With its rich history and numerous occupations through the centuries it is no surprise that the UK has some amazing castles to visit. A visit to a castle is a great educational day out and provides great photography opportunities. There are castles all over the country so you will not have to go far to find the one local to you. Alternatively, you could plan a short break around visiting a castle up in Scotland, down on the Isle of Man or in England’s capital. Here is my pick of the best castles Britain has to offer.
Windsor Castle
Perhaps the most famous castle because of it’s present day royal connections, Windsor Castle was built in the 11th Century by William the Conqueror. The largest habited castle in the world is situated in Berkshire and provides a fabulous visiting experience.
Leeds Castle
With a traditional moat encircling the building, Leeds Castle is exactly how you imagine a castle should look like. As a tourist destination there is plenty on offer with a golf course, maze and grotto all on the surrounding area. The rather bizarre Dog Collar Museum may also be a draw for some!
Edinburgh Castle
A visit to Edinburgh is not complete without a tour of the spectacular castle in the centre of town. The Royal Edinburgh Millitary Tattoo in August is one great reason to visit the castle but a tour on any day brings the buildings incredible history to life.
Dunstanburgh Castle
Little known Dunstanburgh Castle is one of a number of castles in the border county of Northumberland. These ruins are as eerie as they are impressive with their remoteness adding to the atmosphere and the coastal setting providing the beauty.
Glamis Castle
For the ghost hunters amongst you, this castle is well worth a visit. The central Scotland structure is said to be amongst the most haunted in the country with ghosts of a Grey Lady, Earl Beadie and a woman with no tongue said to frequent the castle. With a claim to being Scotland’s most spectacular castle however, Glamis has a lot more to offer.
Cardiff Castle
This city centre medieval castle was also commissioned by William the Conqueror and built in the 11th century. A visit to Cardiff Castle is a trip through time with wartime shelters, a Norman keep and Roman wall all featuring in the building.
Warwick Castle
Celebrating an incredible 1100th Anniversary in 2014, Warwick castle is a jewel in Britain’s crown of castles. There is fun for all the family with a Castle Dungeon, a Princess Tower and battle re-enactment.
Tower of London
A must see when visiting the capital, the home of the crown jewels is a true icon of Great Britain. Make sure you take a Yeoman Warder tour when you visit.
Carisbrooke Castle
No Isle of Wight holiday is complete without a trip around Carisbrooke Castle. Visit www.ukbreakaways.com/destination-guide/isle-of-wight for details of great package holidays to this beautiful island.
Castle Howard
This stately home in Yorkshire was commended as one of the world’s top ten greatest mansions and grand houses by travel guide Lonely Planet. More of a stately home than a castle, the 300-year old building provided the setting for popular TV adaptation Brideshead Revisited in the 1980s and is resplendent in its opulence.