England is a land of castles. From giant defensive fortresses to lovely Tudor mansions, historic ruins, and even fortress resorts, there’s no scarcity of fascinating castles in England. I’ve visited many English castles through the years and can let you already know about a number of the greatest ones to go to beneath.
Most of the castles of England have been remarkably nicely 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 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 Finest Castles in England
I’ve grown up visiting castles in England, from the medieval Colchester Citadel in my hometown to the windswept ruins of Tintagel Citadel 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.
In my listing 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 remains to be certainly one of my favourite weekend actions and there are nonetheless a lot extra for me to find I’m certain.
1. Windsor Citadel (Most Well-known Citadel in England Total)
Windsor is likely one of the most well-known castles in England and is the oldest and largest inhabited fortress 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 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 Citadel 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 isn’t 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 Citadel Particulars and Info
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 individuals (18-24), and £14.50 for youngsters (5-17)
Web site: www.rct.uk/go to/windsor-castle
2. Leeds Citadel (One of many Most Fashionable Castles in England)
To start with, the stunningly picturesque Leeds Citadel is nowhere close to town of Leeds in Yorkshire and is in actual fact 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 Citadel 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 doable to remain at this 900-year-old fortress within the period-style Maiden’s Tower or the 14th Century Battel Corridor. The positioning is residence 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 Citadel many instances and it’s up there as certainly one of my favorites – there’s a lot to do.
Leeds Citadel is situated a couple of miles from Maidstone in Kent and is definitely 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 possibly can soar on the shuttle bus or stroll 2.5 miles to the fortress.
Leeds Citadel Particulars and Info
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 Citadel (Most Stunning Citadel in England)
Bodiam Citadel in East Sussex is likely one of the most lovely castles in England and is certainly 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 simplest to achieve by public transport, but when I can handle it, you possibly can 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 do-it-yourself steak burger is a winner).
There isn’t any public transport to Bodiam so hiring a automotive is the best choice if you wish to go to this attractive fortress (and you actually ought to). Nevertheless, I’ve visited and not using a automotive and though the journey wasn’t direct, it was positively definitely worth the trouble. You’ll must take a practice to both Robertsbridge or Battle and take a taxi the remaining distance (Uber is really useful).
Bodiam Citadel Particulars and Info
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/go to/sussex/bodiam-castle
4. Lewes Citadel
Lewes Citadel, 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 possibly can go to too). The Norman fortress 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 fortress 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, one of many greatest locations to go to in England for mountain climbing and nature. Lewes is certainly one of England’s most picturesque cities and is nicely price a go to.
Lewes is definitely 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 automotive can also be a very good choice should you want to spend some extra time exploring the Downs.
Lewes Citadel Particulars and Info
Handle: 169 Excessive Road, 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/sights/lewes-castle
5. Colchester Citadel
I grew up in and round Colchester and have visited its historic Norman fortress many instances through the years. The fortress is constructed on prime 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 immediately 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 attempt on, and way 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 Citadel Park from the primary Colchester North Station. The Citadel is situated within the heart of city simply off the Excessive Road and may also be reached by automotive through the A12.
Colchester Citadel Particulars and Info
Handle: Excessive Road, 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/go to/colchester-castle/
6. Tintagel Citadel
The atmospheric Tintagel Citadel on the North Cornish coast is steeped within the myths and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Spherical Desk. That is certainly 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 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 automotive is one of the simplest ways to go to Tintagel Citadel 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 Citadel Particulars and Info
Handle: Citadel Highway, 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 likely one of 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 residence to a fortress, a backyard, a small harbor, and a seashore; 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 positively the extra spectacular of the 2, (I could also be biased), because of its picturesque location inside Mounts Bay.
The closest giant 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 one of the best out of a visit to Cornwall, hiring a automotive is greatest so as to simply discover each Tintagel Citadel and St Michael’s Mount at your individual tempo.
St Michael’s Mount Particulars and Info
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 Citadel
Durham Citadel, within the north of England, is one other fortress with an extended historical past courting again virtually 1,000 years. Like Windsor Citadel, it’s been constantly inhabited because the eleventh Century, although now it’s residence to college students at Durham College fairly than royalty.
