List of Castles in the United Kingdom

Aberdour Castle Aberdour Castle was an extremely luxurious castle that is located in Scotland. Aberdour Castle consists of a range of buildings that date from various periods, the earliest of which are now the most ruined. The 12th-century fortified residence of Aberdour was extended in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. It boasts a delightful walled garden and terraces.  This castle is visited by tourists all year round and you ...

Acton Burnell Castle Acton Burnell Castle - The red sandstone shell of a semi-fortified tower house, built between 1284-93 by Bishop Burnell, Edward I's Lord Chancellor. Parliaments were twice held here, in 1283 and 1285.  Acton Burnell Hall is now a school, but access to the castle and church is permitted at any reasonable time.

Alnwick Castle Alnwick Castle is one of the most stunning castles in Europe. It is the second largest inhabited castle in England and has been home of the Percy's, Earls and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309.  Built on a basalt outcrop above a glorious golden sand beach, the castle houses a fine collection of armour and paintings.  Alnwick castle has been used as a film location, for everything from Harry Potter to Elizabeth to Becket to Blackadder.

Appleby Castle Appleby Castle in Cumbria is a private residence and has been closed to the public for the last five years.

Ardvreck Castle is situated on a rocky promontory that juts into Loch Assynt. The three-storey tower was built by the MacLeods of Assynt.  Care should be taken when walking around the site as falling masonry is a possible danger.  Ardvreck Castle was a rectangular-shaped keep comprising three storeys. Under the castle the vaulted basement is pierced by gunloops and the round stair turret is corbelled out to support a square caphouse. Despite the small size of the ...

Arundel Castle The seat of The Dukes of Norfolk and set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and gardens, Arundel Castle has been open to visitors seasonally for nearly 200 years. It is one of the great treasure houses of England, each having its own unique place in history and is home to priceless works of art. Come and see paintings and furniture, tapestries and stained glass, china and clocks, sculpture and carving, heraldry and armour in stunning room settings.

Auchindoun Castle Auchindoun Castle stands within the earthworks of an Iron Age hill fort. The castle was derelict by 1725 and Stones taken from the castle have been used in local farm buildings and nearby Balvenie Castle. The ruins of the castle are in the care of Historic Scotland, but were for many years in too dangerous a condition to be open to the public. On the completion of consolidation works, Auchindoun was re-opned for public viewing in November ...

Aydon Castle is Tucked away just one mile from the village of Corbridge and is a perfect location for a family day out.  Almost completely intact, it is one of the finest and most unaltered examples of a 13th-century English manor house. Set in a beautiful and secluded Northumberland woodland, it was originally built as an undefended residence, but almost immediately fortified on the outbreak of Anglo-Scottish warfare. Nevertheless it was pillaged and burnt by the ...

Ballindalloch Castle Ballindalloch Castle is A much loved family home, Ballindalloch is one of the few privately owned castles to have been lived in continuously by its original family - The Macpherson-Grants have resided in the castle since 1546.  The Castle is set in magnificent grounds between the Rivers Spey and Avon.  Visitor tours are available and Visitors are invited to tour the Castle at their leisure. Informative guide notes are available in each room in five languages. Allow one hour to go round ...

Balvenie Castle - For over 500 years, Balvenie Castle served as the formidable stronghold of the great lords who ruled over this part of north-east Scotland. Originally the seat of the powerful Comyn earls of Buchan, Balvenie is a castle of enclosure with massive curtain wall.

Bamburgh Castle sits on a basalt outcrop overlooking the Farne Islands and Lindisfarne on the heritage coast in North Northumberland.  Explore 14 public areas, learn more about the castle from our friendly knowledgeable guides and new audio tour. Watch history being uncovered during live archaeological excavations. Refreshments are available in the Clock Tower Tea Rooms.

Barden Tower In Yorkshire.  The name Barden means “the valley of the wild boar” in Anglo-Saxon and hunting has been popular in the forest since earliest times.

Barnard Castle Set on a high rock above the tees was founded in the 12th century.   It was later developed by the Beauchamp family and then passed into the hands of Richard III.

Bayards Cove Fort is a Small Tudor artillery fort guarding Dartmouth's inner harbour,picturesquely sited on the quayside. Its free to see, and open all year round.

