Castles are more than stone walls and battlements; they are living reminders of the dramatic history of the British Isles. From the windswept cliffs of Northern Ireland to the rolling hills of England, from the rugged Highlands of Scotland to the green valleys of Wales, each castle offers a unique glimpse into centuries of power struggles, defence, and daily life. This collection is designed for history buffs who want to dig deep into the past, families looking for exciting day trips, and travellers searching for new inspiration across the UK and Ireland.
Castles capture the imagination because they are both practical and symbolic. They began as defensive outposts, wooden motte-and-bailey structures built by the Normans and later rebuilt in stone to withstand sieges. Over time, many transformed into lavish homes and centres of power, blending military strength with prestige. Even in ruin, they continue to inspire: ivy-covered walls, collapsed towers, and mossy courtyards all speak to the resilience of these buildings and the people who lived in them.
For children, castles are places where history comes alive, where they can imagine knights defending the walls or royal courts bustling with activity. For adults, they provide a tangible link to the events that shaped nations: wars of succession, border conflicts, dynastic alliances, and cultural shifts that still echo today. Whether grand or humble, famous or forgotten, each castle adds a piece to the puzzle of Britain and Ireland’s past.
One of the joys of exploring castles is that there is something for everyone. Some sites are vast and well-preserved, complete with guided tours, exhibitions, and family activities. Others are remote ruins you may stumble across on a walk, where silence and solitude make the experience unforgettable. To help plan your adventures, consider the following:
What makes this collection stand apart is its commitment to depth and discovery. We don’t only list the most visited landmarks, we also highlight forgotten strongholds, ivy-clad ruins, and castles tucked away from the main tourist routes. These hidden places often reveal the rawest sense of history, where crumbling towers and weathered stone walls speak louder than glossy guidebooks. They show how castles were woven into the daily fabric of life: not only as fortresses, but also as markets, centres of justice, and places of refuge.
By exploring castles across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, you uncover a narrative that is bigger than any single site. Border defences in Wales reflect the power struggles of medieval kings; Highland fortresses in Scotland tell stories of clans and shifting alliances; coastal castles in Northern Ireland bear witness to trade, piracy, and folklore; while England’s castles reveal the changing face of monarchy, from Norman conquest to Tudor grandeur. Together, they form a mosaic of history that is both regional and universal.
Browse all castles to uncover both world-famous landmarks and little-known treasures that await your discovery.
Standing proud since 1177, Carrickfergus Castle is a medieval marvel on the shores of Belfast Lough. This detailed guide explores its turbulent history, visitor tips, itineraries, and regional travel
Perched on a dramatic cliff between Portrush and Portballintrae, Dunluce Castle is a ruined medieval stronghold with a film-worthy story, built by earls and clans, ravaged by storms, haunted by legend,
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Delve into the Tower of London, a Norman fortress, royal prison, and Crown Jewels vault. Explore centuries of drama with Beefeater tours, ravens, battlements and the famed Ceremony of the Keys. Thoughtful
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