England is a land of castles. From massive defensive fortresses to stunning Tudor mansions, historical ruins, or even fortress motels, there’s no scarcity of attention-grabbing castles in England. I’ve visited many English castles over time and can permit you to find out about one of the most ultimate ones to seek advice from under.

Lots of the castles of England had been remarkably smartly preserved and are positioned inside acres of lovely land. In spite of their ages, it’s nonetheless conceivable to seek advice from many of those ancient constructions and ruins, and visiting England’s castles makes for a super day trip for the entire circle of relatives. With over 4,000 castles in England, I’ve helped slender down the highest selections inside this information.

15 Absolute best Castles in England

I’ve grown up visiting castles in England, from the medieval Colchester Fortress in my native land to the windswept ruins of Tintagel Fortress in Cornwall, and the pretty Bodiam and Lewes Castles in East Sussex, plus many extra. Something’s evidently, you don’t have to head a long way to discover a fairytale fort in England.

A stunning view of Lewes Castle in Sussex, UK, with a blue sky in the background. 

In my checklist of the 15 ultimate castles in England, you’ll uncover a variety of ancient websites up and down the rustic. As a lover of historical past, structure, and folklore, visiting any of England’s many castles remains to be one among my favourite weekend actions and there are nonetheless masses extra for me to find I’m certain.

1. Windsor Fortress (Maximum Well-known Fortress in England Total)

Windsor is likely one of the most renowned castles in England and is the oldest and biggest inhabited fortress on the planet. It’s been house to the English (and later British) Royal Circle of relatives for just about 1,000 years, and is now house to round 150 citizens together with King Charles III, and is continuously used for state purposes.

Building of the fortress began in 1070 at 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 a million annual guests, it’s the preferred fortress in England.

Windsor Castle seen along the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park in England.

Attending to Windsor fortress from London is simple with direct street and rail hyperlinks (regardless that there’s no public automotive park so that you’ll wish to park in Windsor and stroll 10 mins to the fortress). Trains leave London Waterloo hourly for Windsor and Eton Riverside from the place it’s a 10-minute stroll to the fortress grounds. There also are many excursions from London.

Windsor Fortress Main points and Data

Cope with: Windsor, SL4 1NJ
Telephone: +44 (0)303 123 7334
Working Hours: 10:00 am-16:15 pm, Mon-Solar
Front Charge: £26.50 for adults, £17.50 for younger folks (18-24), and £14.50 for kids (5-17)
Site: www.rct.united kingdom/seek advice from/windsor-castle

2. Leeds Fortress (One of the vital Maximum Standard Castles in England)

To begin with, the stunningly picturesque Leeds Fortress is nowhere close to town of Leeds in Yorkshire and is if truth be told in Kent. It’s so named for a Saxon leader who selected the site of the fortress at the River Len. That being stated, Leeds Fortress is likely one of the most renowned castles in England to seek advice from due to the numerous occasions and fairs it hosts during the 12 months.

It’s additionally conceivable to stick at this 900-year-old fortress within the period-style Maiden’s Tower or the 14th Century Battel Corridor. The website online is house to a chain of museums, 500 acres of parkland together with a moat, rivers, streams and a a laugh maze to get misplaced in. I’ve been to Leeds Fortress time and again and it’s up there as one among my favorites – there’s such a lot to do.

Leeds Fortress is positioned a couple of miles from Maidstone in Kent and is definitely reachable from the capital by means of educate, bus, and an afternoon go back and forth. Trains leave London Victoria hourly for within reach Bearsted and take simply over one hour. From Bearsted, you’ll bounce at the travel bus or stroll 2.5 miles to the fortress.

Leeds Fortress Main points and Data

Cope with: Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL
Telephone: +44 (0)1622 765400
Working Hours: 10 am-3 pm, Mon-Solar
Front Charge: £32.00 for adults and £24.00 for kids. Tickets are legitimate for a complete 12 months.
Site: leeds-castle.com

3. Bodiam Fortress (Maximum Stunning Fortress in England)

Bodiam Fortress in East Sussex is likely one of the most lovely castles in England and is one among my favorites. This 14th Century fort is surrounded by means of a big moat and has a big stay (tower) with portcullis (sturdy heavy gating). The fortress is about inside acres of lovely parkland, wetland, and wooded area.

