England is a land of castles. From massive defensive fortresses to lovely Tudor mansions, historic ruins, and even fortress resorts, there’s no scarcity of attention-grabbing castles in England. I’ve visited many English castles over time and can let you realize about a number of the finest 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 attainable 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 Fortress in my hometown to the windswept ruins of Tintagel Fortress in Cornwall, and the attractive Bodiam and Lewes Castles in East Sussex, plus many extra. One factor’s for positive, you don’t should go far to discover a fairytale fortress in England.
In my record of the 15 finest 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 remains to be considered one of my favourite weekend actions and there are nonetheless loads extra for me to find I’m positive.
1. Windsor Fortress (Most Well-known Fortress in England Total)
Windsor is among the most well-known castles in England and is the oldest and largest inhabited fortress on this planet. It’s been dwelling to the English (and later British) Royal Household for practically 1,000 years, and is now dwelling to round 150 residents together with King Charles III, and is usually used for state capabilities.
Building of the fortress 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 Fortress is open to the general public and with over 1,000,000 annual guests, it’s the preferred fortress in England.
Attending to Windsor fortress from London is straightforward with direct highway and rail hyperlinks (although there is no such thing as a public automobile park so that you’ll must park in Windsor and stroll 10 minutes to the fortress). Trains depart London Waterloo hourly for Windsor and Eton Riverside from the place it’s a 10-minute stroll to the fortress grounds. There are additionally many excursions from London.
Windsor Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Windsor, SL4 1NJ
Telephone: +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 kids (5-17)
Web site: www.rct.uk/go to/windsor-castle
2. Leeds Fortress (One of many Most Widespread Castles in England)
Initially, the stunningly picturesque Leeds Fortress is nowhere close to the town of Leeds in Yorkshire and is in reality in Kent. It’s so named for a Saxon chief who selected the placement of the fortress on the River Len. That being mentioned, Leeds Fortress is among the most well-known castles in England to go to because of the various occasions and festivals it hosts all year long.
It’s additionally attainable to remain at this 900-year-old fortress within the period-style Maiden’s Tower or the 14th Century Battel Corridor. The location is dwelling 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 Fortress many instances and it’s up there as considered one of my favorites – there’s a lot to do.
Leeds Fortress is situated just a few miles from Maidstone in Kent and is well reachable from the capital by practice, 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 fortress.
Leeds Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL
Telephone: +44 (0)1622 765400
Working Hours: 10 am-3 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £32.00 for adults and £24.00 for kids. Tickets are legitimate for an entire 12 months.
Web site: leeds-castle.com
3. Bodiam Fortress (Most Stunning Fortress in England)
Bodiam Fortress in East Sussex is among the most lovely castles in England and is considered one of my favorites. This 14th Century fortress is surrounded by a big moat and has a big maintain (tower) with portcullis (robust heavy gating). The fortress is ready inside acres of gorgeous parkland, wetland, and forest.
Bodiam isn’t the best to achieve by public transport, but when I can handle it, you’ll be able to too. Given its rural location, that is positively one of many best-hidden gems to discover and it doesn’t get as busy as a number of the better-known castles. There’s additionally an wonderful pub reverse which is ideal for lunch and a pint (the home made steak burger is a winner).
There isn’t any public transport to Bodiam so hiring a automobile is the best choice if you wish to go to this attractive fortress (and you actually ought to). Nevertheless, I’ve visited with out a automobile and though the journey wasn’t direct, it was positively well worth the trouble. You’ll must take a practice to both Robertsbridge or Battle and take a taxi the remaining distance (Uber is advisable).
Bodiam Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Bodiam, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5UA
Telephone: +44 (0)1580 830196
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £11.00 for adults and £5.50 for kids
Web site: nationaltrust.org.uk/go to/sussex/bodiam-castle
4. Lewes Fortress
Lewes Fortress, 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 fortress was constructed after the Battle of Hastings and in addition homes the Museum of Sussex Archaeology with exhibitions from prehistory to medieval Lewes and past.
The fortress 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, probably the greatest locations to go to in England for mountaineering and nature. Lewes is considered one of England’s most picturesque cities and is properly value a go to.
Lewes is well reachable from close by Brighton and London by highway and rail, and the practice station is only a five-minute stroll from the fortress. It takes only one hour to achieve Lewes from London Bridge station and simply fifteen minutes from Brighton. Hiring a automobile can be choice if you happen to want to spend some extra time exploring the Downs.
Lewes Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: 169 Excessive Road, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1YE
Telephone: +44 (0)1273 486290
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £10.00 for adults and £5.50 for kids
Web site: sussexpast.co.uk/points of interest/lewes-castle
5. Colchester Fortress
I grew up in and round Colchester and have visited its historic Norman fortress many instances over time. The fortress is constructed on high of an historic Roman temple (Colchester was the Roman capital of Britain, referred to as Camulodunum) and proof of Colchester’s Roman previous is seen within the dungeon/basement.
