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15 Prime Castles to Go to in England


England is a land of castles. From giant defensive fortresses to lovely Tudor mansions, historical ruins, and even fortress resorts, there’s no scarcity of fascinating castles in England. I’ve visited many English castles over time and can let you realize about among the greatest ones to go to beneath.

Most of the castles of England have been remarkably properly preserved and are situated inside acres of lovely 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 excellent day trip 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 gorgeous Bodiam and Lewes Castles in East Sussex, plus many extra. One factor’s for certain, you don’t need to go far to discover a fairytale fortress in England.

A stunning view of Lewes Castle in Sussex, UK, with a blue sky in the background. 

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 considered one of my favourite weekend actions and there are nonetheless a lot extra for me to find I’m certain.

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

Windsor is among the most well-known castles in England and is the oldest and largest inhabited fortress on the planet. It’s been house to the English (and later British) Royal Household for almost 1,000 years, and is now house 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 Fort is open to the general public and with over 1,000,000 annual guests, it’s the preferred fortress in England.

Windsor Castle seen along the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park in England.

Attending to Windsor fortress from London is straightforward with direct street and rail hyperlinks (although there is no such thing as a public automotive 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 Fort Particulars and Data

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

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

To begin with, the stunningly picturesque Leeds Fort is nowhere close to town of Leeds in Yorkshire and is in truth in Kent. It’s so named for a Saxon chief who selected the situation of the fortress on the River Len. That being mentioned, Leeds Fort is among the most well-known castles in England to go to because of the numerous 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 positioning is house 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 instances and it’s up there as considered one of my favorites – there’s a lot to do.

Leeds Fort is situated a couple of miles from Maidstone in Kent and is well 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 may bounce on the shuttle bus or stroll 2.5 miles to the fortress.

Leeds Fort Particulars and Data

Deal with: Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL
Cellphone: +44 (0)1622 765400
Working Hours: 10 am-3 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £32.00 for adults and £24.00 for kids. Tickets are legitimate for a complete yr.
Web site: leeds-castle.com

3. Bodiam Fort (Most Lovely Fort in England)

Bodiam Fort 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 preserve (tower) with portcullis (robust heavy gating). The fortress is ready inside acres of lovely parkland, wetland, and forest.

Bodiam isn’t the best to succeed in by public transport, but when I can handle it, you may too. Given its rural location, that is undoubtedly one of many best-hidden gems to discover and it doesn’t get as busy as among 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).

A stunning view of Durham Castle in England with clouds and blue sky behind it

There isn’t any public transport to Bodiam so hiring a automotive is the most suitable choice if you wish to go to this attractive fortress (and you actually ought to). Nonetheless, I’ve visited and not using a automotive and though the journey wasn’t direct, it was undoubtedly definitely 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

Deal with: Bodiam, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5UA
Cellphone: +44 (0)1580 830196
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £11.00 for adults and £5.50 for kids
Web site: nationaltrust.org.uk/go to/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 may 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 excellent 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, among the best locations to go to in England for climbing and nature. Lewes is considered one of England’s most picturesque cities and is properly price a go to.

Lewes is well reachable from close by Brighton and London by street and rail, and the prepare station is only a five-minute stroll from the fortress. It takes only one hour to succeed in Lewes from London Bridge station and simply fifteen minutes from Brighton. Hiring a automotive can be a superb possibility for those who want to spend some extra time exploring the Downs.

Lewes Fort Particulars and Data

Deal with: 169 Excessive Road, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1YE
Cellphone: +44 (0)1273 486290
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £10.00 for adults and £5.50 for kids
Web site: sussexpast.co.uk/points of interest/lewes-castle

5. Colchester Fort

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

The fortress because it stands as we speak 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 far more.

A beautiful Colchester Castle made of recycled Roman bricks on a clear blue sky

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 primary Colchester North Station. The Fort is situated within the heart of city simply off the Excessive Road and will also be reached by automotive through the A12.

Colchester Fort Particulars and Data

Deal with: Excessive Road, Colchester, CO1 1TJ
Cellphone: +44 (0)1206 282393
Working Hours: 10 am-5 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £11.95 for adults and £6.75 for kids
Web site: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/go to/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 considered one of my favourite spots because the fortress overlooks a shocking 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 engaging historical past. The small village of Tintagel can be properly price a go to.

Hiring a automotive is one of the best 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 may attain Bude and Newquay by prepare from London with an anticipated journey time of round six hours.

Tintagel Fort Particulars and Data

Deal with: Fort Highway, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0HE
Cellphone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £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 utterly lower off from the mainland at excessive tide. The island is house to a fortress, a backyard, a small harbor, and a seaside; making it a superb day trip 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 measurement, it’s undoubtedly the extra spectacular of the 2, (I could also be biased), because of its picturesque location inside Mounts Bay.

The top of St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall.

The closest giant 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 perfect out of a visit to Cornwall, hiring a automotive is greatest with the intention to simply discover each Tintagel Fort and St Michael’s Mount at your personal tempo.

St Michael’s Mount Particulars and Data

Deal with: Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0HS
Cellphone: n/a
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £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 Fort

Durham Fort, within the north of England, is one other fortress with a protracted historical past courting again nearly 1,000 years. Like Windsor Fort, it’s been repeatedly inhabited because the eleventh Century, although now it’s house to college students at Durham College quite 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 gives 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 street 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 prepare station.