Bodiam isn’t the perfect to succeed in by means of public delivery, but when I will be able to arrange it, you’ll too. Given its rural location, that is certainly one of the crucial best-hidden gemstones to discover and it doesn’t get as busy as one of the most better-known castles. There’s additionally an superb pub reverse which is very best for lunch and a pint (the do-it-yourself steak burger is a winner).

A stunning view of Durham Castle in England with clouds and blue sky behind it

There isn’t any public delivery to Bodiam so hiring a automotive is the most suitable choice if you wish to seek advice from this beautiful fortress (and also you actually will have to). Alternatively, I’ve visited with no automotive and despite the fact that the adventure wasn’t direct, it was once certainly definitely worth the trouble. You’ll wish to take a educate to both Robertsbridge or Combat and take a taxi the rest distance (Uber is really useful).

Bodiam Fortress Main points and Data

Cope with: Bodiam, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5UA
Telephone: +44 (0)1580 830196
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Front Charge: £11.00 for adults and £5.50 for kids
Site: nationaltrust.org.united kingdom/seek advice from/sussex/bodiam-castle

4. Lewes Fortress

Lewes Fortress, additionally in East Sussex, is any other of my favorites because the perspectives around the picturesque the city and Sussex geographical region are extraordinary (and there’s a handy within reach Brewery you’ll seek advice from too). The Norman fortress was once constructed after the Combat of Hastings and likewise properties the Museum of Sussex Archaeology with exhibitions from prehistory to medieval Lewes and past.

The fortress grounds are an excellent spot for a picnic (there are many grocery shops and supermarkets within the the city to grasp provides from) with panoramic perspectives over the South Downs, one of the crucial ultimate puts to seek advice from in England for mountain climbing and nature. Lewes is one among England’s maximum picturesque cities and is definitely value a seek advice from.

Lewes is definitely reachable from within reach Brighton and London by means of street and rail, and the educate station is only a five-minute stroll from the fortress. It takes only one hour to succeed in Lewes from London Bridge station and simply fifteen mins from Brighton. Hiring a automotive may be a just right choice if you want to spend some extra time exploring the Downs.

Lewes Fortress Main points and Data

Cope with: 169 Top Side road, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1YE
Telephone: +44 (0)1273 486290
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Front Charge: £10.00 for adults and £5.50 for kids
Site: sussexpast.co.united kingdom/sights/lewes-castle

5. Colchester Fortress

I grew up in and round Colchester and feature visited its ancient Norman fortress time and again over time. The fortress is constructed on best of an historical Roman temple (Colchester was once the Roman capital of Britain, referred to as Camulodunum) and proof of Colchester’s Roman previous is visual within the dungeon/basement.

The fortress because it stands nowadays dates again to the eleventh Century and has one of the crucial best-preserved helps to keep (towers) in the entire of Europe. The fortress is about inside a big park overlooking within reach Highwoods Nation Park and the rolling Essex geographical region. Within, is a big museum with many interactive presentations, medieval garments to take a look at on, and a lot more.

A beautiful Colchester Castle made of recycled Roman bricks on a clear blue sky

Colchester is only one hour from London and 20 mins from Ipswich by means of educate. It’s a five-minute stroll to the ground of Fortress Park from the principle Colchester North Station. The Fortress is positioned within the middle of the city simply off the Top Side road and will also be reached by means of automotive by the use of the A12.

Colchester Fortress Main points and Data

Cope with: Top Side road, Colchester, CO1 1TJ
Telephone: +44 (0)1206 282393
Working Hours: 10 am-5 pm, Mon-Solar
Front Charge: £11.95 for adults and £6.75 for kids
Site: colchester.cimuseums.org.united kingdom/seek advice from/colchester-castle/

6. Tintagel Fortress

The atmospheric Tintagel Fortress at the North Cornish coast is steeped within the myths and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Spherical Desk. That is one among my favourite spots because the fortress overlooks a surprising stretch of beach, and has a big footbridge top above the cliffs.

