Our Favourite Castles to Visit in the UK
The United Kingdom is a land shaped by kings and queens, epic battles, ancient legends, and architectural brilliance. One of the most powerful ways to step into that history? By visiting castles! From rugged cliff-top fortresses to elegant royal residences, the UK is home to some of the most impressive castles in the world.
Whether you’re planning an epic castle-hopping road trip or are looking for a close-to-home castle for a grand day out, here are some of the very best castles to visit in the UK. Each offers something unique, from dramatic scenery to centuries of captivating tales.
Whether you’re planning an epic castle-hopping road trip or are looking for a close-to-home castle for a grand day out, here are some of the very best castles to visit in the UK. Each offers something unique, from dramatic scenery to centuries of captivating tales.
1. Conwy Castle, Wales
Few castles capture the spirit of medieval Wales quite like Conwy Castle. Built by King Edward I in the 13th century during his conquest of Wales, this imposing fortress dominates the walled town of Conwy and overlooks the River Conwy.
What makes Conwy Castle so special is its remarkable preservation. Its eight massive towers and intact curtain walls create one of the finest surviving examples of medieval military architecture in Europe. As you walk along the battlements, it’s not difficult to imagine soldiers scanning the horizon for approaching ships.
With rolling Welsh hills on one side and the estuary on the other, the views from the towers are breathtaking. For photographers and history lovers alike, Conwy is a real must-visit.
What makes Conwy Castle so special is its remarkable preservation. Its eight massive towers and intact curtain walls create one of the finest surviving examples of medieval military architecture in Europe. As you walk along the battlements, it’s not difficult to imagine soldiers scanning the horizon for approaching ships.
With rolling Welsh hills on one side and the estuary on the other, the views from the towers are breathtaking. For photographers and history lovers alike, Conwy is a real must-visit.
2. Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, England
Does Alnwick Castle look familiar? There’s a good reason! This grand medieval castle famously appeared as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films!
But there’s a lot more to Alnwick than movie magic. It’s the second largest inhabited castle in England and home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family for over 700 years. On the very lawn where Harry Potter had his first flying lesson, visitors can try broomstick training. The castle also hosts medieval reenactments and seasonal events, making it especially fun for families.
But there’s a lot more to Alnwick than movie magic. It’s the second largest inhabited castle in England and home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family for over 700 years. On the very lawn where Harry Potter had his first flying lesson, visitors can try broomstick training. The castle also hosts medieval reenactments and seasonal events, making it especially fun for families.
3. Hever Castle, Kent, England
For a romantic castle experience, Hever Castle is hard to beat. Best known as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII, Hever Castle offers a fascinating dive into Tudor history. Walking through its paneled rooms and historic galleries, it’s easy to picture the political tension and drama of the era.
What truly sets Hever apart, however, is its grounds. The castle is surrounded by a double moat, and the award-winning gardens are simply stunning as they bloom in spring and summer. Exploring them on peaceful walking paths makes this castle feel more like a fairytale than a real-life fortress. An easy drive or train ride from central London, this is a must-do day trip from the capital.
What truly sets Hever apart, however, is its grounds. The castle is surrounded by a double moat, and the award-winning gardens are simply stunning as they bloom in spring and summer. Exploring them on peaceful walking paths makes this castle feel more like a fairytale than a real-life fortress. An easy drive or train ride from central London, this is a must-do day trip from the capital.
4. Belfast Castle, Northern Ireland
Set on the slopes of Cave Hill with sweeping views over Belfast Lough, Belfast Castle offers a slightly different castle experience. Unlike the medieval fortresses elsewhere on our list, Belfast Castle is a 19th-century Scottish Baronial style mansion. Built for elegance instead of defense, it features turrets, gardens, and charming architectural details.
Inside, you’ll find a visitor centre and a restaurant, but the real joy lies in exploring the surrounding parkland. The views across the city and water are magnificent.
Legend has it that the castle’s prosperity depends on the presence of a white cat—so keep an eye out for feline motifs hidden throughout the grounds. This interesting stop full of tales is a perfect way to spend an afternoon if you’re exploring Northern Ireland’s capital.
Inside, you’ll find a visitor centre and a restaurant, but the real joy lies in exploring the surrounding parkland. The views across the city and water are magnificent.
Legend has it that the castle’s prosperity depends on the presence of a white cat—so keep an eye out for feline motifs hidden throughout the grounds. This interesting stop full of tales is a perfect way to spend an afternoon if you’re exploring Northern Ireland’s capital.
5. Dunrobin Castle, Scotland
With its fairy-tale spires and coastal setting, Dunrobin Castle looks more like a French château than a traditional Scottish stronghold.
Located in the Highlands, Dunrobin is the largest castle in the Northern Highlands. Dating back to the early 1300s, it reflects centuries of architectural evolution. The castle’s white towers rise dramatically against the North Sea backdrop, while inside you’ll find opulent rooms, antique furnishings, and exhibits about Highland history.
The formal gardens—designed in the style of Versailles—are an unexpected highlight. Add in seasonal falconry displays, and Dunrobin becomes a truly memorable stop on a Scottish road trip.
Located in the Highlands, Dunrobin is the largest castle in the Northern Highlands. Dating back to the early 1300s, it reflects centuries of architectural evolution. The castle’s white towers rise dramatically against the North Sea backdrop, while inside you’ll find opulent rooms, antique furnishings, and exhibits about Highland history.
The formal gardens—designed in the style of Versailles—are an unexpected highlight. Add in seasonal falconry displays, and Dunrobin becomes a truly memorable stop on a Scottish road trip.
6. Windsor Castle, Berkshire, England
No list of the UK’s best castles would be complete without Windsor Castle. As the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor has been a royal residence for nearly 1,000 years. It remains one of the official homes of the British monarch.
Visitors can explore the lavish State Apartments, filled with priceless artwork by masters like Rembrandt and Rubens. St George’s Chapel, located within the castle grounds and the burial place of many monarchs, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Despite its grandeur, Windsor feels welcoming and vibrant. Located just outside London, it’s not just one of the most impressive castles on our list, but also one of the easiest to reach!
Visitors can explore the lavish State Apartments, filled with priceless artwork by masters like Rembrandt and Rubens. St George’s Chapel, located within the castle grounds and the burial place of many monarchs, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Despite its grandeur, Windsor feels welcoming and vibrant. Located just outside London, it’s not just one of the most impressive castles on our list, but also one of the easiest to reach!
There you have it, our list of the best castles to visit in the UK!
Each of these castles tells a different tale. Some were built to conquer and defend, like Conwy. Others, like Hever, whisper Tudor tales. Windsor speaks of enduring royal history, while Dunrobin enchants with Highland romance.
So now the real question is, which castle will you visit first? Whether you’re a history buff, a photography lover, or simply someone who loves a great story, the UK’s castles promise unforgettable days out.
So now the real question is, which castle will you visit first? Whether you’re a history buff, a photography lover, or simply someone who loves a great story, the UK’s castles promise unforgettable days out.