England is a land of castles. From massive defensive fortresses to lovely Tudor mansions, historical ruins, and even fort inns, 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 finest ones to go to beneath.
Lots of the castles of England have been remarkably nicely 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 a fantastic 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 positive, you don’t need to go far to discover a fairytale fortress in England.
In my checklist 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 one in all my favourite weekend actions and there are nonetheless lots extra for me to find I’m positive.
1. Windsor Fort (Most Well-known Fort in England Total)
Windsor is likely one of the most well-known castles in England and is the oldest and largest inhabited fort on the planet. It’s been dwelling to the English (and later British) Royal Household for almost 1,000 years, and is now dwelling to round 150 residents together with King Charles III, and is usually used for state features.
Development of the fort 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 fort in England.
Attending to Windsor fort from London is straightforward with direct highway and rail hyperlinks (although there isn’t a public automobile park so that you’ll must park in Windsor and stroll 10 minutes to the fort). Trains depart London Waterloo hourly for Windsor and Eton Riverside from the place it’s a 10-minute stroll to the fort grounds. There are additionally many excursions from London.
Windsor Fort Particulars and Info
Tackle: Windsor, SL4 1NJ
Telephone: +44 (0)303 123 7334
Working Hours: 10:00 am-16:15 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Price: £26.50 for adults, £17.50 for younger folks (18-24), and £14.50 for youngsters (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 the town of Leeds in Yorkshire and is in truth in Kent. It’s so named for a Saxon chief who selected the placement of the fort on the River Len. That being mentioned, Leeds Fort is likely one of 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 fort within the period-style Maiden’s Tower or the 14th Century Battel Corridor. The location is dwelling to a sequence 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 one in all my favorites – there’s a lot to do.
Leeds Fort is situated a number 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 fort.
Leeds Fort Particulars and Info
Tackle: Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL
Telephone: +44 (0)1622 765400
Working Hours: 10 am-3 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Price: £32.00 for adults and £24.00 for youngsters. Tickets are legitimate for a complete 12 months.
Web site: leeds-castle.com
3. Bodiam Fort (Most Stunning Fort in England)
Bodiam Fort in East Sussex is likely one of the most lovely castles in England and is one in all my favorites. This 14th Century fortress is surrounded by a big moat and has a big preserve (tower) with portcullis (sturdy heavy gating). The fort is about inside acres of lovely parkland, wetland, and forest.
Bodiam isn’t the simplest to succeed in by public transport, but when I can handle it, you may 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 few of the better-known castles. There’s additionally an glorious pub reverse which is ideal for lunch and a pint (the selfmade 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 attractive fort (and you actually ought to). Nonetheless, I’ve visited with no automobile and though the journey wasn’t direct, it was positively well worth the problem. You’ll must take a prepare to both Robertsbridge or Battle and take a taxi the remaining distance (Uber is advisable).
Bodiam Fort Particulars and Info
Tackle: Bodiam, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5UA
Telephone: +44 (0)1580 830196
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Price: £11.00 for adults and £5.50 for youngsters
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 fort 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 fort grounds are a fantastic 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 mountain climbing and nature. Lewes is one in all England’s most picturesque cities and is nicely price a go to.
Lewes is well reachable from close by Brighton and London by highway and rail, and the prepare station is only a five-minute stroll from the fort. It takes only one hour to succeed in Lewes from London Bridge station and simply fifteen minutes from Brighton. Hiring a automobile can also be a very good possibility if you happen to want to spend some extra time exploring the Downs.
Lewes Fort Particulars and Info
Tackle: 169 Excessive Avenue, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1YE
Telephone: +44 (0)1273 486290
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Price: £10.00 for adults and £5.50 for youngsters
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 fort many instances through the years. The fort 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 fort because it stands right now dates again to the eleventh Century and has one of many best-preserved retains (towers) in the entire of Europe. The fort is about 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 attempt on, and rather 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 will also be reached by automobile by way of the A12.
Colchester Fort Particulars and Info
Tackle: Excessive Avenue, Colchester, CO1 1TJ
Telephone: +44 (0)1206 282393
Working Hours: 10 am-5 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Price: £11.95 for adults and £6.75 for youngsters
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 one in all my favourite spots because the fort overlooks a shocking stretch of shoreline, and has a big footbridge excessive above the cliffs.
The fort dates again to the 13 Century however fell right into a state of disrepair in the course of the late Center Ages. That does nothing to decrease the spectacular web site and Tintagel is likely one of the must-see castles in Cornwall for its magnificent location and engaging historical past. The small village of Tintagel can also be nicely price 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’ll be able to attain Bude and Newquay by prepare from London with an anticipated journey time of round six hours.
Tintagel Fort Particulars and Info
Tackle: Fort Highway, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0HE
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Price: £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 likely one of 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 dwelling to a fort, a backyard, a small harbor, and a seaside; making it a superb day trip for the entire household with heaps 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 prepare from London Paddington with a journey time of round 5 hours. Nonetheless, to get the very best out of a visit to Cornwall, hiring a automobile is finest so that you could simply discover each Tintagel Fort and St Michael’s Mount at your personal tempo.