Beaumaris Castle Begun in 1295, this unfinished castle is the last and largest of King Edward I's Welsh fortifications. 

Beeston Castle is perfect for a family day out in Cheshire.  Situated in Tarporley Beeston fits the bill perfectly. This 'Castle of the Rock' is famous for its spectacular views of the surrouding countryside, which spans no less than eight counties on a clear day. From its lookout point at the top of a mighty crag, you can see from the Pennines all the way to the Welsh mountains. With over 40 acres of beautiful woodlands to explore around the castle, with ...

Berkeley Castle has been lived in by the same family for over 900 years. It is where history has been made. Where Edward II was murdered, where the Barons of the West gathered before Magna Carta and where Queen Elizabeth I hunted and played bowls. Berkeley Castle is one of the most remarkable buildings in Britain and possibly the most outstanding example of Mediaeval domestic architecture in the country.Where other Castles were romanticised or "modernised" by the Georgians or ...

Visit Berkhamsted Castle and learn how the substantial remains of a strong and important motte and bailey castle dating from the 11th to 13th centuries, with surrounding walls, ditches and earthworks. A palace complex was added in the 13th century.

Located in Devon and tucked away in a deep wooded valley, Berry Pomeroy Castle is the perfect romantic ruin. Visit the castle and try the audio tour and learn about ghostly happenings. Also explore the grounds.

Located in Northumberland Berwick Castle is the remains of a medieval castle crucial to Anglo-Scottish warfare, superseded by the most complete and breathtakingly impressive bastioned town defences in England, mainly Elizabethan but updated in the 17th and 18th centuries. Surrounding the whole historic town, their entire circuit can be walked. Visitor Advice and Information Keep to the paths as there are steep hidden drops.  Children should be closely supervised.  Cycling is prohibited.  It is dangerous to enter the monument after dark.

Bodiam Castle is one of the most famous castles in Britain, built in 1385, as both a defence and a comfortable home. The exterior is virtually complete and the ramparts rise dramatically above the moat. Enough of the interior survives to give a good impression of castle life.  See wonderful views of the Rother Valley from the top of the towers.

Bolton Castle is a spectacular mediaeval fortress, preserved in outstanding condition and situated in the heart of Wensleydale, inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Completed in 1399, its scars bear testament to over 600 years of history, including being besieged during the Civil War in 1645 and Mary, Queen of Scots’ imprisonment in 1569. 

The massive ruins of Bowes Castle is set within the earthworks of a Roman fort guarding the strategic Stainmore Pass over the Pennines.

Brough Castle in Cumbria stands on a ridge commanding strategic Stainmore Pass, on the site of a Roman fort. Like so many other castles hereabouts, Brough was restored in the 17th century by the Lady Anne Clifford, traces of whose additions can still be seen.  It Was frequently the target of Scots raids, its towering keep dates from about 1200, and more comfortable living quarters were later added by the Clifford family, only to be accidentally burnt following a 'great Christmas party' ...

Brougham Castle Is set in a picturesque setting beside the crossing of the River Eamont in Cumbria, Brougham Castle was founded in the early 13th century.The keep top provides panoramic views over the Eden Valley.  This great keep largely survives, amid many later buildings - including the unusual double gatehouse and impressive 'Tower of League'.

Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfries and Galloway with its moat, twin towered gatehouse and imposing battlements, Caerlaverock Castle is the epitome of the medieval stronghold.  The castle’s turbulent history owes much to its proximity to England which brought it into border conflicts. Visitors can enjoy a siege warfare exhibition, a children’s adventure park and a nature trail.

Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Wales's castles. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from others.  The castle's symbolic status was emphasized when Edward made sure that his son, the first English Prince of Wales, was born here in 1284. In 1969, the castle gained worldwide fame as the setting for the investiture of HRH Prince Charles as Prince of Wales

Caerphilly Castle Caerphilly Castle is one of the great medieval castles of western Europe. One of the largest medieval fortresses in Britain, begun in 1268 by the Anglo-Norman marcher lord, Gilbert de Clare. Concentrically planned, the rings of stone and water defences are formidable even today. Famous for its 'leaning tower' and the Impressive great hall.

