The Attraction Near Me’s guide to the Top 10 UK Castles will help you to decide which of the Castles in the UK should be top of your visit list when planning a day out or short break.
Top 10 UK Castles
This list is based on a number of factors with one of the most important being that the Castle has lots on offer to entertain the whole family. We understand that everyone has their personal favourites. This Top 10 UK Castles listing is based on our personal experiences and extensive knowledge of the attractions industry.
1 – Warwick Castle
Experience a totally electrifying day out at Britain’s ultimate castle. Immerse yourself in a thousand years of jaw-dropping history.
Ancient myths and spell-binding tales will set your imagination alight, and your hair on end.
This is a place where princesses are pampered and maidens are wooed, as winners become true heroes and losers are confined to dark, dank dungeons to be forgotten for eternity. It could only be Warwick Castle.
Attractions Near Me – Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle Review
Warwick Castle Official Website
Warwick Castle Short Breaks
Looking for an unforgettable family adventure? Enjoy a sleepover in the heart of the castle grounds!
2 – Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, Windsor Castle has since been the home of 40 monarchs.
Open to visitors throughout the year, enjoy the ultimate royal experience at the historic home of the British monarchy.
Windsor Castle Official Website
3 – Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle has over 950 years of history to discover, and the origins of the Castle date back to the Norman period. Since 1309, its story has been intertwined with that of the Percy family, a family with a history as illustrious as the castle’s own.
Alnwick Castle, one of the largest inhabited castles in England, has witnessed battles, rebellions, tragedy and romance, and has been home to a variety of interesting people – from knight Harry Hotspur to Harry Potter!
Delve deeper into this extraordinary history and travel through the centuries of this living, evolving castle.
Alnwick Castle Official Website
4 – Leeds Castle
Visitors never forget their first breath-taking vision of Leeds Castle in Kent, rising majestically from the moat.
There are so many things to do at Leeds Castle and it’s more than just a great day out. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic break or weekend getaway too, a place of contrasts from thrilling experiences to tranquil escape and quiet reflection.
There’s plenty for all to enjoy at Leeds Castle, from exploring the Princess Alexandra Gardens and savouring afternoon teas to watching in awe as the Birds of Prey fly overhead and challenging the family to a game of adventure golf. For those looking to stay longer, Leeds Castle has a selection of picturesque staycation experiences, from the cosy Stable Courtyard and Maiden’s Tower to Holiday Cottages perched along the water’s edge.
5 – Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe. Set in the heart of Scotland’s dynamic capital city, it is sure to capture your imagination. The scenery will take your breath away.
Edinburgh Castle is a world-famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. It was recently voted top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards.
Edinburgh Castle Official Website
6 – Bamburgh Castle
Seize the day at the award-winning Bamburgh Castle, the real Last Kingdom of Bebbanburg. Discover over 3000 years of incredible history, high adventure, exhilarating views and sea air.
Explore the fortress and see historic treasures. Roam through history-steeped land with stories behind every stone. Find fantastical tales of The Last Kingdom, Vikings, knights and dragons and fall in love with legends. Get ready to fulfil your destiny and be crowned King or Queen of the North.
The King of Castles, a fortification has dominated this site since Anglo-Saxon times when it was the capital of the kingdom of Northumbria. The current structure with Keep, curtain walls, towers and ramparts dates from the 1500’s to the Victorian restructuring of Lord Armstrong.
Bamburgh Castle Official Website
7 – Lindisfarne Castle
A castle (that’s not a castle), on an island (that’s not an island).
Travel across the causeway to Holy Island and discover this magical place. One of the most iconic landmarks in the UK, learn how Lindisfarne Castle was transformed from a military fortress to a holiday home by architect Ned Lutyens and garden designer Gertrude Jekyll. Discover the stories of the castle’s owners, housekeepers and lime kilns.
Outside, discover the summer-flowering garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll, the unexpected grandeur of the 19th-century industrial lime kilns, shoreline walks and a National Trust shop in the village.
Lindisfarne Castle Official Website
8 – Bolsover Castle
With spectacular views over Derbyshire, the fairy-tale Stuart mansion, Bolsover Castle, was designed to entertain and impress. Its reputation for revelry lives on as it now entertains you and your family.
Be transported to a lost age of aristocratic extravagance as you discover lavishly decorated rooms, the astonishing riding school and the wonderfully recreated garden. Hear tales from the past from costumed storytellers, roam the ruined Terrace Range and take in the stunning countryside views from the restored wall walk.
Families will love the interactive exhibition in the stables, and kids can let their imaginations run wild in the castle-themed play area.
Bolsover Castle Official Website
9 – Arundel Castle
The story begins in 1067 and continues to the present day. Many of the castle’s original features such as the Norman Keep, medieval Gatehouse and Barbican survive.
Between the 1870s and 1890s, the house was almost completely rebuilt and the magnificent architecture in Gothic style is considered to be one of the great works of Victorian England.
Learn from the friendly guides about the finely preserved interior with its fascinating furniture, tapestries and rare collection of paintings by renowned artists including Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Canaletto. Stroll through the tranquil grounds where you will discover inspiring gardens.
Arundel Castle Official Website
10 – Conwy Castle
Built in the late 13th century and reputed to be haunted by a past resident, this picturesque castle was built for King Edward I and is a perfect example of the “concentric castle” design.
Thanks to restored spiral staircases in its great towers you can walk a complete circuit around the battlements of Castell Conwy. We highly recommend it as this is one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in Europe.
In the distance rise the craggy mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) and spread out below you are the harbour and narrow streets of Conwy – still protected by an unbroken 1,400-yard (1.3km) ring of town walls.
It’s enough to take the breath away. Especially when you consider that King Edward I and his architect Master James of St George built both the castle and walls in a barely believable four years between 1283 and 1287.
Conwy Castle Official Website
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Author: Dan
I am passionate about theme parks and attractions, and I love riding roller coasters and thrill rides! As the founder and lead travel editor of Attractions Near Me, and a father of four, I understand how expensive family days out can be. Over the past 10+ years, I’ve tested over 100+ UK and European theme parks, waterparks, and family destinations. I also manage the 80,000+ member UK Travel Industry LinkedIn Group. My aim is to help you, your family, and your friends enjoy some incredible days out without costing the earth. You can read my full story and our editorial standards on our About Us page. Thanks for reading, and have a great time - Regards Dan
