England

An eye-level shot of Windsor Castle's main buildings and a large round tower, seen from a long, tree-lined path with people walking towards the castle during sunset.

From Roman walls to storybook moats, England’s castles pack centuries of drama into every keep and courtyard. This category curates our best guides, routes and practical tips to help you plan unforgettable days out – whether you love hands-on history, sweeping views, or family-friendly adventures across the country.

Highlights

  • Dover Castle  — the “Key to England,” tunnels, views and WWII history.
  • Windsor Castle  — a living royal residence with ornate State Apartments.
  • Tower of London  — Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders and Norman beginnings.
  • Warwick Castle  — grand towers, trebuchets and family activities.
  • Bodiam Castle  — perfect moat reflections and easy countryside walks.
  • Corfe Castle  — dramatic ruins above a steam railway village.
  • Bamburgh Castle  — coastal fortress on a basalt headland.

Plan your visit

  • When to go: Spring – autumn offers longer hours; winter brings quieter halls and atmospheric ruins.
  • Tickets: Many sites are managed by English Heritage or the National Trust — membership can save money if visiting multiple castles.
  • Accessibility: Medieval stairs can be steep; check site pages for lift access and step-free routes.
  • Make it a road trip: Group nearby sites (e.g., Kent or Northumberland) into one itinerary.

FAQs

Q: Which castles are best for first-timers?
A: Start with the Tower of London, Warwick and Dover for variety, royal history, live demos and cliff-top views.

Q: Can I visit without a car?
A: Many major castles are reachable by train plus a short bus or walk; rural ruins often need a car.

Q: Are there free or low-cost options?
A: Yes – several ruins and earthworks are free to enter; paid sites sometimes offer family or off-peak discounts.

Q: What makes this collection different?
A: We group castles by region, with short, practical guides focused on routes, parking and nearby food stops.

See all Castles categories