St Michael’s Mount Particulars and Info
Tackle: Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0HS
Telephone: n/a
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Price: £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 fort with a protracted historical past courting again nearly 1,000 years. Like Windsor Fort, it’s been constantly inhabited for the reason that eleventh Century, although now it’s dwelling to college students at Durham College slightly than royalty.
The fort types a part of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Web site together with the cathedral. The fort is open to the general public for guided excursions within the afternoons throughout time period time and mornings and afternoons in the course of the holidays. Durham can also be a fort 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 fort is situated within the metropolis heart and is well walkable from the principle prepare station.
Durham Fort Particulars and Info
Tackle: Durham, County Durham, DH1 3RW
Telephone: +44 (0)191 334 3800
Working Hours: 12 pm-4 pm, Mon-Fri
Entrance Price: £5.00 adults and youngsters go free
Web site: dur.ac.uk/durham.fort/go to
9. Berkhamsted Fort (Oldest Fort in England)
Berkhamsted is the oldest fort 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 web site and is worthy of a go to. It’s additionally free to enter and stroll across the ruins, and it’s a fantastic place for a picnic too.
Berkhamsted railway station is only a two-minute stroll from the fort and trains from London Euston take simply over half-hour; making it very simple to succeed in with public transport.
Berkhamsted Fort Particulars and Info
Tackle: White Hill, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LJ
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Price: Free
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk
10. Dover Fort (Largest Fort in England)
Dover Fort is the largest fort in England and is likely 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 applications together with the Crown, the Different Boleyn Woman, and Avengers: Age of Ultron.
The views throughout the English Chanel from Dover Fort are incredible and on a very good day, you may even see throughout to France. The Norman fort 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 positively one in all 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 day by 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 likely one of the finest castles to go to in England by far.
Dover Fort Particulars and Info
Tackle: Fort Hill Highway, Dover, Kent, CT16 1HU
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Price: £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 heaps to see and do from sleepovers to an journey playground, dwell reveals, and over 200 totally 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 fort 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 Info
Tackle: Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4QU
Telephone: +44 (0)1926 406610
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Price: £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. For those who acknowledge this spectacular constructing it might be as a result of it’s been used as a movie location for blockbusters resembling Harry Potter and the favored TV sequence 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 few of 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.
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 when you’ve got time). Trains from London Victoria take round 5 hours.
Alnwick Fort Particulars and Info
Tackle: Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ
Telephone: +44 (0)1665 511100
Working Hours: 7 am-9 pm, Mon-Fri
Entrance Price: £16.75 for adults and £8.85 for youngsters
Web site: alnwickcastle.com
13. Lindisfarne Fort
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 fort that may be reached at low tide by way of a causeway.
The closest city to the fort 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 certainly one of the vital lovely castles in England and is one I hope to go to quickly (together with close by Alnwick).
Lindisfarne Fort Particulars and Info
Tackle: Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2SH
Telephone: +44 (0)1289 389244
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Price: £8.50 for adults and £4.25 for youngsters
Web site: nationaltrust.org.uk
14. Arundel Fort
The beautiful Arundel Fort in West Sussex is likely one of the oldest in England courting to simply after the Norman Conquest. The fort has been restored and transformed since struggling injury in the course of the English civil conflict, although fortunately, most of the unique options nonetheless stay.
Arundel is likely one of the most lovely castles in England and consists of English and tropical gardens, actions resembling archery, outlets, cafe, and eating places, making it a fantastic day trip.
The fort is a ten-minute stroll from Arundel station with direct trains to and from London Bridge taking round 90 minutes.
Arundel Fort Particulars and Info
Tackle: Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9AB
Telephone: +44 (0)1903 882173
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Price: £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 fort 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 resort 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 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 Info
Tackle: Fort Avenue, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 1HH
Telephone: +44 (0)1454 281182
Working Hours: 24 hours
Entrance Price: n/a, doubles from £289 per evening
Web site: thornburycastle.co.uk
Greatest Castles Excursions in England
Beneath is a collection of incredible fort excursions. I’ve taken various fort 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 an effective way to discover Durham and its historical fort and cathedral. Your skilled information may also 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 incredible 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 fort there too), in addition to Greenwich.
Windsor Fort Tour
This half-day journey from London to Windsor Fort consists of resort 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 fort and British monarchy.
White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Journey
I took this Dover and Canterbury Day Journey a number of years in the past and it was a incredible 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.
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 an excellent possibility for historical past buffs like myself.
Castles in England: FAQs
Beneath are some incessantly requested questions in regards to the castles in England.
There are such a lot of lovely castles in England, however Bodiam, Leeds, and Lindisfarne are three of essentially the most picturesque castles in England.
Berkhamsted is the oldest fort in England courting 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 a very good state of restore.
Windsor Fort is the preferred fort in England with over a million guests yearly (together with luminaries resembling Ronald Reagan and Invoice Clinton).
You’ll be able to sleep in a few of the castles in England together with Durham in Northumberland and Thornbury close to Bristol.
In Conclusion
Now about the very best 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 fort 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 must be on everybody’s bucket checklist.