When it comes to the British Isles, castles and steel go hand in hand. These vast estates across the land have long been home to characters that appear in historical plays on a regular basis, and their importance means that they have been well-cared for. As the leaves begin to fall and the countryside transforms into a carpet of reds, golds, and yellows, these enormous fortifications are sure to pique the interest of anybody who sees them. Surely, this landscape would assist you combat any depression you may be experiencing from being caged up in your town.
The beauty and majesty of these structures is well-loved, but some residents are concerned about the political consequences of their development. It’s an exciting new way to see the and travel like a local in the UK, enhancing the breathtaking views and rich histories of the structures you see along the way.
Below are the top castles in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, make sure you also check out and play on the best pokies online real money australia.
1. Windsor Castle
The world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle, located about 950 miles west of London, is a royal palace. On a regular basis, Windsor Castle serves as a weekend resort and hosts state occasions and royal weddings. It was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. On top of the castle’s oldest section stands the Round Tower, which is a beacon to visitors and hosts an Order of the Garter chivalry that dates back to Edward III’s rule in 1348. Booking the castle in advance is strongly recommended.
2. Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle, an impressive fortification in the Midlands, offers a glimpse into medieval British society. The castle’s spectacular portcullis, walls, archery displays, and 64-acre landscaped gardens are just a few of the ways you may learn about the castle’s 1,100-year history. To learn more about Warwick’s darkest secrets, kids can take a trip through time in the Horrible Histories Maze or reserve a spot in the Castle Dungeon, which features real actors and chilling visual effects.
3. Highclere Castle
Highclere Castle in Hampshire served as the setting for four series of Downton Abbey and the film adaptation. Sir Charles Barry, the architect who designed the Houses of Parliament in London, changed Highclere in the mid-19th century. On top of a 1,000-acre parkland built by the great landscape designer Capability Brown, the estate’s various rooms, including those featured as the state rooms in the Downton Abbey film, can be explored on guided tours. An Egyptian antiquities display honoring the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s role in the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb is housed in the castle, which has been in the Carnarvon family since 1679.
4. Alnwick Castle
A favorite weekend retreat of the Queen, Alnwick serves as the official residence of the Duke of Northumberland. The Percy family has lived in Alnwick Castle, an 11th-century fortress, for the last 700 years. A portion of the castle is still home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, but the remainder is open to the public for seven months of the year. Seven centuries ago, Alnwick Castle was remodeled, repaired, and refurbished numerous times. One of England’s best art collections, which includes works by Titian, Reynolds, and Gainsborough, is housed in the castle’s apartments. Numerous movies and television shows have utilized the castle’s exterior as a setting for scenes depicting Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series of films. On the other hand, here is a trusted list of the best online casino sites this 2022.
5. Framlingham Castle
Framlingham Castle, located in Suffolk, is a fine example of the “motte and bailey” defences of the 11th and 12th centuries, which were popular at the time. The castle’s outside wall is referred to as the bailey, while the castle’s hill or elevated earthwork is referred to as the motte. Tourists flock to the top of the castle wall to admire the stockade and 13 towers.
6. Leeds Castle
For many people, an English castle is one that is big, well-preserved, and encircled by an expansive moat, such as Leeds Castle. For much of its 900-year history, the castle was used as a royal home by Henry I, who built it during his reign in Kent in the southeast of England. The sprawling 500-acre estate, with its opulent mansion and verdant grounds, offers far too many sights to see in a single trip. Punting on the River Len’s tributary-fed lake that surrounds the castle is a popular pastime. A yew labyrinth and a grass maze for small children can be found on the castle grounds.
7. Arundel Castle
Arundel Castle, the home of the Duke of Norfolk, is situated in West Sussex, in the southern part of England. At Arundel Castle, England’s best-preserved inhabited fortress, you’ll find a collection of unique artworks and furnishings. This earthwork mound, which rises 30 meters (100 feet) above the moat, is the castle’s earliest feature.
8. Hever Castle
Hever Castle, where Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn, grew up, has a history spanning more than 700 years. It was originally a moated defensive castle dating back to 1270, but this lovely setting is stuffed with Tudor paintings and tapestries and offers stunning views of Hever Lake. Award-winning gardens, including a 100-year old Yew Maze, are spread across 125 acres. Dahlia displays are stunning and the sugary aroma of the Katsura tree fills the air. In order to see Hever Castle and its grounds, you must make a reservation in advance.
9. Bodiam Castle
A moat, circular towers, and a gatehouse entry with twin towers make Bodiam Castle one of the outstanding specimens of medieval castles in England today. Its interior hasn’t survived despite its near-perfect facade, but there’s still enough there to show the castle’s internal arrangement. Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, the man responsible for the construction of the castle in East Sussex in 1385, intended it as a defensive structure.
10. Beaumaris Castle
Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey is a symmetrical work of art when viewed from above. As one of the most beautiful in all of Britain, it features concentric “walls within walls” construction. However, Edward I ran out of money during the construction of the walls, thus they never reached their original height. the outcome? An incomplete yet serene-looking fortification set against a picturesque beach landscape. It appears to be under construction. Then there’s the moat, which makes it even more photogenic. It’s clear that this fortress has a lot of experience.