The fortress varieties a part of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Web site 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 also 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 definitely walkable from the primary practice station.
Durham Citadel Particulars and Info
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.fortress/go to
9. Berkhamsted Citadel (Oldest Citadel 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 a fantastic 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 achieve with public transport.
Berkhamsted Citadel Particulars and Info
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 Citadel (Largest Citadel in England)
Dover Citadel is the largest fortress in England and is likely one of the most spectacular because of its fabulous location atop the White Cliffs of Dover. The Citadel 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 Citadel are unbelievable and on a very good day, you possibly can 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 certainly 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 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 achieve Dover. This is likely one of the greatest castles to go to in England by far.
Dover Citadel Particulars and Info
Handle: Citadel Hill Highway, 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 Citadel
Warwick Citadel has a historical past courting again over 1,000 years and is a superb household choice with tons to see and do from sleepovers to an journey playground, stay exhibits, and over 200 completely different occasions yearly. It’s additionally doable to ebook a keep at Warwick Citadel at one of many lodges or glamping websites.
The massive medieval fortress 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 Citadel Particulars and Info
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 Citadel
The Norman period Alnwick Citadel 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 similar to Harry Potter and the favored TV sequence Downton Abbey.
You’ll want to take a look at the close by Alnwick Backyard, created by the Duchess of Northumberland, which encompasses a secret “poison backyard” with a number of the most lethal vegetation identified to man inside. That is someplace that has been excessive on my listing 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 possibly can tie it in with a go to to close by Durham Citadel when you have time). Trains from London Victoria take round 5 hours.
Alnwick Citadel Particulars and Info
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 Citadel
Lindisfarne (also referred to 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 residence 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.
Lindisfarne is unquestionably one of the crucial lovely castles in England and is one I hope to go to quickly (together with close by Alnwick).
Lindisfarne Citadel Particulars and Info
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 Citadel
The gorgeous Arundel Citadel in West Sussex is likely one of the oldest in England courting to simply after the Norman Conquest. The fortress has been restored and transformed since struggling harm throughout the English civil conflict, although fortunately, most of the authentic options nonetheless stay.
Arundel is likely one of the most lovely castles in England and contains English and tropical gardens, actions similar to archery, outlets, cafe, and eating places, making it a fantastic day trip.
The fortress is a ten-minute stroll from Arundel station with direct trains to and from London Bridge taking round 90 minutes.
Arundel Citadel Particulars and Info
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 Citadel (Finest Citadel to Keep in England)
The gorgeous Tudor Thornbury Citadel close to Bristol is one other fortress you possibly can 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 the whole lot from luxurious breakfasts to Sunday lunches, night meals, afternoon teas, and personal eating experiences.
Thornbury Citadel 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 Citadel Particulars and Info
Handle: Citadel Road, 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
Finest 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 Citadel, Dover Citadel, and naturally England’s prime vacationer attraction and residence of the King; Windsor Citadel.
Durham Strolling Tour
This two-hour strolling tour is a good way to discover Durham and its historic fortress and cathedral. Your skilled information may also fill you in on tales of crime and punishment by means of the ages giving an enchanting perception into the native historical past.
Leeds Citadel, Canterbury Cathedral, and Greenwich Tour
This unbelievable day journey from London takes within the majestic Leeds Citadel and likewise features a journey to Canterbury Cathedral, Dover (the place you possibly can see the fortress there too), in addition to Greenwich.
Windsor Citadel Tour
This half-day journey from London to Windsor Citadel contains resort pick-up and entrance to Windsor Citadel 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 a couple of years in the past and it was a unbelievable 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 gorgeous Dover Citadel with unbelievable views of the White Cliffs.
Alnwick and Bamburgh Citadel Tour from Edinburgh
This full-day tour from Edinburgh can have you visiting historic Alnwick Citadel, which has been used as a backdrop for the Harry Potter motion pictures. This expertise additionally features a cease at Bamburgh Citadel so it’s a super choice for historical past buffs like myself.
Castles in England: FAQs
Beneath are some steadily 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 fortress in England courting again virtually 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 Citadel is the preferred fortress in England with over a million guests yearly (together with luminaries similar to 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 already know about one of the best 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 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 listing.