Durham Fort Particulars and Data

Deal with: Durham, County Durham, DH1 3RW
Cellphone: +44 (0)191 334 3800
Working Hours: 12 pm-4 pm, Mon-Fri
Entrance Payment: £5.00 adults and kids go free
Web site: dur.ac.uk/durham.fortress/go to

9. Berkhamsted Fort (Oldest Fort 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 powerful website and is worthy of a go to. It’s additionally free to enter and stroll across the ruins, and it’s an excellent 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 simple to succeed in with public transport.

Berkhamsted Fort Particulars and Data

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

10. Dover Fort (Largest Fort in England)

Dover Fort is the largest fortress in England and is among 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 applications together with the Crown, the Different Boleyn Woman, and Avengers: Age of Ultron.

The views throughout the English Chanel from Dover Fort are improbable and on a superb day, you may even see throughout to France. The Norman fortress dates to 1066 and the time of William the Conqueror and has a captivating historical past from medieval sieges to the D-Day Landings. That is undoubtedly considered one of my favourite English castles and I all the time look ahead to returning.

Attending to Dover is straightforward from London and the continent. There are every 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 among the greatest castles to go to in England by far.

Dover Fort Particulars and Data

Deal with: Fort Hill Highway, Dover, Kent, CT16 1HU
Cellphone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £21.80 for adults and £13.00 for kids
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk

11. Warwick Fort

Warwick Fort has a historical past courting again over 1,000 years and is a superb 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 attainable to ebook a keep at Warwick Fort at one of many lodges or glamping websites.

The big 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 Fort Particulars and Data

Deal with: Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4QU
Cellphone: +44 (0)1926 406610
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £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. Should you acknowledge this spectacular constructing it could be as a result of it’s been used as a movie location for blockbusters comparable to Harry Potter and the favored TV collection Downton Abbey.

Make sure to try the close by Alnwick Backyard, created by the Duchess of Northumberland, which encompasses a secret “poison backyard” with among the most lethal crops recognized 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.

The beautiful and a must-visit Alnwick Castle in England

Alnwick is within the far northeast of England simply north of Newcastle upon Tyne (so you may tie it in with a go to to close by Durham Fort if in case you have time). Trains from London Victoria take round 5 hours.

Alnwick Fort Particulars and Data

Deal with: Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ
Cellphone: +44 (0)1665 511100
Working Hours: 7 am-9 pm, Mon-Fri
Entrance Payment: £16.75 for adults and £8.85 for kids
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 house to a sixteenth Century fortress that may be reached at low tide through 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.

A stunning view of Lindisfarne Castle in England with clouds and blue sky behind it

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 Fort Particulars and Data

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

14. Arundel Fort

The beautiful Arundel Fort in West Sussex is among the oldest in England courting to simply after the Norman Conquest. The fortress has been restored and reworked since struggling harm throughout the English civil struggle, although fortunately, most of the unique options nonetheless stay.

Arundel is among the most lovely castles in England and consists of English and tropical gardens, actions comparable to archery, outlets, cafe, and eating places, making it an excellent day trip.

A a close-up view of Arundel Castle in England with blue sky behind it

The fortress 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

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

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

The attractive Tudor Thornbury Fort close to Bristol is one other fortress you may 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 every part 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 underneath two hours. Reserve your keep.

Thornbury Fort Particulars and Data

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

Greatest Castles Excursions in England

Under is a number of improbable fortress excursions. I’ve taken various fortress 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 strolling tour is a good way to discover Durham and its historical fortress and cathedral. Your skilled information may even fill you in on tales of crime and punishment by means of the ages giving a captivating perception into the native historical past.

Leeds Fort, Canterbury Cathedral, and Greenwich Tour

This improbable day journey from London takes within the majestic Leeds Fort and in addition features a journey to Canterbury Cathedral, Dover (the place you may see the fortress there too), in addition to Greenwich.

Windsor Fort Tour

This half-day journey from London to Windsor Fort consists of lodge pick-up and entrance to Windsor Fort and Gardens. You’ll get to journey by luxurious coach and the tour additionally consists of a captivating historical past of the fortress 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 improbable day trip. Not solely will you get to discover the gorgeous metropolis of Canterbury and its well-known cathedral, however the tour additionally makes a cease on the beautiful Dover Fort with unimaginable views of the White Cliffs.

View of the coastline and White Cliffs of Dover in Kent, England.

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 really perfect possibility for historical past buffs like myself.

Castles in England: FAQs

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

What’s the most lovely fortress 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.

What’s the oldest fortress in England?

Berkhamsted is the oldest fortress in England courting again nearly 1,000 years to 1067 and the time of William the Conqueror.

What number of castles are in England?

There are over 4,000 castles throughout England, although not all of them are in a superb state of restore.

What’s the preferred fortress in England?

Windsor Fort is the preferred fortress in England with over a million guests yearly (together with luminaries comparable to Ronald Reagan and Invoice Clinton).

Can I sleep within the castles in England?

You may sleep in among 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 courting again over 1,000 years needs to be on everybody’s bucket checklist.



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