The fortress because it stands right this moment dates again to the eleventh Century and has one of many best-preserved retains (towers) in the entire of Europe. The fortress is ready inside a big park overlooking close by Highwoods Nation Park and the rolling Essex countryside. Inside, is a big museum with many interactive shows, medieval garments to strive on, and rather more.
Colchester is only one hour from London and 20 minutes from Ipswich by practice. It’s a five-minute stroll to the underside of Fortress Park from the primary Colchester North Station. The Fortress is situated within the heart of city simply off the Excessive Road and may also be reached by automobile by way of the A12.
Colchester Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Excessive Road, Colchester, CO1 1TJ
Telephone: +44 (0)1206 282393
Working Hours: 10 am-5 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £11.95 for adults and £6.75 for kids
Web site: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/go to/colchester-castle/
6. Tintagel Fortress
The atmospheric Tintagel Fortress on the North Cornish coast is steeped within the myths and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Spherical Desk. That is considered one of my favourite spots because the fortress overlooks a surprising stretch of shoreline, and has a big footbridge excessive above the cliffs.
The fortress dates again to the 13 Century however fell right into a state of disrepair throughout the late Center Ages. That does nothing to decrease the spectacular website and Tintagel is among 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 the easiest way to go to Tintagel Fortress 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 practice from London with an anticipated journey time of round six hours.
Tintagel Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Fortress Street, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0HE
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £16.30 for adults and £9.80 for kids
Web site: www.english-heritage.org.uk
7. St Michael’s Mount
St Michael’s Mount is among the most spectacular castles in England because it’s situated on a tidal island that turns into fully reduce off from the mainland at excessive tide. The island is dwelling to a fortress, a backyard, a small harbor, and a seashore; making it a superb 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 positively 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 practice from London Paddington with a journey time of round 5 hours. Nevertheless, to get the perfect out of a visit to Cornwall, hiring a automobile is finest as a way to simply discover each Tintagel Fortress and St Michael’s Mount at your personal tempo.
St Michael’s Mount Particulars and Info
Deal with: Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0HS
Telephone: n/a
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £14.00 for adults and £7.00 for kids. The village and harbor are free to go to.
Web site: stmichaelsmount.co.uk
8. Durham Fortress
Durham Fortress, within the north of England, is one other fortress with a protracted historical past relationship again nearly 1,000 years. Like Windsor Fortress, it’s been repeatedly inhabited because the eleventh Century, although now it’s dwelling to college students at Durham College moderately than royalty.
The fortress kinds a part of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Website together with the cathedral. The fortress is open to the general public for guided excursions within the afternoons throughout time period time and mornings and afternoons throughout the holidays. Durham can be a fortress in England that provides lodging as there’s a mattress 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 fortress is situated within the metropolis heart and is well walkable from the primary practice station.
Durham Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Durham, County Durham, DH1 3RW
Telephone: +44 (0)191 334 3800
Working Hours: 12 pm-4 pm, Mon-Fri
Entrance Charge: £5.00 adults and kids go free
Web site: dur.ac.uk/durham.fortress/go to
9. Berkhamsted Fortress (Oldest Fortress in England)
Berkhamsted is the oldest fortress in England that dates again to 1067 simply after the Norman Conquest. Though all that continues to be are ruins, it’s nonetheless a formidable website 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 fortress and trains from London Euston take simply over half-hour; making it very straightforward to achieve with public transport.
Berkhamsted Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: White Hill, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LJ
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: Free
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk
10. Dover Fortress (Largest Fortress in England)
Dover Fortress is the largest fortress in England and is among the most spectacular because of its fabulous location atop the White Cliffs of Dover. The Fortress has been used as a backdrop for a lot of movie and tv packages together with the Crown, the Different Boleyn Woman, and Avengers: Age of Ultron.
The views throughout the English Chanel from Dover Fortress are unbelievable and on day, you’ll be able to even see throughout to France. The Norman fortress dates to 1066 and the time of William the Conqueror and has an enchanting historical past from medieval sieges to the D-Day Landings. That is positively considered one of my favourite English castles and I at all times look ahead to returning.
Attending to Dover is straightforward 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 achieve Dover. This is among the finest castles to go to in England by far.
Dover Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Fortress Hill Street, Dover, Kent, CT16 1HU
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £21.80 for adults and £13.00 for kids
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk
11. Warwick Fortress
Warwick Fortress has a historical past relationship again over 1,000 years and is a good household choice with tons to see and do from sleepovers to an journey playground, dwell reveals, and over 200 totally different occasions yearly. It’s additionally attainable to guide a keep at Warwick Fortress at one of many lodges or glamping websites.
