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Top 10 Castles in England, United Kingdom
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1. Tintagel Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,358 reviews
This brooding 13th-century castle sits on the rugged and spectacular Atlantic coast in Cornwall, which recalls the myth and mystery associated with King Arthur and Merlin the magician. New exhibition explores the stories linking Tintagel to King Arthur which includes a 3D model of the site illustrating how it has changed over the centuries. Dog friendly and child friendly, this is a great day out for all the family.
Reviewed By E7915GUianc - Basingstoke, United Kingdom
Excellent trip to the castle, im petrified of heights and still managed to get to the top, king Arthur is up on the highest of hills and the views from up there are breath taking... it is well worth a visit... excellent fun for ALL the family
2. Christ Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,479 reviews
Reviewed By PeteD60 - Ware, United Kingdom
This was an Tuesday afternoon visit in November – highlights – the Dining Hall – Custodian Sue was very informative and helpful – the tables were laid against a background of history with its Founder Cardinal Wolsey and after his fall Henry 8 and Elizabeth 1 looking down on the diners alongside portraits of Deans - past and present – different dining times for the students – early smart casual – later more formal with gowns – a different world – and then out into the quadrangle dominated by the Wren designed tower and then into the cathedral with its choir stalls running through the centre – guides on hand to provide additional information to the free guide – it is a visit of history and tradition in spades – well worth a visit – thank you
3. Dover Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,108 reviews
The most iconic of all English fortresses commanding the gateway to the realm for nine centuries. Climb the Great Tower, meet the characters and immerse yourself in vivid medieval interiors. Then delve deep within Dover's White Cliffs to witness the drama in the Secret Wartime Tunnels. Roam through centuries of history at Dover Castle, from the Romans to the 20th century, in an action-packed day out.
Reviewed By TEK1904 - St Ives, United Kingdom
We have just returned from an absolutely phenomenal weekend staying in the grounds of Dover Castle. From the tunnel tours to the Great Tower steeped in history, to the views across the English Channel and the access to the grounds before and after hours we were totally blown away and awestruck. A special mention to all the staff throughout our stay who were friendly, informative, helpful, enthusiastic and passionate about such an incredible place . Not forgetting Lesley the housekeeper who ensured our stay was spot on. An absolute credit to English heritage and Dover Castle. We will most definitely be returning. Highly recommend.
4. Highclere Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,288 reviews
Designed by Sir Charles Barry, architect of the Houses of Parliament, this is considered to be one of the finest Victorian homes still in existence, which houses fine furniture and works of art. Today, the Castle is the home of the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and is known around the world as the real home of 'Downton Abbey'.
Reviewed By StreetwiseSmart - Gunnislake, United Kingdom
Highclare is a terrific place to visit - really well organised, super friendly & informative guides, gift shop with quality and fairly priced items, and wonderful maintained grounds and gardens. In today’s ever more irritating Covid World, all necessary safety measures were in place without being intrusive or restrictive to our visit. Highclare itself is beautifully presented, with a balance of family history alongside Downton Abbey lore. Cannot rate highly enough.
5. Arundel Castle and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,297 reviews
Arundel Castle and Gardens open from 5th August 2020. Open Tuesdays to Sundays inclusive and August bank holiday Monday. Arundel Castle, home of the Duke of Norfolk, reflecting nearly 1,000 years of history,and commanding the surrounding landscape with magnificent views across the South Downs and River Arun. Fine furniture and works of art in sumptuously furnished rooms. Ancient Motte & Keep. Spectacular gardens. 14th century Fitzalan Chapel. Collection of arms & armour. Personal possessions of Mary Queen of Scots. Pre-booked tickets only.
Reviewed By teresalU1302CG - Bath, United Kingdom
From the moment we walked up the drive and saw the beautiful and striking Arundel castle home to the Duke of Norfolk it was simply just breathtaking, and inside was stunning, the library took my breath away. The most amazing castle I have ever visited. The gardens are beautiful with so many beautiful features, with the beautiful Arundel Cathedral as a back drop. Would most definitely return and highly recommend a visit
6. Ripley Castle and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,026 reviews
Reviewed By frankart_10 - Lymington, United Kingdom
We visited the castle on a rather wet day, and strangely, as part of a holiday mostly looking at steam railways. But no matter. I'm so very pleased that this visit was fitted into the schedule. The castle is still in private ownership, it's a very fine building, dating back several hundred years, where it's been in the ownership of the same family. The rooms are well stocked with fine family portraits and the furniture and possessions, and are well worth taking a long look at. There's a good collection of curios, guns and armour, and the grounds are extensive, supporting a large heard of deer, which can often been seen as you wander around the deer park The walled garden could do with a bit of attention, but there are also two excellent shops and a very good tea room. But for me the highlight was the guided tour. The lady who took us round was full of information, interspersed with some extremely witty anecdotes about the family. Just so highly entraining as well as informative. I though this a most excellent visit.