Camber Castle

Camber Castle Camber Castle is the ruins of an unusually unaltered artillery fort, built by Henry VIII to guard the port of Rye. There are monthly guided walks round Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, including the castle.  The castle has undergone restoration and conservation works to maintain its glorious image. The castle is opened on Saturday and Sunday afternoons (2−5pm) in July, August and September (plus afternoons of bank holiday weekends March-Sept).

Visit Cardiff Castle and Discover 2000 years of history in the heart of the city. From the arrival of the Romans, through the Norman Conquest to lavish Victorian design.  The Castle is one of Wales leading heritage attractions and a site of international significance. During 2000 years of history, the Castle has been a Roman Garrison, a Norman stronghold and in Victorian times was transformed into a gothic fairytale fantasy.

The tower house itself is a well-preserved example of a 15th-century Scottish nobleman’s residence. Cardoness Castle was built primarily as a family residence for a well-to-do Galloway family with aspirations.  Cardoness Castle was also built with defence clearly in mind. The tower’s walls are 2.5m thick, and the window openings are mostly small. The ground floor walls are pierced by gunholes that look like inverted keyholes.

Carew Castle is set in a stunning location, overlooking a 23 acre millpond, the castle displays the development from a Norman fortification to an Elizabethan country house.  The Castle grounds also house one of only three restored tidal mills in Britain, with all its original machinery, this fine four-storey building is part of the Carew historic site.

Carisbrooke Castle is located on the Isle of Wight, and the castle is best known as the place where King Charles I was imprisoned. You can still play bowls on the very green Charles used. For a castle that has lived through more than 800 years of service, including resisting a siege by the French and seeing off the Spanish Armada, it's also very well preserved. Explore the Edwardian style Princess Beatrice Garden.

Carlisle Castle stands strongly in the city of Carlisle. Today, the castle still plays a prominent role in Cumbria as one of its best loved landmarks. With Border Reivers tours, the picnic area, a unique gift shop and being so close to Hadrian's Wall, the castle makes for a full family day out.  Carlisle Castle was a constantly updated working fortress until well within living memory. Now its rich and varied visitor attractions reflect its long and eventful history. Even before the ...

Carreg Cennen Castle is One of the most spectacularly sited Welsh castles is Carreg Cennen, located north of Swansea, a few miles south-east of Llandeilo on a minor road off the A483. Spell-binding views are waiting to be experienced from the sharp hilltop upon which the castle sits There are few castles in Wales - or Europe for that matter - which can boast a more spectacular location than Carreg Cennen.  Its ruins crown a precipitous crag in a remote corner of ...

Castell Coch is a Late nineteenth-century 'fairytale'-style castle, built on medieval remains, designed for the third marquess of Bute by William Burges. Lavishly decorated and furnished in the Victorian Gothic style. The castle is a Romantic vision of the Middle Ages

Castell y Bere is the Distinctive remains of a native Welsh castle, probably begun by Prince Llywelyn ab Iorwerth around the year 1220.

Castle Acre Castle in The delightful village of Castle Acre boasts an extraordinary wealth of history and is a very rare and complete survival of a Norman planned settlement, including a castle, town, parish church and associated monastery.  The castle was founded soon after the Conquest by the first William de Warenne and you can still view an immense system of ditched earthworks.

Castle Campbell

Castle Fraser

Castle of Old Wick

Castle Rising Castle Castle Rising Castle is one of the most famous 12th Century castles in England.  One of the largest, best preserved and most lavishly decorated keeps in England, surrounded by 20 acres of mighty earthworks. Begun in 1138 by William d'Albini for his new wife, the widow of Henry I, in the 14th century it became the luxurious exile-place of Queen Isabella. Castle Rising lies in the County of Norfolk, 5 miles to the ...

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

Castle Stalker

Chepstow Castle

Chillingham Castle

Claypotts Castle

Cliffords Tower

Colchester Castle Colchester Castle is undeniably one of the most important historic buildings in the country. Colchester was the first capital of Roman Britain and beneath the Castle are the remains of the most famous Roman buildings, the Temple of Claudius. Today if you lay your hand on the stonework of the temple it can be said that you are touching the very foundation of Roman Britain. The Castle first opened to the public as a museum in 1860. ...