The fortress dates again to the 13 Century however fell right into a state of disrepair all through the past due Center Ages. That does not anything to decrease the spectacular website online and Tintagel is likely one of the must-see castles in Cornwall for its magnificent location and engaging historical past. The small village of Tintagel may be smartly value a seek advice from.

Hiring a automotive is the easiest way to seek advice from Tintagel Fortress and discover the north Cornish coast, regardless that the 95 Bude to Newquay bus does forestall on the village. You’ll be able to achieve Bude and Newquay by means of educate from London with an anticipated adventure time of round six hours.

Tintagel Fortress Main points and Data

Cope with: Fortress Street, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0HE
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Front Charge: £16.30 for adults and £9.80 for kids
Site: www.english-heritage.org.united kingdom

7. St Michael’s Mount

St Michael’s Mount is likely one of the maximum spectacular castles in England because it’s positioned on a tidal island that turns into totally bring to a halt from the mainland at top tide. The island is house to a fortress, a lawn, a small harbor, and a seashore; making it a very good day trip for the entire circle of relatives with a lot to look and do.

I’ve visited each St Michael’s Mount and its French counterpart in Normandy; Mont Saint-Michel. Even if the English model is moderately smaller in dimension, it’s certainly the extra spectacular of the 2, (I could also be biased), due to its picturesque location inside Mounts Bay.

The top of St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall.

The nearest massive the city to St Michael’s Mount is Penzance, which is reachable by means of educate from London Paddington with a adventure time of round 5 hours. Alternatively, to get the most efficient out of a go back and forth to Cornwall, hiring a automotive is ultimate to be able to simply discover each Tintagel Fortress and St Michael’s Mount at your individual tempo.

St Michael’s Mount Main points and Data

Cope with: Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0HS
Telephone: n/a
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Front Charge: £14.00 for adults and £7.00 for kids. The village and harbor are loose to seek advice from.
Site: stmichaelsmount.co.united kingdom

8. Durham Fortress

Durham Fortress, within the north of England, is any other fortress with an extended historical past courting again nearly 1,000 years. Like Windsor Fortress, it’s been often inhabited because the eleventh Century, regardless that now it’s house to scholars at Durham College reasonably than royalty.

The fortress paperwork a part of Durham’s UNESCO International Heritage Web site along side the cathedral. The fortress is open to the general public for guided excursions within the afternoons all through time period time and mornings and afternoons all through the vacations. Durham may be a fortress in England that gives lodging as there’s a mattress 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 United Kingdom, with direct trains from London King’s Move taking simply 3 hours. The fortress is positioned within the town middle and is definitely walkable from the principle educate station.

Durham Fortress Main points and Data

Cope with: Durham, County Durham, DH1 3RW
Telephone: +44 (0)191 334 3800
Working Hours: 12 pm-4 pm, Mon-Fri
Front Charge: £5.00 adults and kids cross loose
Site: dur.ac.united kingdom/durham.fortress/seek advice from

9. Berkhamsted Fortress (Oldest Fortress in England)

Berkhamsted is the oldest fortress in England that dates again to 1067 simply after the Norman Conquest. Even if all that continues to be are ruins, it’s nonetheless an outstanding website online and is worthy of a seek advice from. It’s additionally loose to go into and stroll across the ruins, and it’s an excellent spot 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 really easy to succeed in with public delivery.

Berkhamsted Fortress Main points and Data

Cope with: White Hill, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LJ
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Front Charge: Unfastened
Site: english-heritage.org.united kingdom

10. Dover Fortress (Biggest Fortress in England)

Dover Fortress is the biggest fortress in England and is likely one of the maximum spectacular due to its fabulous location atop the White Cliffs of Dover. The Fortress has been used as a backdrop for plenty of movie and tv methods together with the Crown, the Different Boleyn Woman, and Avengers: Age of Ultron.

