A guide to Britain's Most Magnificent Castles

Britain is famous around the world for the many castles and fortified houses that can be found dotted around its landscape. Impressive, dramatic and imposing in equal measure, to visit one of Britain's thousands of castles is to take a step back in time to witness first-hand the tales of bloody sieges and battles that shaped and altered the course of British history. From Medieval Norman fortresses to royal palaces, and everything in between, hundreds of castles still stand around the country - here are some of the best.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle – hewn from the same hardy grey rock as much of the rest of the city – is a magnificent structure that has watched over Scotland’s capital since at least the 13th century. It’s an immovable icon of Scottish history and heritage, and a true wonder to visit.

Corfe Castle

Perhaps one of the more unique castles on our list, this small fortress was partially destroyed during the English Civil War and has remained that way ever since. It’s a chance to explore a building frozen in time and learn about the impact the war had on Britain. If you pay it a visit, don’t forget to take a trip to the beautiful coastline nearby.

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle is nicknamed ‘the loveliest castle in the world’, and it’s not difficult to see why. Perched in the centre of a lake, its beautifully preserved gardens and architecture far outstrips many of the other castles on this list. It’s the place to go for those looking for a serene day out in a gorgeous location.

Warwick Castle

With jousting, falconry, mazes, and stunning staterooms and gardens, Warwick Castle is the clear choice for those looking for a family castle experience. Encourage the little ones to enjoy a living, breathing slice of history whilst you take in the sheer gravity of this epic structure.

Windsor Castle

It’s the Queen’s royal residence and the world's largest, oldest inhabited castle. Windsor Castle is not only a stunning architectural achievement but also one of the most significant buildings in our history, having been built by William the Conqueror after the Norman Invasion. If you’re looking for a blend of architectural beauty, cultural significance and more than a pinch of the ‘wow’ factor, go here.

Conwy Castle

Defining the skyline of one of Wales’ most beautiful towns, Conwy Castle is the one to visit if you’re looking for something a little off the beaten track. You won’t find busloads of tourists here, and the castle’s estuary-side location makes it very special. It’s a little harder to get to than most castles on this list, but, well, isn’t that the point?

Make sure you look at our tours from London page if you’re excited to visit Britain’s castles. You’ll find a great range of tours designed to give you the very best of the UK heritage experience.