The castle grounds and museums are open daily from the beginning of April through the end of October.
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 1NQ, Phone: +44-16-65-51-11-00
Belvoir Castle
With its noble towers in a variety of styles stretching up from the hills of the forest beneath it, Belvoir Castle, which in French translates directly to “beautiful view,” certainly lives up to its name. For centuries, the castle has been the ancestral home of the Dukes of Rutland, and has been partially destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries.
Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is a medieval castle built in the 11th century. For centuries, it served as a stronghold, but today Warwick Castle is the perfect destination for a day out with the family.
Bamburgh Castle
Just a single look at Bamburgh Castle, situated high on a rocky hill on the shore of Northumberland, is enough to understand why it is sometimes referred to as “the King of Castles”.
Bodiam Castle
Bodiam is sometimes called the “perfect English castle,” and with its stone towers and square battlements reflected in the mirror-like waters of the moat that surrounds it, it’s not difficult to understand why.
Carisbrooke Castle
Carisbrooke Castle is a romantic structure that tells the history of the Isle of Wight.
Carisbrooke Castle Museum, Castle Hill, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1XY, Phone: +44-19-83-52-31-12
Carlisle Castle
Carlisle Castle is located in the north of England, close to the ruins of Hadrian’s Wall.
Carlisle, Castle Way, Carlisle CA3 8UR, UK, Phone: +44-37-03-33-11-81
Castle Drogo
Castle Drogo is one of the newest castles in England, at barely a century old.
Castle Drogo, Unnamed Road, Exeter, Drewsteignton, Exeter EX6 6PB, United Kingdom
Colchester Castle
The construction of Colchester Castle was ordered by King William I in the year 1076.
Dover Castle
Set against the iconic white cliffs of Dover, the imposing Dover Castle is known as the Key to England because of its integral location on the coast, where it has guarded England against invaders for centuries.
Dover, Castle Hill, Dover CT16 1HU, Phone: +44-13-04-21-10-67
Dunstanburgh Castle
The town of Craster, near to the border of Scotland, serves as a starting point for those wishing to visit the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.
Dunstanburgh, Craster, Northumberland NE66 3TT, Phone: +44-16-65-57-62-31
Durham Castle
Durham Castle has served a variety of purposes over the long centuries.
Durham Castle, Palace Green, Durham DH1 3RW, Phone: +44-19-13-34-29-32
Leeds Castle
Tall and picturesque against the reflection in its vast moat with almost 500 acres of green parkland surrounding it, Leeds Castle is known as one of the loveliest castles in the world. This Norman palace, once used by King Henry VIII, is every bit the iconic castle pictured in storybooks.
Lewes Castle
Lewes Castle stands on a tall mound of chalk blocks and towers above the town of Lewes like a patient guardian. The castle was built in the 11th century, and since 1850 has been used by the Sussex Archeological Society.
Lincoln Castle
At Lincoln Castle, visitors can walk the high stone curtain walls that circle the castle for a stunning 360-degree view, explore a Victorian prison, and even see an original Magna Carta, the document signed in 1215 that defined the power of kings and changed history.
Lindisfarne Castle
At Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island, visitors can explore walking paths, view the castle atop its craggy hill, and even look for seals from the coast of the North Sea.
Ludlow
Ludlow Castle’s history dates all the way back to the 11th century and was built on high ground to resist attack by invaders from across the nearby Welsh border.
Nottingham Castle
Nottingham is perhaps a place best known from the legendary Robin Hood stories, and indeed it lies nestled near the mythical Sherwood Forest.
Nottingham Castle (video) Museum & Art Gallery, Lenton Road, Nottingham, NG1 6EL, Phone: +44-11-58-76-14-00
Pendennis Castle
Located in Falmouth, Pendennis Castle began life as a stronghold for King Henry VIII. In the time since, the castle has served as a fortress or base for many wars, including both world wars in the 20th century.
Raby Castle
With over 600 years of history to its name, Raby Castle is one of the best-preserved castles in England.
Richmond Castle
With its tall, square tower and its position high above the River Swale, Richmond Castle is an impressive sight for visitors to the quaint market town of Richmond.
Rochester Castle
Before Rochester Castle was built, it was the site of an old Roman fort, where it stood in defense of an important bridge along the London Road.
Rochester, Castle Hill, Rochester ME1 1SW, UK, Phone: +44-37-03-33-11-81
Totnes Castle
Totnes Castle looks almost as though its wide, round tower is the crown upon the head of the steep green hill where it stands.
Totnes, Castle St, Totnes TQ9 5NU, UK, Phone: +44-37-03-33-11-81
Warkworth Castle
Warkworth Castle was once home to the illustrious Percy family, the Dukes of Northumberland. One of the most illustrious members of their family, “Harry Hotspur”, was immortalized by none other than William Shakespeare himself in the play Henry IV.
York Castle
York Castle was originally built by William the Conqueror to fight the Vikings for control of York.