The perspectives around the English Chanel from Dover Fortress are unbelievable and on a just right day, you’ll 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 certainly one among my favourite English castles and I all the time stay up for returning.

Attending to Dover is simple from London and the continent. There are day-to-day ferries from Calais in France and the crossing takes round 90 mins. Trains from London’s St Pancras take simply over one hour to succeed in Dover. This is likely one of the ultimate castles to seek advice from in England by means of a long way.

Dover Fortress Main points and Data

Cope with: Fortress Hill Street, Dover, Kent, CT16 1HU
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Front Charge: £21.80 for adults and £13.00 for kids
Site: english-heritage.org.united kingdom

11. Warwick Fortress

Warwick Fortress has a historical past courting again over 1,000 years and is a brilliant circle of relatives choice with a lot to look and do from sleepovers to an journey playground, are living presentations, and over 200 other occasions annually. It’s additionally conceivable to e book a keep at Warwick Fortress at one of the crucial inns 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 United Kingdom with trains from London Paddington taking round two and a 1/2 hours.

Warwick Fortress Main points and Data

Cope with: Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4QU
Telephone: +44 (0)1926 406610
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Front Charge: £20.00
Site: www.warwick-castle.com

12. Alnwick Fortress

The Norman technology Alnwick Fortress was once constructed after the Norman conquest of Britain and is the seat of the twelfth Duke of Northumberland. If you understand this spectacular development it can be as it’s been used as a movie location for blockbusters reminiscent of Harry Potter and the preferred TV sequence Downton Abbey.

Be certain that to take a look at the within reach Alnwick Lawn, created by means of the Duchess of Northumberland, which includes a secret “poison lawn” with one of the most maximum fatal crops identified to guy inside of. That is someplace that has been top on my checklist for a very long time as partial to so-called “darkish tourism” and I’m hoping to seek advice from in 2023.

The beautiful and a must-visit Alnwick Castle in England

Alnwick is within the a long way northeast of England simply north of Newcastle upon Tyne (so you’ll tie it in with a seek advice from to within reach Durham Fortress if in case you have time). Trains from London Victoria take round 5 hours.

Alnwick Fortress Main points and Data

Cope with: Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ
Telephone: +44 (0)1665 511100
Working Hours: 7 am-9 pm, Mon-Fri
Front Charge: £16.75 for adults and £8.85 for kids
Site: alnwickcastle.com

13. Lindisfarne Fortress

Lindisfarne (sometimes called Holy Island) is a small island within the northeast of England very with regards to the border with Scotland. It’s an immensely ancient position because it was once 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 by the use of a causeway.

The closest the city to the fortress is Berwick-upon-Tweed which is solely 60 miles south of Edinburgh. Trains from London Kings Move take between 4 and 5 hours.

A stunning view of Lindisfarne Castle in England with clouds and blue sky behind it

Lindisfarne is certainly one of the stunning castles in England and is one I’m hoping to seek advice from quickly (along side within reach Alnwick).

Lindisfarne Fortress Main points and Data

Cope with: Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2SH
Telephone: +44 (0)1289 389244
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Front Charge: £8.50 for adults and £4.25 for kids
Site: nationaltrust.org.united kingdom

14. Arundel Fortress

The lovely Arundel Fortress in West Sussex is likely one of the oldest in England courting to only after the Norman Conquest. The fortress has been restored and made over since struggling harm all through the English civil warfare, regardless that fortunately, lots of the authentic options nonetheless stay.

Arundel is likely one of the most lovely castles in England and comprises English and tropical gardens, actions reminiscent of archery, stores, cafe, and eating places, making it a super day trip.

A a close-up view of Arundel Castle in England with blue sky behind it

The fortress is a ten-minute stroll from Arundel station with direct trains to and from London Bridge taking round 90 mins.

