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 through the years and can let about among the greatest ones to go to beneath.
Most of the castles of England have been remarkably nicely preserved and are positioned 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 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 Fortress in my hometown to the windswept ruins of Tintagel Fortress in Cornwall, and the attractive Bodiam and Lewes Castles in East Sussex, plus many extra. One factor’s for positive, you don’t must go far to discover a fairytale fortress in England.
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 remains to be certainly one of my favourite weekend actions and there are nonetheless lots extra for me to find I’m positive.
1. Windsor Fortress (Most Well-known Fortress in England Total)
Windsor is among the most well-known castles in England and is the oldest and largest inhabited fortress on this 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.
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 Fortress 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 simple with direct street and rail hyperlinks (although there isn’t a public automotive park so that you’ll have to 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 tours from London.
Windsor Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: Windsor, SL4 1NJ
Telephone: +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 folks (18-24), and £14.50 for youngsters (5-17)
Web site: www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle
2. Leeds Fortress (One of many Most Fashionable Castles in England)
To start with, the stunningly picturesque Leeds Fortress is nowhere close to the town of Leeds in Yorkshire and is actually 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 Fortress is among the most well-known castles in England to go to due to the numerous events and festivals it hosts all year long.
It’s additionally possible to stay at this 900-year-old fortress within the period-style Maiden’s Tower or the 14th Century Battel Corridor. The location is residence 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 Fortress many instances and it’s up there as certainly one of my favorites – there’s a lot to do.
Leeds Fortress is positioned 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’ll be able to soar on the shuttle bus or stroll 2.5 miles to the fortress.
Leeds Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL
Telephone: +44 (0)1622 765400
Working Hours: 10 am-3 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £32.00 for adults and £24.00 for youngsters. Tickets are legitimate for an entire yr.
Web site: leeds-castle.com
3. Bodiam Fortress (Most Lovely Fortress in England)
Bodiam Fortress in East Sussex is among 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 preserve (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’ll be able to 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 excellent 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 automotive is the most suitable choice if you wish to go to this beautiful fortress (and you actually ought to). Nonetheless, I’ve visited with no automotive and though the journey wasn’t direct, it was undoubtedly definitely worth the problem. You’ll have to take a practice to both Robertsbridge or Battle and take a taxi the remaining distance (Uber is really helpful).
Bodiam Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: Bodiam, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5UA
Telephone: +44 (0)1580 830196
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £11.00 for adults and £5.50 for youngsters
Web site: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle
4. Lewes Fortress
Lewes Fortress, 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’ll be able to 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 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 finest 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 street 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 choice for those who want to spend some extra time exploring the Downs.
Lewes Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: 169 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1YE
Telephone: +44 (0)1273 486290
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £10.00 for adults and £5.50 for youngsters
Web site: sussexpast.co.uk/attractions/lewes-castle
5. Colchester Fortress
I grew up in and round Colchester and have visited its historic Norman fortress many instances through the years. The fortress is constructed on high 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 fortress because it stands at this time dates again to the eleventh Century and has one of many best-preserved keeps (towers) in the entire of Europe. The fortress is ready inside a big park overlooking close by Highwoods Country 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 practice. It’s a five-minute stroll to the underside of Fortress Park from the primary Colchester North Station. The Fortress is positioned within the middle of city simply off the Excessive Road and can be reached by automotive by way of the A12.
Colchester Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: High Street, Colchester, CO1 1TJ
Telephone: +44 (0)1206 282393
Working Hours: 10 am-5 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £11.95 for adults and £6.75 for youngsters
Web site: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colchester-castle/
6. Tintagel Fortress
The atmospheric Tintagel Fortress 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 through the late Center Ages. That does nothing to decrease the spectacular web site and Tintagel is among 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 the easiest way to go to Tintagel Fortress 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 Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: Castle Road, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0HE
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £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 among the most spectacular castles in England because it’s positioned on a tidal island that turns into fully minimize 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 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 measurement, it’s undoubtedly the extra spectacular of the 2, (I could also be biased), due to 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. Nonetheless, to get one of the best out of a visit to Cornwall, hiring a automotive is greatest in an effort to simply discover each Tintagel Fortress and St Michael’s Mount at your individual tempo.
St Michael’s Mount Particulars and Data
Deal with: Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0HS
Telephone: n/a
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £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 Fortress
Durham Fortress, within the north of England, is one other fortress with an extended historical past courting again virtually 1,000 years. Like Windsor Fortress, it’s been constantly inhabited because the eleventh Century, although now it’s residence to students at Durham College relatively than royalty.
The fortress kinds a part of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the cathedral. The fortress is open to the general public for guided tours within the afternoons throughout time period time and mornings and afternoons through the holidays. Durham can also be a fortress in England that provides lodging as there’s a bed 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 positioned within the metropolis middle and is definitely walkable from the primary practice station.
Durham Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: Durham, County Durham, DH1 3RW
Telephone: +44 (0)191 334 3800
Working Hours: 12 pm-4 pm, Mon-Fri
Entrance Payment: £5.00 adults and youngsters go free
Web site: dur.ac.uk/durham.castle/visit
9. Berkhamsted Fortress (Oldest Fortress in England)
Berkhamsted is the oldest fortress in England that dates back to 1067 simply after the Norman Conquest. Though all that is still 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 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 straightforward to achieve with public transport.
