If you’ve never visited a castle before, you’re in for a real treat. They’re larger than life, steeped in ancient history and are totally fascinating. Perfect for multi generational trips, they have something for everyone. Each one is different, with a history straight out of a fantasy novel. Here are some of my favorite English castles.
If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about knights, hidden passageways, or what life was like centuries ago, wandering through these castles is like stepping straight into those stories. With sweeping views and layers of history in every stone, each one has its own quirks, legends, and secrets just waiting to be discovered. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s time travel with a really good view.
Windsor Castle, Berkshire
Windsor Castle isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s a working royal home, right in the middle of Windsor town. There’s something pretty special about seeing the flag flying above the castle, knowing that the King is actually there. It adds this real sense of connection to everything that’s come before.
Walking through St. George’s Chapel — If it looks familiar, that’s probably because you’ve seen it during the royal weddings of Charles and Camilla or Harry and Meghan. Being there in person, it’s easy to picture the music, the pageantry, and the big moments that have unfolded in that very space. All of it just layers onto the deep history of the chapel, making it feel incredibly alive.
Dover Castle, Kent
When you travel over from France on the ferry, you’ll see Dover Castle guarding England’s coastline, it absolutely lives up to its nickname, the “Key to England.”
When you’re standing up there, with the sea stretching out in front of you, it’s easy to imagine the scene long ago: knights on the ramparts, eyes on the horizon, ready for whatever might come. There’s a quiet power to the place, a sense that it was built to stand strong—and it still does.
Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
Warwick Castle might date back to 1068, but there’s nothing stuffy or boring about it. It’s got everything you’d expect from a proper medieval fortress—impressive towers, ramparts, and more armor than you can count—but it actually feels alive with stories. The weapons and suits of armor aren’t just sitting there looking pretty; they give you a real sense of who lived here and what they were up against.
One of my favorite parts is the Kingmaker exhibit. It drops you right into the middle of a 15th-century battle camp, complete with sights, sounds, and even the tension in the air—it’s like stepping straight into history. You can even have a try at archery and axe throwing!
has all the ingredients of a classic medieval fortress, but it’s far from dusty or dull. The armor and weapons on display aren’t just for show; they tell you who lived here and what they fought for. The Kingmaker exhibit is one of my favorite parts — it recreates a 15th-century battle camp so vividly, I step straight into the middle of the action.
Highclere Castle, Hampshire
If Highclere Castle gives you a sense of déjà vu, it’s probably because it played a starring role in Downton Abbey. But trust me—seeing it in real life is something else. The grandeur isn’t just for show; it’s woven into every room. If you’re anything like me, then give yourself plenty of time to explore it as I always find myself lingering in the State Rooms, where the portraits, shelves of old books, and thoughtful little details make it easy to imagine the stories that unfolded there.
And then there’s the surprise twist—the castle’s connection to the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. It adds this unexpected layer that makes the place feel both worldly and incredibly personal all at once.
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
Walking through Alnwick Castle is like flipping through a storybook — part medieval fortress, part film set, and still a family home.
Make sure your up to speed on “Harry Potter” and “Downton Abbey,” as you’ll be able to see where they filmed scenes in the castle, you can almost see the characters on set.
Hever Castle, Kent
Hever Castle has a quieter charm than some of England’s grander estates, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It was Anne Boleyn’s childhood home, and as you walk through its halls, past her portraits and even her handwritten letters, you start to piece together the real person behind all the drama and history.
As you walk through the castle, it feels personal, almost like you’re walking through someone’s memories. Outside, the gardens are just as thoughtfully put together—elegant sculptures, tidy hedges, and serene water features that blend Tudor tradition with a hint of Italian style. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and soak it all in.
Arundel Castle, West Sussex
Arundel Castle somehow pulls off being both steeped in tradition and full of life. It’s been home to the Dukes of Norfolk for over 850 years, but it doesn’t feel frozen in time.
When I climbed up to the Norman keep, the views over the South Downs absolutely stopped me in my tracks — it’s the kind of landscape that probably looks almost exactly like it did centuries ago. And down in the gardens, everything bursts with color and creativity.
The Collector Earl’s Garden is especially fun to wander through, with its clever design and unexpected corners that make you want to slow down and explore.
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland
Bamburgh Castledoesn’t just sit on the coast—it owns it. Perched high on a rocky plateau, it looks out over the North Sea like it’s been keeping watch for centuries. And in a way, it has—this was once the royal capital of Northumbria. Inside, the rooms are a mix of eras, shifting from medieval stonework to the grand touches added by William Armstrong, the Victorian industrialist who basically turned the place into his life’s work.
As I walked through the castle, it totally clicked why filmmakers are drawn to it time and time again—Elizabeth, Robin Hood, and plenty of others. Sure, the sweeping coastal views and grand interiors are a big part of it, but there’s more to it than that.
The whole place has this larger-than-life presence, like it was made for legends and battle scenes. It just feels like the kind of setting where history and drama naturally unfold and I think you’ll love it.
Leeds Castle, Kent
Leeds Castle has this quiet confidence about it, shaped in no small part by the incredible women who once called it home—Catherine of Aragon and five other medieval queens among them. Inside, the rooms are filled with rich details and antique charm, but what really stood out to me were the softer, quieter corners—cozy libraries, inviting window seats, little spaces that feel lived in and loved.
Step outside, and it’s easy to see why people call it “the loveliest castle in the world.” With its peaceful lake and beautifully kept gardens, the whole place feels like a retreat—graceful, serene, and full of stories and it’s a ‘must see’ castle.
What It’s Like to Visit England’s Historic Castles
Spending time in these castles gives you a real sense of how much history they hold. From worn stone staircases to quiet halls lined with tapestries, every detail reflects the lives and events that shaped them. These places aren’t just tourist stops—they’re windows into another time. And once you’ve walked the grounds or taken in the view from a centuries-old tower, it’s hard not to want just a little more time to take it all in.