Arundel Fortress Main points and Data

Cope with: Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9AB
Telephone: +44 (0)1903 882173
Working Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Mon-Solar
Front Charge: £22.00 for adults and £11.00 for kids
Site: arundelcastle.org

15. Thornbury Fortress (Absolute best Fortress to Keep in England)

The pretty Tudor Thornbury Fortress close to Bristol is any other fortress you’ll keep at in England providing stunning, era rooms whole with 4 poster beds. You’ll be drowsing in the similar position that King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn slept so this actually is a spot are compatible for royalty.

The resort has 4 onsite eating places that serve the whole thing from luxurious breakfasts to Sunday lunches, night time foods, afternoon teas, and personal eating reports.

Thornbury Fortress is a 30-minute power from Bristol which lies 15 miles to the south. There are hourly trains from London to Bristol with a adventure time of below two hours. Reserve your keep.

Thornbury Fortress Main points and Data

Cope with: Fortress Side road, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 1HH
Telephone: +44 (0)1454 281182
Working Hours: 24 hours
Front Charge: n/a, doubles from £289 consistent with night time
Site: thornburycastle.co.united kingdom

Absolute best Castles Excursions in England

Underneath is a collection of unbelievable fortress excursions. I’ve taken various fortress excursions myself as day journeys from London and suggest my favorites together with Leeds Fortress, Dover Fortress, and naturally England’s best vacationer appeal and place of dwelling of the King; Windsor Fortress.

Durham Strolling Excursion

This two-hour strolling excursion is an effective way to discover Durham and its historical fortress and cathedral. Your skilled information can even fill you in on stories of crime and punishment in the course of the ages giving an interesting perception into the native historical past.

Leeds Fortress, Canterbury Cathedral, and Greenwich Excursion

This unbelievable day go back and forth from London takes within the majestic Leeds Fortress and likewise features a go back and forth to Canterbury Cathedral, Dover (the place you’ll see the fortress there too), in addition to Greenwich.

Windsor Fortress Excursion

This half-day go back and forth from London to Windsor Fortress comprises resort pick-up and front to Windsor Fortress and Gardens. You’ll get to shuttle by means of luxurious trainer and the excursion additionally comprises an interesting historical past of the fortress and British monarchy.

White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Travel

I took this Dover and Canterbury Day Travel a couple of years in the past and it was once an implausible day trip. Now not most effective will you get to discover the pretty town of Canterbury and its well-known cathedral, however the excursion additionally makes a forestall on the surprising Dover Fortress with unbelievable perspectives of the White Cliffs.

View of the coastline and White Cliffs of Dover in Kent, England.

Alnwick and Bamburgh Fortress Excursion from Edinburgh

This full-day excursion from Edinburgh can have you visiting ancient Alnwick Fortress, which has been used as a backdrop for the Harry Potter motion pictures. This enjoy additionally features a forestall at Bamburgh Fortress so it’s a super choice for historical past buffs like myself.

Castles in England: FAQs

Underneath are some often requested questions concerning the castles in England.

What’s the most lovely fortress in England?

There are such a large amount of stunning castles in England, however Bodiam, Leeds, and Lindisfarne are 3 of probably the most picturesque castles in England.

What’s the oldest fortress in England?

Berkhamsted is the oldest fortress in England courting again nearly 1,000 years to 1067 and the time of William the Conqueror.

What number of castles are in England?

There are over 4,000 castles throughout England, regardless that now not they all are in a just right state of restore.

What’s the preferred fortress in England?

Windsor Fortress is the preferred fortress in England with over 1,000,000 guests annually (together with luminaries reminiscent of Ronald Reagan and Invoice Clinton).

Can I sleep within the castles in England?

You’ll be able to sleep in one of the most castles in England together with Durham in Northumberland and Thornbury close to Bristol.

In Conclusion

Now you understand about the most efficient castles in England, which one do you want to seek advice from first? From the beautiful clifftop castles at Dover and Tintagel to the island castles of St Michael’s Mount and Lindisfarne, those ancient constructions are simply ready to be explored.

Or how about your very personal keep within the fortress that’s noticed citizens from King Henry VIII to Laurance Olivier at Thornbury? England has this kind of wealthy historical past and finding its many castles courting again over 1,000 years will have to be on everybody’s bucket checklist.