Berkhamsted Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: White Hill, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LJ
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: Free
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk
10. Dover Fortress (Largest Fortress in England)
Dover Fortress is the largest castle in England and is among the most spectacular due to its fabulous location atop the White Cliffs of Dover. The Fortress has been used as a backdrop for a lot of movie and tv applications together with the Crown, the Different Boleyn Lady, and Avengers: Age of Ultron.
The views throughout the English Chanel from Dover Fortress are improbable and on day, you’ll be able to even see throughout to France. The Norman fortress dates to 1066 and the time of William the Conqueror and has an interesting historical past from medieval sieges to the D-Day Landings. That is undoubtedly certainly one of my favourite English castles and I at all times look ahead to returning.
Attending to Dover is simple 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 achieve Dover. This is among the greatest castles to go to in England by far.
Dover Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: Castle Hill Road, Dover, Kent, CT16 1HU
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £21.80 for adults and £13.00 for youngsters
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk
11. Warwick Fortress
Warwick Fortress has a historical past courting again over 1,000 years and is a good household choice with heaps to see and do from sleepovers to an journey playground, reside reveals, and over 200 totally different occasions yearly. It’s additionally doable to book a stay at Warwick Fortress at one of many lodges or glamping websites.
The massive medieval fortress is positioned within the middle 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 Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4QU
Telephone: +44 (0)1926 406610
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £20.00
Web site: www.warwick-castle.com
12. Alnwick Fortress
The Norman period Alnwick Fortress was constructed after the Norman conquest of Britain and is the seat of the twelfth Duke of Northumberland. When you 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 collection Downton Abbey.
Make sure to try the close by Alnwick Garden, created by the Duchess of Northumberland, which contains a secret “poison backyard” with among the most deadly plants 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’ll be able to tie it in with a go to to close by Durham Fortress when you have time). Trains from London Victoria take round 5 hours.
Alnwick Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ
Telephone: +44 (0)1665 511100
Working Hours: 7 am-9 pm, Mon-Fri
Entrance Payment: £16.75 for adults and £8.85 for youngsters
Web site: alnwickcastle.com
13. Lindisfarne Fortress
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 by way of 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 lovely castles in England and is one I hope to go to quickly (together with close by Alnwick).
Lindisfarne Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2SH
Telephone: +44 (0)1289 389244
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £8.50 for adults and £4.25 for youngsters
Web site: nationaltrust.org.uk
14. Arundel Fortress
The beautiful Arundel Fortress in West Sussex is among the oldest in England courting to simply after the Norman Conquest. The fortress has been restored and transformed since struggling harm through the English civil battle, although fortunately, lots of the authentic options nonetheless stay.
Arundel is among the most lovely castles in England and consists of English and tropical gardens, actions similar to archery, outlets, cafe, and eating places, making it an excellent 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 Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9AB
Telephone: +44 (0)1903 882173
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £22.00 for adults and £11.00 for youngsters
Web site: arundelcastle.org
15. Thornbury Fortress (Greatest Fortress to Keep in England)
The attractive Tudor Thornbury Fortress close to Bristol is one other fortress you’ll be able to keep at in England providing beautiful, 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 every thing from luxurious breakfasts to Sunday lunches, night meals, afternoon teas, and personal eating experiences.
Thornbury Fortress 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 stay.
Thornbury Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: Castle Street, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 1HH
Telephone: +44 (0)1454 281182
Working Hours: 24 hours
Entrance Payment: n/a, doubles from £289 per evening
Web site: thornburycastle.co.uk
Greatest Castles Excursions in England
Under is a collection of improbable fortress excursions. I’ve taken quite a lot of fortress excursions myself as day journeys from London and suggest my favorites together with Leeds Fortress, Dover Fortress, and naturally England’s high vacationer attraction and residence of the King; Windsor Fortress.
Durham Strolling Tour
This two-hour walking tour is an effective way to discover Durham and its historical fortress and cathedral. Your skilled information can even fill you in on tales of crime and punishment by way of the ages giving an interesting perception into the native historical past.
Leeds Fortress, Canterbury Cathedral, and Greenwich Tour
This fantastic day trip from London takes within the majestic Leeds Fortress and likewise features a journey to Canterbury Cathedral, Dover (the place you’ll be able to see the fortress there too), in addition to Greenwich.
Windsor Fortress Tour
This half-day trip from London to Windsor Fortress consists of resort pick-up and entrance to Windsor Fortress and Gardens. You’ll get to journey by luxurious coach and the tour additionally consists of an interesting 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 attractive metropolis of Canterbury and its well-known cathedral, however the tour additionally makes a cease on the beautiful Dover Fortress with unimaginable views of the White Cliffs.
Alnwick and Bamburgh Fortress Tour from Edinburgh
This full-day tour from Edinburgh may have you visiting historic Alnwick Fortress, which has been used as a backdrop for the Harry Potter films. This expertise additionally features a cease at Bamburgh Fortress so it’s a great choice for historical past buffs like myself.
Castles in England: FAQs
Under are some regularly 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 castle 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 state of restore.
Windsor Fortress is the preferred fortress in England with over one million visitors yearly (together with luminaries similar to Ronald Reagan and Invoice Clinton).
You possibly can sleep in among the castles in England together with Durham in Northumberland and Thornbury close to Bristol.
In Conclusion
Now about one of the 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 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 ought to be on everybody’s bucket checklist.
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