Conisbrough Castle

Conwy Castle

Corfe Castle

Corgarff Castle

Craigievar Castle

Craigmillar Castle

Crathes Castle

Criccieth Castle

Crichton Castle

Dartmouth Castle

Deal Castle

Delgatie Castle

Denbigh Castle

Dinefwr Castle

Dirleton Castle

Dolwyddelan Castle

Donnington Castle

Doune Castle

Dover Castle Enjoy great family days out in the South East with a visit to Dover Castle! Spectacularly situated above the White Cliffs on the Kent coastline this magnificent castle boasts a fascinating history. Go behind the scenes of the newly opened Great Tower with our interactive web pages. Journey through the castle chambers with our virtual tour, play interactive games, discover fascinating facts about medieval Dover and even be welcomed by King Henry II himself! For ...

Drum Castle

Dryslwyn Castle

Duffus Castle

Dunnottar Castle

Dunstanburgh Castle

Dunster Castle

Durham Castle Durham Castle is open to the general public to visit, but only through guided tours, since it is a working castle and the home to over 100 students.  The castle has had an extremely interesting history, particularly in relation to the range of functions which the buildings have performed as a fortress, the principal palace of the Bishops of Durham and, since 1837, as the home of University College, the foundation college of Durham ...

Edinburgh Castle

Edlingham Castle

Edzell Castle

Eilean Donan Castle

Elizabeth Castle Built on an islet in St Aubins Bay,defended Jersey for more than 300 years. The castle today houses three permanent exhibitions; War and Peace, which tells the story of the garrison, Granite and Gunpowder tracing the development of the cannon and the story of the Jersey Militia. Time your visit to include the noonday call to arms by Gunner Gilman which is followed by the firing of the castle cannon. Take the amphibious ferry, at high or low tide, ...

Etal Castle

Ewloe Castle

Eynsford Castle

Falkland Palace

Farleigh Hungerford Castle

Farnham Castle

Findlater Castle

Flint Castle

Framlingham Castle Framlingham Castle is a magnificent specimin of a late 12th-century castle. Built by Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, one of the most influential people at the court of the Plantagenet kings, the castle was designed both as a stronghold and a proclamation of power and status. Architecturally, the fortress is notable for its curtain wall with regular mural towers, being an early example of this style.  Visitors can explore over 800 years of life at ...

Fyvie Castle

Glenbuchat Castle

Goodrich Castle

Grosmont Castle

Guildford Castle

Hadleigh Castle

Hailes Castle

Harlech Castle

Hedingham Castle Hedingham Castles Norman keep, 110 feet high, was built c.1140 by Aubrey de Vere - A visit to the castle and its beautiful grounds is ideal for a family outing, and during the summer there are a variety of special events which bring its colourful history alive. Hedingham Castle overlooks beautiful wooded grounds, parkland and gardens but as you pass through the valley walk, the steep slopes of the Motte can tower 40ft above. In 1719, when the ...

Helmsley Castle

Herstmonceux Castle

Hever Castle

Huntingtower Castle

Huntly Castle

Kellie Castle

Kenilworth Castle

Kidwelly Castle

Kilchurn Castle

Kildrummy Castle

Kingswear Castle

Knaresborough Castle

Laugharne Castle

Launceston Castle

Leeds Castle Set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland, a visit to Leeds Castle in the garden of England is full of discovery. Open all year round, its special blend of heritage and history, glorious gardens, attractions, programme of events, and licensed restaurant make it the perfect choice for a day out. The castle as it stands today is the result of over 900 years of alterations and changes. It has Norman foundations; a mediaeval gatehouse; the Gloriette, built by ...

Lewes Castle

Lincoln Castle

Lindisfarne Castle

Linlithgow Palace

Llansteffan Castle

Llawhaden Castle

Longtown Castle

Lydford Castle

MacLellans Castle

Manorbier Castle

Middleham Castle

Mont Orgueil Castle History comes to life at Mont Orgueil Castle, which for 600 years protected Jersey against French invasion. Explore the network of staircases, towers and rooms to discover hidden treasures. Mont Orgueil Castle is a wonderful place to visit, every time you vist you'll discover a staircase you've not seen before opening up into a room where you'll find something new. Climb the turrets to find the medieval ‘wheel of urine’, and descend into the basement to ...

