English Castles: From Medieval to Royal Palaces

If you want to go to the set of famous movies and shows, head to Alnwick Castle! Since its origins in the early 14th century, Alnwick Castle has had a varied history as a military outpost, a film set, a teaching college, and a shelter for evacuees. Its history is rich with stories, and it is one of the largest castles in England to be still inhabited. Visitors may recognize the tall walls and wide courtyards from the Harry Potter movies, or as the site of several episodes of Downton Abbey. Located in the heart of the Northumberland countryside, Alnwick Castle is easy to reach by bus, train, or car. The castle grounds and museums are open daily from the beginning of April through the end of October.

Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 1NQ, Phone: +44-16-65-51-11-00

With its noble towers in a variety of styles stretching up from the hills of the forest beneath it, Belvoir Castle, which in French translates directly to “beautiful view,” certainly lives up to its name. For centuries, the castle has been the ancestral home of the Dukes of Rutland, and has been partially destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries.

Inside Belvoir, visitors can explore extravagantly furnished rooms and admire the paintings, sculptures, and other pieces of art that have been commissioned and hand-selected by the Rutland family. The castle and its exquisite gardens are open to the public only on selected days throughout the summer season. Its hours and calendar of events can be found on its website.

Belvoir, Grantham NG32 1PE, UK, Phone: +44-14-76-87-10-01

Warwick Castle is a medieval castle built in the 11th century. For centuries, it served as a stronghold, but today Warwick Castle is the perfect destination for a day out with the family.

From an exploration of the castle itself with its grand interiors and stone ramparts, to the sculpted gardens, fountains, and topiaries of its exterior, Warwick is the very picture of a classic medieval castle. But Warwick also offers activities for families of all ages, including interactive riddles in the Princess Tower, rallying troops with the Kingmaker, and literally getting lost in time with the Horrible Histories Maze. Warwick offers something for everyone, from history buffs to young fans of Disney princesses.

Warwick, Warwick CV34 4QU, UK, Phone: +44-87-12-65-20-00

Romantic Castles

Just a single look at Bamburgh Castle, situated high on a rocky hill on the shore of Northumberland, is enough to understand why it is sometimes referred to as “the King of Castles”.

Once home to the kings of Northumbria, Bamburgh Castle, with its wide stone walls and imposing location, is even believed to be the real-life inspiration behind the legendary Sir Lancelot’s fictional home. Visitors to Bamburgh can explore its rooms and view displayed items like armor, weapons, art, and furniture, or explore the grounds and the breathtaking views from the coastal cliffs.

Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh, Northumberland NE69 7DF, Phone: +44-16-68-21-45-15

Bodiam is sometimes called the “perfect English castle,” and with its stone towers and square battlements reflected in the mirror-like waters of the moat that surrounds it, it’s not difficult to understand why.

The castle’s exterior appearance is so iconic that it has been featured on travel guides and emblazoned on merchandise for decades. The true genius of Bodiam Castle certainly lies in its appearance – from the forced perspective of its windows, which grow smaller in size the higher they are in height, and the reflective trickery of the moat, the castle is designed to look bigger and more intimidating than it actually is. Fortunately for visitors, that’s the main trick up its sleeve – this feat of medieval architecture is just as fun to explore as it is to look at.

Bodiam, Robertsbridge TN32 5UA, UK, Phone: +44-15-80-83-01-96

Carisbrooke Castle is a romantic structure that tells the history of the Isle of Wight.

The castle is home to a museum that holds almost 30,000 items connected with the history of the Isle of Wight, as well as a king’s prison, an Elizabethan artillery, and a beautiful Edwardian garden.

On the Norman Keep and Wall Walk, visitors can climb the ancient stone steps to the round, moss-covered tower, where they can enjoy views of the entire island from the castle’s keep. Down by the castle well, guests can watch the resident castle donkeys demonstrate how they draw water from the well with a 16th-century wheel.

Carisbrooke Castle Museum, Castle Hill, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1XY, Phone: +44-19-83-52-31-12

Castles to Visit With Kids

Carlisle Castle is located in the north of England, close to the ruins of Hadrian’s Wall.

The grey and red sandstone structure dates back to the 12th century, and is famous for being the location where Mary Queen of Scots was held prisoner by her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I, from 1567. The castle was used to house many prisoners over the years, and visitors to the castle are invited to explore the castle’s keep and inspect some beautiful carvings in the walls made by some of these prisoners. Carlisle Castle also is home to Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life, which tells the stories of the soldiers of Cumbria’s County Infantry Regiment.

Carlisle, Castle Way, Carlisle CA3 8UR, UK, Phone: +44-37-03-33-11-81

Castle Drogo is one of the newest castles in England, at barely a century old.

Its medieval appearance was in fact finished in 1930, and the differences between it and some of the older castles of the same architectural style are explored within the castle and its exhibits. Inside, Castle Drogo is part museum, part art exhibit, as it tells the story of its history through unique art installations in its rooms.

The castle also hosts temporary exhibits on a seasonal schedule, and is surrounded by miles of woods and pathways for guests to explore. Below the castle is the Teign Gorge, through which runs the River Teign and which contains many paths and trails through its wilderness.

Castle Drogo, Unnamed Road, Exeter, Drewsteignton, Exeter EX6 6PB, United Kingdom

The construction of Colchester Castle was ordered by King William I in the year 1076.

The foundations of the castle are built upon the ruins of a Roman temple, and the castle itself was built in the same style as the White Tower in London. At Colchester Castle, visitors can access the museum, where they will find artifacts depicting over 2,000 years of human history in the region. The collections at Colchester range from the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and the Roman Empire and also include items and pieces from outside Britain.

Colchester Castle Museum, Castle Park, Colchester CO1 1TJ, Phone: +44-12-06-28-29-39

Set against the iconic white cliffs of Dover, the imposing Dover Castle is known as the Key to England because of its integral location on the coast, where it has guarded England against invaders for centuries.

Dover Castle is the largest castle in England, and visitors exploring the expansive castle will find rooms furnished in the style of their former inhabitants or the tunnels that delve deep into the white cliffs and were once used in wartime at the time of the Dunkirk evacuation. Outside, patrons will find breathtaking views of the sea and the cliffs from Dover Castle’s grounds.

Dover, Castle Hill, Dover CT16 1HU, Phone: +44-13-04-21-10-67