The massive medieval fortress is situated within the heart of Warwick within the Midlands and is well reachable from the remainder of the UK with trains from London Paddington taking round two and a half hours.
Warwick Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4QU
Telephone: +44 (0)1926 406610
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £20.00
Web site: www.warwick-castle.com
12. Alnwick Fortress
The Norman period Alnwick Fortress was constructed after the Norman conquest of Britain and is the seat of the twelfth Duke of Northumberland. In case you acknowledge this spectacular constructing it could 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 take a look at the close by Alnwick Backyard, created by the Duchess of Northumberland, which includes a secret “poison backyard” with a number of the most lethal crops recognized to man inside. That is someplace that has been excessive on my record 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 Fortress you probably have time). Trains from London Victoria take round 5 hours.
Alnwick Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ
Telephone: +44 (0)1665 511100
Working Hours: 7 am-9 pm, Mon-Fri
Entrance Charge: £16.75 for adults and £8.85 for kids
Web site: alnwickcastle.com
13. Lindisfarne Fortress
Lindisfarne (often known as 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 dwelling to a sixteenth Century fortress that may be reached at low tide by way of a causeway.
The closest city to the fortress 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 some of the lovely castles in England and is one I hope to go to quickly (together with close by Alnwick).
Lindisfarne Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2SH
Telephone: +44 (0)1289 389244
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £8.50 for adults and £4.25 for kids
Web site: nationaltrust.org.uk
14. Arundel Fortress
The beautiful Arundel Fortress in West Sussex is among the oldest in England relationship to simply after the Norman Conquest. The fortress has been restored and reworked since struggling injury throughout the English civil struggle, although fortunately, most of the authentic options nonetheless stay.
Arundel is among 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 fortress is a ten-minute stroll from Arundel station with direct trains to and from London Bridge taking round 90 minutes.
Arundel Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9AB
Telephone: +44 (0)1903 882173
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Charge: £22.00 for adults and £11.00 for kids
Web site: arundelcastle.org
15. Thornbury Fortress (Greatest Fortress to Keep in England)
The gorgeous Tudor Thornbury Fortress close to Bristol is one other fortress you’ll be able to keep at in England providing attractive, 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 lodge has 4 onsite eating places that serve all the pieces from luxurious breakfasts to Sunday lunches, night meals, afternoon teas, and personal eating experiences.
Thornbury Fortress 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 underneath two hours. Reserve your keep.
Thornbury Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Fortress Road, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 1HH
Telephone: +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
Beneath is a number of unbelievable fortress excursions. I’ve taken quite a lot of fortress excursions myself as day journeys from London and suggest my favorites together with Leeds Fortress, Dover Fortress, and naturally England’s high vacationer attraction and residence of the King; Windsor Fortress.
Durham Strolling Tour
This two-hour strolling tour is a good way to discover Durham and its historic fortress and cathedral. Your skilled information can even fill you in on tales of crime and punishment via the ages giving an enchanting perception into the native historical past.
Leeds Fortress, Canterbury Cathedral, and Greenwich Tour
This unbelievable day journey from London takes within the majestic Leeds Fortress and in addition features a journey to Canterbury Cathedral, Dover (the place you’ll be able to see the fortress there too), in addition to Greenwich.
Windsor Fortress Tour
This half-day journey from London to Windsor Fortress contains lodge pick-up and entrance to Windsor Fortress and Gardens. You’ll get to journey by luxurious coach and the tour additionally contains an enchanting historical past of the fortress and British monarchy.
White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Journey
I took this Dover and Canterbury Day Journey just a few years in the past and it was a unbelievable 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 beautiful Dover Fortress with unbelievable views of the White Cliffs.
Alnwick and Bamburgh Fortress Tour from Edinburgh
This full-day tour from Edinburgh can have you visiting historic Alnwick Fortress, which has been used as a backdrop for the Harry Potter motion pictures. This expertise additionally features a cease at Bamburgh Fortress so it’s a really perfect choice for historical past buffs like myself.
Castles in England: FAQs
Beneath are some often requested questions concerning the castles in England.
There are such a lot of lovely castles in England, however Bodiam, Leeds, and Lindisfarne are three of probably the most picturesque castles in England.
Berkhamsted is the oldest fortress in England relationship again nearly 1,000 years to 1067 and the time of William the Conqueror.
There are over 4,000 castles throughout England, although not all of them are in state of restore.
Windsor Fortress is the preferred fortress in England with over a million guests yearly (together with luminaries reminiscent of Ronald Reagan and Invoice Clinton).
You possibly can sleep in a number of the castles in England together with Durham in Northumberland and Thornbury close to Bristol.
In Conclusion
Now you realize about the perfect castles in England, which one would you want to go to first? From the beautiful 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 fortress 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 relationship again over 1,000 years ought to be on everybody’s bucket record.
