England is a land of castles. From giant defensive fortresses to lovely Tudor mansions, historical ruins, and even fortress inns, there’s no scarcity of fascinating castles in England. I’ve visited many English castles over time and can let you understand about among the finest ones to go to beneath.
Most of the castles of England have been remarkably properly preserved and are situated inside acres of gorgeous land. Regardless of their ages, it’s nonetheless potential to go to many of those historic buildings and ruins, and visiting England’s castles makes for a terrific day trip for the entire household. With over 4,000 castles in England, I’ve helped slender 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 attractive Bodiam and Lewes Castles in East Sussex, plus many extra. One factor’s for certain, you mustn’t 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 of my favorite weekend activities and there are nonetheless loads extra for me to find I’m certain.
1. Windsor Citadel (Most Well-known Citadel in England General)
Windsor is among the most well-known castles in England and is the oldest and largest inhabited fortress on the planet. It’s been house to the English (and later British) Royal Household for almost 1,000 years, and is now house to around 150 residents together with King Charles III, and is usually used for state features.
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 you’ll 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 Price: £26.50 for adults, £17.50 for younger folks (18-24), and £14.50 for kids (5-17)
Web site: www.rct.uk/go to/Windsor-castle
2. Leeds Citadel (One of many Most Widespread Castles in England)
Initially, the stunningly picturesque Leeds Citadel 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 fortress on the River Len. That being stated, Leeds Citadel is among the most well-known castles in England to go to because of the various occasions and festivals it hosts all year long.
It’s additionally potential to remain at this 900-year-old fortress within the period-style Maiden’s Tower or the 14th Century Battel Corridor. The positioning is house to a collection of museums, 500 acres of parkland together with a moat, rivers, streams and an enjoyable maze to get misplaced in. I’ve been to Leeds Citadel on many instances and it’s up there as one in every one of my favorites – there’s a lot to do.
Leeds Citadel is situated just a few 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 Price: £32.00 for adults and £24.00 for kids. Tickets are legitimate for an entire yr.
Web site: Leeds-castle.com
3. Bodiam Citadel (The most Lovely Citadel in England)
Bodiam Citadel in East Sussex is among the most lovely castles in England and is every 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 succeed in 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 among the better-known castles. There’s additionally a 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 an automobile is the most suitable choice if you wish to go to this beautiful fortress (and you actually ought to). Nonetheless, I’ve visited without an automotive and though the journey wasn’t direct, it was positively definitely worth the trouble. You’ll take practice to both Robertsbridge and Battle and take a taxi the remaining distance (Uber is really helpful).
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 Price: £11.00 for adults and £5.50 for kids
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 is likewise home to the Museum of Sussex Archaeology with exhibitions from prehistory to medieval Lewes and past.
The fortress grounds are a terrific 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 climbing and nature. Lewes is one of England’s most picturesque cities and is properly valued as a go-to.
Lewes is definitely reachable from close to 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 succeed to Lewes from London Bridge station and simply fifteen minutes from Brighton. Hiring an automotive can also be a superb choice in the event you want to spend some extra time exploring the Downs.
Lewes Citadel Particulars and Info
Handle: 169 Excessive Avenue, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1YE
Cellphone: +44 (0)1273 486290
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Price: £10.00 for adults and £5.50 for kids
Web site: sussexpast.co.uk/sights/lewes-castle
5. Colchester Citadel
I grew up in and around Colchester and have visited its historic Norman fortress in many instances over time. The fortress is constructed on high of a historical Roman temple (Colchester was the Roman capital of Britain, often 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 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, 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 middle of city simply off the Excessive Avenue and can be reached by automotive through the A12.
Colchester Citadel Particulars and Info
Handle: Excessive Avenue, Colchester, CO1 1TJ
Cellphone: +44 (0)1206 282393
Working Hours: 10 am-5 pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Price: £11.95 for adults and £6.75 for kids
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 one in every one of my favorite spots because the fortress overlooks a surprising stretch of shoreline, and has a big footbridge excessively 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 among the must-see castles in Cornwall for its magnificent location and engaging historical past. The small village of Tintagel can also be properly valued as a go-to.
Hiring an automotive is one of the best 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 around 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 Price: £16.30 for adults and £9.80 for kids
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 situated on a tidal island that turns fully lower off from the mainland at excessive tide. The island is house to a fortress, a backyard, a small harbor, and a seaside; making it a wonderful 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 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 around 5 hours. Nonetheless, to get the very best out of a visit to Cornwall, hiring an automotive is finest as a way 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 Price: £14.00 for adults and £7.00 for kids. The village and harbor are free to go to.
Web site: stmichaelsmount.co.uk
8. Durham Citadel
Durham Citadel, in the north of England, is another fortress with a protracted historical past relationship again virtually 1,000 years. Like Windsor Citadel, it’s been repeatedly inhabited because of the eleventh Century, although now it’s house to college students at Durham College fairly than royalty.
