Strolling Through Beautiful Castles England

Alnwick Castle

This castle has a special role it doubles as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter movies. Alnwick has been the home of the Dukes of Northumberland for more than 700 years. The current duke and duchess live in a private part of the 11th-century fortress, but the rest is open to the public for seven months of the year, with highlights including an important gallery of Italian paintings, a lavish library, and a Harry Potter tour — including broomstick lessons in the courtyard.

Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle is located a short distance from London. For over 850 years it has been home to the Dukes of Norfolk. This is a modern type castle with central heating, electricity, and elevators in the towers. Visitors can see the lovely rooms, the 14th century chapel, and walk in the gardens.

You can also visit the quaint town of Arundel which boasts the legendary Black Rabbit Pub serving a great Sunday roast.

Bamburgh Castle

This castle was once home to the Anglo-Saxon kings of Northumbria. This was before England became a country. Bamburgh Castle sits on an impressive rocky outcrop overlooking the North Sea. It is among the finest coastal fortresses in Europe. Visitors can see the State Rooms with a collection of Medieval armor and the famous Bamburgh Sword, a seventh-century weapon shrouded in myth.

Bodham Castle (Pictured above)

This castle has a deep moat. It was built in 1385 to defend England against French invasion. Bodham Castle had stout round towers, a traditional gatehouse, and a portcullis. Unfortunately, what is left today are ruins in Sussex.

Dover Castle

Dover Castle is nicknamed The Key to England. It overlooks the waters of the English Channel looking toward France. The castle was built in the 12th century and is an ancient fortress defending into the 20th century. Among the highlights here are the secret wartime tunnels, the amazing Great Tower with an interactive museum, and the remains of a Roman lighthouse.

Framlingham Castle

Framlingham Castle is a good example of the “motte and bailey” fortifications of the 11th and 12th centuries. The castle is located in the Suffolk countryside northeast o f Ipswich. It is know as the place Mary I was first proclaimed Queen of England. Visitors can take a hike around the curtain wall and see awesome views of the River Ore. You can get some tea at the castle cafe.

Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle is the "real" Downton Abbey. The castle was built in the 17th century making it one of the youngest major castles in England. There are intricate state rooms, an elegant saloon, and impressive dining room. Visitors enjoy the sprawling ground which can best be seen by taking one of the castle's famous picnic hampers with impeccable sponge cakes, scones, and sandwiches, as well as a demi-bottle of Joseph Perrier Champagne.

Leeds Castle

The castle sits on a lake island in the middle of Kent. It is surrounded by a moat and dates back 900 years. Since six queens called it home it earned the nickname The Ladies Castle. Leeds Castle has beautiful gardens which include a circular maze in the shape of a queen's crown.

Rochester Castle

The castle is located by a vital river crossing on the Old London Road. It was built in the 12th century. Rochester Castle was one of the main strongholds in the rebellion against Bad King John, it lost an entire tower to a pig fat bomb in 1215 but was rebuilt under Henry III, remaining a viable fortress until the 16th century.

Sudeley Castle

The castle is found in Cotswolds near the market twon of Winchcombe. It was a favorite of such monarchs as Richard the Lionhearted and Queen Elizabeth I. Sudeley Castle highlights include the "20 Treasures of Sudeley", a collection of important historical artifacts and the 15th-century chapel in the gardens, the final resting place of Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII and the most infamous “survivor” of the Tudor era.

Tower of London

This is best known as the most ignominious prison during the Middle Ages in England. It was built as a fortified castle and royal residence. The Tower of London is also known as one of the most haunted buildings in England. Visitors come here to see the Crown Jewels. Tours are guided by Yeoman Warders, or “Beefeaters.”

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1068 and refortifies afterwards. The huge castle has turrets and fun things for visitors to do like dungeon tours, fiery ballistics demonstrations, and jousting tournaments. Overnight rooms are available in the castle (including tower suites with four-poster beds) or the riverside Knight’s Village, where you’ll find a collection of woodland lodges.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the oldest castle in the world that is inhabited by the Royal Family. The castle stand in Berkshire and was built in the 11th century. It became a royal residence due to its closeness to the royal hunting grounds. The castle consists of two four-sided building complexes divided by the Round Tower. it is still a residence of King Charles III today. The castle is open to the public, including the grandiose State Apartments and Gothic St. George’s Chapel, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married.