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Hever Castle, Kent

Ten of the best English castles

England’s colourful history is filled with knights and kings, battles and sieges, and heroes and villains

And at the heart of it all lies its castles. This is where the conflicts that have shaped its history took place, and today they offer fascinating insights into the past, a sense of drama and atmosphere, and some great days out! For more castles, English history and great days out, head to VisitEngland »

Windsor Castle, Berkshire
One of The Queen’s official residences, Windsor Castle’s impressive edifice is one of England’s crowning glories. The world’s largest and oldest occupied castle, 900 years of the country’s history have played out in and around its walls. Here you’ll find the famous paintings and treasures that form part of the Royal Collection, and the breath-taking finery of the State Apartments.

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
England’s second largest castle, Alnwick was a northern English bastion against Scottish invasion during the Middle Ages. It has a rich history of battles and knights, and the famous Harry Hotspur Percy, immortalised in Shakespeare’s Henry IV, was born here. Harry Potter fans might recognise it too - it was used as Hogwarts. You’ll also find one of the world’s finest private art collections, together with exciting activities for the kids.

Leeds Castle, Kent
Leeds Castle is not, as you might reasonably deduce, located in the northern city of Leeds. Was this an elaborate ploy to fool would-be attackers? No. The castle is actually in an idyllic country setting near the lesser-known village of Leeds, Kent. Once the royal palace of King Edward I, today its parks and gardens are an excellent setting for an adventurous day out, and boat tours run across the castle moat, or Great Water. And if you feel like losing yourself in the countryside, there’s always the maze.

Lincoln Castle, Lincolnshire
Home to the Magna Carta since 1216, throughout the centuries Lincoln Castle has served as a court and a prison, with executions on the ramparts, and played an important role in the Battles of Lincoln. This castle has countless stories to tell. You’ll also be rewarded with excellent views over Lincoln itself. Free guided tours are available.

Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
Once home to the Earls of Warwickshire, Warwick Castle is nowadays one of England’s best-kept castles, and hosts all manner of exciting things to do within its walls. Birds of prey shows and ghost tours await, while knights battle as they did in days of old. Don’t miss the views over the Warwickshire countryside from the castle towers.

Hever Castle, Kent
Once home to King Henry VIII’s second wife – the ill-fated Anne Boleyn – Hever Castle is a 13th-century gem, surrounded by lush green gardens and set within a moat, just as a castle should be. The gardens’ Italian and Tudor styling, topiary and water maze draw plenty of visitors in their own right, while the castle is crammed with gorgeous furniture and 16th-century paintings. It’s also steeped in atmosphere, given the fate of its one-time owner.

Muncaster Castle, Lake District
Said to be one of England’s most haunted buildings, brooding Muncaster Castle is tucked away among the dramatic peaks and valleys of the Lake District. Given to the Pennington family in 1208, they still own it, and they still live here, thanks – it’s rumoured – to the ‘Luck of Muncaster’, a glass drinking bowl given to the family in 1464 by Henry VI. Providing the bowl stays intact, the Penningtons will continue to live in the castle. Tours of the castle are available, and make sure you explore the scenic woodlands gardens that surround it.

Skipton Castle, North Yorkshire
Skipton Castle, right on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England. Let yourself be transported back 900 years to the days of sieges and knights, and visit the last northern bastion of the Royalists’ power during the English Civil War.

Framlingham Castle, Suffolk
A stronghold since the 12th century, Framlingham Castle is an excellent place to spend a day out in Suffolk. One-time home of Mary Tudor, it was later used as a defensive headquarters during World War II. Explore the historic castle, then enjoy a walk in the gorgeous green parkland that surrounds it.

St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall
A towering spectacle and a sumptuous family home, St Michael’s Mount is a sea-bound castle on its own island, off the coast of Cornwall. An important destination for pilgrims, it took its name from a vision of St Michael said to have appeared at the summit in 495. Walking across the causeway at low tide to reach the castle is quite an adventure, but at high tide you’ll need to catch a boat across. Once there, explore the village that surrounds the castle and gaze back at the rugged Cornish coast.

© VisitEngland

Leeds Castle, KentFramlingham Castle, SuffolkSt Michael's Mount, Cornwall