7. Stokesay Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,102 reviews
Reviewed By oliviag700 - London, United Kingdom
Such a wonderful find with so much history. There is parking and an amazing gift shop and tea room, that serves apple crumble with the apples that grow on the trees in the moat!! Really beautiful place and the volunteers very knowledgeable and friendly. All Covid regulations are followed bee carefully
8. Skipton Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,895 reviews
Where better to experience almost a thousand years of British history than by visiting Skipton Castle. Open all year round, tours are popular with visitors who come from far and wide to explore what some consider to be, a castle jewel of the North. Overlooking an intriguing market town, this remarkable 900 year old fortress is one of the best preserved and most complete medieval castles in England. The history is inseparable from the Clifford family. During the Civil War, Skipton Castle was the last Royalist bastion in the North, yielding only after a three-year siege in 1645. ‘Slighted’ under the orders of Cromwell, the Castle was skilfully restored years later by the indubitable matriarch and egalitarian, Lady Anne Clifford (1589-1676) who was born here. Today the dedicated team at Skipton Castle follow in her footsteps in its preservation. It is the focal point at the top of the High Street, so after a visit, it is fun and easy to take a stroll around the lovely shops, old mark
Reviewed By 425trician - Baildon, United Kingdom
Despite living nearby this was my first time actually inside the grounds of the Castle! It is well worth a visit if you like history and the castle is a wonderful building with some wonderful views and extremely well preserved. All grounds are also very well kept and pretty. All staff go out of their way to be helpful and friendly, giving directions and extra info which is really nice and was appreciated. A handy free tour sheet is included with ticket price with a suggested anti clockwise route suggested so you don’t miss anything. There’s also more background and historic information in each room which I enjoyed reading. There is a cafe for drinks or lunch and a church you could have a look round. Also there is a woodland walk which looks to give amazing views of the exterior. We vowed to try this another time as that is open and accessible to the public. I found the entrance fee slightly expensive as it only takes 1-2 hours maximum so isn’t a full day out. We were happy to pay it and glad we did but we probably wouldn’t again. I also think the price may put off some people especially with families which is a shame. But overall we really enjoyed looking round the castle we’re very lucky to have such a lovely piece of history on our doorstep.
9. Leeds Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,860 reviews
Considered one of the most romantic castles in England, this historic site was originally the stately home of the Saxon royal family during the reign of Ethelbert IV in 856-860.
Reviewed By aw1955 - London, United Kingdom
Absolutely lovely all round, the staff are very polite friendly and knowledgeable, the gardens and grounds are beautiful, the castle is very interesting there's a visual display showing how it was and how it changed over the years, the falconry/bird show is very good then you can go face to face with the birds behind the maze, the children's play areas look good but we did not have kids with us so didn't go inside them, boat ride and train ride ok, less mobile folk will love the land train from car park to near the castle.
10. Berry Pomeroy Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 411 reviews
Tucked away in a deep wooded valley, Berry Pomeroy Castle is the perfect romantic ruin with a colourful history of intrigue. Within the 15th-century defences of the Pomeroy family castle, looms the dramatic ruined shell of its successor, the great Elizabethan mansion of the Seymours. Begun in around 1560 and ambitiously enlarged from around 1600, their mansion was intended to become the most spectacular house in Devon, a match for Longleat and Audley End. Never completed, and abandoned by 1700, it became the focus of blood-curdling ghost stories, recounted in the audio tour. The location of the castle makes it ideal for walkers who can explore the nearby beautiful woodland or you can enjoy a light lunch, home made cake or restorative cup of tea in the cafe. Within a short drive are Totnes Castle and Dartmouth Castle, making it an ideal day out for families.
Reviewed By 236traceya - Havant, United Kingdom
A scenic & peaceful area with the stunning ruins of the famously haunted Berry Pomeroy Castle that is steeped in a turbulent & colourful history between the Pomeroy & Seymour families, that is lovingly maintained by the English Heritage Society, there is a small on-site cafe & a limited amount of parking in the carpark nearby that has some marked disabled bays, but be careful of the narrow bendy lanes to get there, as I found it quite dangerous with people driving far too fast in the opposite direction when the roads were muddy & the sun was glaring, nevertheless it was well worth the visit, just don't forget to book online before visiting.
