England’s most beautiful castles

England is home to some of Europe’s finest fortresses. Bearing witness to nearly a thousand years of history, English castles tell the story of the Norman conquests, medieval wars, royal intrigues and the evolution of the British monarchy.

In short: If you only have time to visit one castle in England, choose Windsor Castle for its royal history. For families, Warwick Castle is the most fun; for photography, Bamburgh Castle; for film, Alnwick Castle; and for a romantic atmosphere, Leeds Castle and its grounds. Dover, Bodiam, Arundel, and Highclere round out our selection.

From imposing fortresses perched atop cliffs to elegant royal residences set amongst gardens, each castle has its own history and character. Whether you’re planning a break in the south of England, a road trip through the Midlands or a tour of the north of the country, these monuments are among the must-see attractions.

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? The most beautiful castles in England "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

In a castle, you look first…

The history of the placeThe architecture and decor

Question 2 of 5

Would you prefer to visit…

A must-haveA more discreet location

Question 3 of 5

During the visit?

With a guideAt your own pace

Question 4 of 5

Which setting appeals to you the most?

An impressive fortressA house with beautiful gardens

Question 5 of 5

What do you like to feel?

Understanding what happened hereTo transport you to another era

Windsor Castle

It’s impossible to talk about England’s most beautiful castles without starting with Windsor Castle.

Situated around 40 kilometres from London, it is the oldest inhabited castle in the world. For nearly a thousand years, British monarchs have resided there on a regular basis, making Windsor one of the royal family’s principal residences.

The tour offers visitors the chance to explore the sumptuous State Apartments, richly decorated with tapestries, paintings and period furniture. St George’s Chapel is also a highlight of the tour. It is here that several British monarchs are laid to rest, including Queen Elizabeth II.

If you visit Windsor at the right time, you’ll also be able to watch the Changing of the Guard, an iconic ceremony in the United Kingdom.

Warwick Castle

Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, Warwick Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England.

Unlike many historic monuments, Warwick offers a particularly immersive visitor experience. Knightly tournaments, falconry displays, historical re-enactments and family-friendly activities allow visitors to relive the Middle Ages.

Visitors can also walk along the ramparts, explore the keep and admire the gigantic trebuchet, one of the largest siege engines still in working order.

Warwick Castle is an excellent stop-off for families travelling with children.

Leeds Castle

Often described as «the most beautiful castle in the world», Leeds Castle offers an exceptional setting in the heart of Kent.

Built on two islands surrounded by a vast lake, it captivates visitors as much with its architecture as with its immaculately maintained gardens.

During the tour, you will explore the royal apartments, the historic state rooms and a magnificent landscaped park featuring a hedge maze, an aviary and several areas for strolling.

Less than an hour from London, Leeds Castle is the perfect destination for a day trip.

Dover Castle

Overlooking the famous white cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle once guarded one of the kingdom’s main gateways.

This immense fortress has a particularly rich history. It was used by the Romans as well as during both world wars.

The underground tunnels, built during the Second World War, now allow visitors to relive the military operations that were organised from the castle.

From the ramparts, the view of the English Channel is spectacular and, on a clear day, you can even see the French coast.

Bamburgh Castle

Perched on an impressive rocky headland overlooking the North Sea, Bamburgh Castle is probably the most photogenic castle in England.

Its majestic silhouette stands out against a vast stretch of fine sandy beach, offering a spectacular view at any time of day.

Inside, several rooms tell the story of the ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, as well as that of the powerful Armstrong family, who still own the castle today.

Photography enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the sunrises and sunsets along the Northumberland coast.

Alnwick Castle

Film buffs will recognise Alnwick Castle straight away.

This magnificent castle served as the setting for the first two Harry Potter films, notably for the famous flying broomstick lessons.

But Alnwick is not just about the famous wizard. The castle has a history stretching back more than 700 years and remains the residence of the Dukes of Northumberland to this day.

The gardens at Alnwick are also among the most beautiful in Europe, with their fountains, topiary and the famous Poison Garden, dedicated to the world’s most poisonous plants.

Bodiam Castle

With its perfectly symmetrical towers and wide moat, Bodiam Castle is the epitome of a medieval castle.

Built in the 14th century to defend Sussex against a possible French invasion, it is now one of the most beautiful settings in England.

Although its interior has disappeared, visitors can still walk along the ramparts and imagine what daily life was like in the Middle Ages.

Arundel Castle

Overlooking the River Arun valley, Arundel Castle is one of England’s most elegant aristocratic residences.

Still home to the Dukes of Norfolk, it boasts richly decorated rooms, a remarkable collection of works of art and magnificent gardens.

In spring, the gardens at Arundel are among the most colourful in the United Kingdom.

Lincoln Castle

Built shortly after the Norman Conquest, Lincoln Castle is famous for housing one of the few original copies of the Magna Carta.

Visitors can walk along the ramparts, which offer a stunning view of Lincoln Cathedral, before exploring the old Victorian prisons housed within the fortress.

Highclere Castle

Fans of TV series will recognise Highclere Castle as the famous castle from *Downton Abbey*.

This elegant Victorian mansion is impressive for its architecture, its richly decorated drawing rooms and its vast grounds designed by Capability Brown.

The tours offer visitors the chance to see many of the sets used in the series, whilst learning about the history of the Carnarvon family.

Corfe Castle

Although now in ruins, Corfe Castle remains one of England’s most impressive historic sites.

Perched on top of a hill in Dorset, it offers exceptional views of the surrounding countryside.

Its turbulent history, shaped by the English Civil Wars, makes it a particularly fascinating place to visit.

The best experiences around English castles

As well as the usual guided tours, there are a number of experiences that allow you to discover these monuments from a different perspective.

• Attend a medieval re-enactment at Warwick Castle.
• Discover the Harry Potter film locations at Alnwick Castle.
• Watch the changing of the guard at Windsor Castle.
• Enjoy afternoon tea in a historic castle.
• Explore the landscaped gardens at Leeds Castle.
• Photographing Bamburgh Castle at sunset.
• Explore the secret tunnels of Dover Castle.

Which castle should I choose?

If you can only visit one castle, Windsor Castle is the obvious choice, thanks to its royal history and its extensive collections.

For a family trip, Warwick Castle is undoubtedly the most fun.

Photography enthusiasts will prefer Bamburgh Castle, whilst film buffs will enjoy Alnwick Castle.

Finally, those looking for a romantic atmosphere will be charmed by Leeds Castle and its magnificent grounds.

When is the best time to visit England’s castles?

May, June and September generally offer the best conditions for exploring English castles.

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the gardens in bloom, whilst autumn offers magnificent colours and fewer visitors.

In summer, the many historical re-enactments and medieval activities make the visit even more immersive.

Discover England’s most beautiful castles with Brightside Travel

At Brightside Travel, we create fully bespoke trips across England.

We select the most beautiful accommodation, the best scenic routes and the most authentic experiences so that you can discover England’s most beautiful castles in the best possible conditions.

Discover all our bespoke holidays:

Brightside Travel

To help you plan your visit, please also visit the official English Heritage website:

english-heritage.org.uk

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