The fortress kinds 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 the time period time and mornings and afternoons throughout the holidays. Durham can also be a fortress in England that gives lodging as there’s a mattress and breakfast on campus.
Durham is in 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 middle 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 Price: £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 is still are ruins, it’s nonetheless a formidable website and is worthy of a go-to. It’s additionally free to enter and stroll across the ruins, and it’s a terrific 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 succeed 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 Price: Free
Web site: English-heritage.org.uk
10. Dover Citadel (Largest Citadel in England)
Dover Citadel is the largest fortress in England and is among 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 applications together with the Crown, the Different Boleyn Woman, and Avengers: Age of Ultron.
The views throughout the English Chanel from Dover Citadel are improbable and on a superb day, you possibly can even see throughout 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 positively one of my favorite English castles and I all the time look ahead to returning.
Attending Dover is straightforward from London and the continent. There are each day ferries from Calais in France and the crossing takes around 90 minutes. Trains from London’s St Pancras take simply over one hour to succeed in Dover. This is among the finest 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 Price: £21.80 for adults and £13.00 for kids
Web site: English-heritage.org.uk
11. Warwick Citadel
Warwick Citadel has a historical past relationship again over 1,000 years and is a superb household choice with heaps to see and do from sleepovers to a journey playground, stay reveals, and over 200 completely different occasions yearly. It’s additionally potential to ebook a keep at Warwick Citadel at one of many lodges or glamping websites.
The massive medieval fortress is situated in the middle of Warwick within the Midlands and is definitely reachable from the remainder of the UK with trains from London Paddington taking around 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 Price: £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 construction, it might be a result of it’s being used as a movie location for blockbusters similar to Harry Potter and the favored TV collection Downton Abbey.
You’ll want to take a look at the close by Alnwick Backyard, created by the Duchess of Northumberland, which contains a secret “poison backyard” with among the most lethal vegetation identified to the 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 possibly can tie it in with a go-to to close-by Durham Citadel when you’ve got time). Trains from London Victoria take around 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 Price: £16.75 for adults and £8.85 for kids
Web site: alnwickcastle.com
13. Lindisfarne Citadel
Lindisfarne (also referred to as Holy Island) is a small island in 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 house 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 certainly 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 Price: £8.50 for adults and £4.25 for kids
Web site: nationaltrust.org.uk
14. Arundel Citadel
The gorgeous Arundel Citadel in West Sussex is among the oldest in England relationship to only after the Norman Conquest. The fortress has been restored and transformed since struggling harm throughout the English Civil battle, although fortunately, most of the unique options nonetheless stay.
Arundel is among the most lovely castles in England and consists of English and tropical gardens, actions similar to archery, retailers, cafe, and eating places, making it a terrific 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 Price: £22.00 for adults and £11.00 for kids
Web site: arundelcastle.org
15. Thornbury Citadel (Finest Citadel to Keep in England)
The attractive Tudor Thornbury Citadel close to Bristol is one other fortress you possibly can keep in England providing beautiful, interval rooms full of 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 everything 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 below two hours. Reserve your keep.
Thornbury Citadel Particulars and Info
Handle: Citadel Avenue, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 1HH
Cellphone: +44 (0)1454 281182
Working Hours: 24 hours
Entrance Price: n/a, doubles from £289 per night time
Web site: thornburycastle.co.uk
Finest Castles Excursions in England
Under is a choice of improbable fortress excursions. I’ve taken quite a lot of fortress excursions myself as day journeys from London and advocate my favorites together with Leeds Citadel, Dover Citadel, and naturally England’s high 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 historical fortress and cathedral. Your skilled information can even fill you in on tales of crime and punishment via the ages giving an interesting perception of the native historical past.
Leeds Citadel, Canterbury Cathedral, and Greenwich Tour
This improbable 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 consists of resort pick-up and entrance to Windsor Citadel 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 just a few years in the past and it was an improbable day trip. Not solely will you get to discover the attractive metropolis of Canterbury and its well-known cathedral, but, the tour additionally makes a cease on the gorgeous Dover Citadel with unimaginable views of the White Cliffs.
Alnwick and Bamburgh Citadel Tour from Edinburgh
This full-day tour from Edinburgh may have you visiting historic Alnwick Citadel, which has been used as a backdrop for the Harry Potter films. 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
Under are some ceaselessly requested questions concerning the castles in England.
There are a lot of lovely castles in England, however, Bodiam, Leeds, and Lindisfarne are three of probably the most picturesque castles in England.
Berkhamsted is the oldest fortress in England relationship 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 superb state of restoration.
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 among the castles in England together with Durham in Northumberland and Thornbury close to Bristol.
In Conclusion
Now you understand about the very 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‘ relationship again over 1,000 years needs to be on everybody’s bucket checklist.