Montgomery Castle

Morton Castle

Newark Castle

Norham Castle

Nunney Castle

Odiham Castle

Okehampton Castle

Old Wardour Castle This stunning castle is beautifully sited beside a lake surrounded by landscaped grounds and Wiltshire countryside. Set in the peaceful Wiltshire countryside beside a lake, Old Wardour Castle, near Tisbury was once one of the most daring and innovative homes in Britain. It was built in the 14th century as a lightly fortified luxury residence for comfortable living and lavish entertainment. Today the castle ruin provides a relaxed, romantic day out for couples, families and budding historians ...

Orchardton Tower

Orford Castle Oxford castle was originally built in 1071 for William the Conqueror, to enable the Normans to control the area. A prison was built within the castle, which continued to be in use until 1996. Oxford Castle is located in the city centre, preserved in the buildings of a prison.

Pembroke Castle

Pendennis Castle

Pendragon Castle

Penhow Castle

Penrith Castle

Pevensey Castle

Pickering Castle

Portchester Castle Portchester Castle's commanding location has made it a major factor in the Solent's defences for hundreds of years.The most impressive and best- preserved of the Roman 'Saxon Shore' forts, Portchester Castle was originally built in the late 3rd century. Covering an area of nearly ten acres, it is the only Roman stronghold in northern Europe whose walls still mainly stand to their full 6 metre height, complete with most of their originally twenty ...

Portland Castle

Prudhoe Castle

Raby Castle

Raglan Castle

Ravenscraig Castle

Restormel Castle

Richmond Castle

Rochester Castle

Rothes Castle

Rye Castle

Scarborough Castle

Sherborne Old Castle

Skenfrith Castle

Skipsea Castle

Skipton Castle

Southsea Castle Southsea Castle was one in a series of forts constructed for King Henry VIII, in what was the most ambitious scheme of coastal defence since Roman times.  The castle houses a small museum, spread over several floors of the keep and the rooftop of the keep provides ...

Spofforth Castle

Spynie Palace

St Andrews Castle

St Catherines Castle

St Mawes Castle

St Michaels Mount

Stirling Castle

Tamworth Castle

Tantallon Castle

Tattershall Castle

Threave Castle

Tilbury Fort The artillery fort at Tilbury on the Thames estuary protected London's seaward approach from the 16th century through to World War II. Henry VIII built the first fort here, and Queen Elizabeth famously rallied her army nearby to face the threat of the Armada.  Tilbury Fort is on the north, Essex, bank of the River Thames in England and was built to defend London from attack from the sea, particularly during the Spanish Armada and the ...

Tintagel Castle

Tioram Castle

Tolquhon Castle

Totnes Castle

Tutbury Castle

Upnor Castle

Urquhart Castle Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart Castles remains include a tower house that commands splendid views. Urquhart witnessed considerable conflict throughout its 500 years as a medieval fortress and its history from the 13th to 17th centuries was particularly bloody. Following Edward I’s invasion, it fell into English hands and was then reclaimed and lost again. In the 14th century, it figured prominently in the Scots’ struggle for independence and came under the control of Robert the ...

Walden Castle Located in the grounds of the museum at Saffron Walden are the ruins of a 12th century Norman keep.

Walmer Castle

Warkworth Castle

Warwick Castle Visit Warwick and One of Britain's greatest Medieval experiences at Warwick Castle. From a Mediaeval household in the Kingmaker exhibition to a Victorian 'Royal Weekend Party'. Kingmaker feasts and Highwayman Suppers most Fridays and Saturdays. The History of the site of Warwick Castle dates back to antiquity. Its bloody history is steeped in treachery, murder, mystery and intrigue. Almost a thousand years has passed in the life of Warwick Castle. This life has seen a transition from medieval castle ...

Weobley Castle

White Castle

Winchester Great Hall Winchester Great Hall was the first and finest of all 13th century halls, and contains greatest symbol of medieval mythology, King Arthurs Round Table.  Situated at the top of the High Street just to the left of The Westgate

Yarmouth Castle Yarmouth Castle, Isle of Wight provides a magnificent picnic spot, with views over the Solent for a lovely relaxing family day by the sea. Step inside and discover the atmospheric recreation of how the rooms were used in the 16th century, and see the exhibition about the many wrecks which occurred in the treacherous stretch of sea which the castle overlooks.