Eddie PhilipsThe United Kingdom is home to some of the most breathtaking castles in the world. From medieval fortresses guarding ancient borders to fairytale-style palaces nestled in lush countryside, these architectural marvels tell tales of kings, knights, and epic battles. Whether you’re a history lover or a traveler seeking stunning views, here are the top best 50 castles in the UK that you must visit.
Top Best 50 Castles in the UK
1. Windsor Castle, England
Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle, has been home to British monarchs for over 900 years. Located in Berkshire, this grand structure boasts exquisite State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and expansive gardens. It remains a key royal residence, offering visitors a glimpse into Britain’s regal heritage.
2. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle dominates Scotland’s capital skyline. This historic fortress houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. With panoramic views over the city, it’s one of Scotland’s most visited tourist attractions and an enduring symbol of Scottish identity.
3. Cardiff Castle, Wales
Cardiff Castle blends Roman, Norman, and Gothic architecture. Nestled in the heart of the Welsh capital, it features lavish interiors, medieval walls, and lush parklands. Its rich history and ornate Victorian rooms make it one of Wales’ most captivating historical sites.
4. Balmoral Castle, Scotland
Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire serves as the Scottish retreat of the British Royal Family. Built in the 19th century for Queen Victoria, it’s known for its grand granite architecture and scenic highland setting. The castle grounds and gardens are open to the public during summer.
5. Warwick Castle, England
Originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068, Warwick Castle is a stunning medieval fortress on the River Avon. Today, it’s one of England’s top family attractions, featuring reenactments, dungeons, and immersive historical experiences.
6. Alnwick Castle, England
Alnwick Castle in Northumberland has gained fame as a filming location for Harry Potter. Home to the Duke of Northumberland, this castle combines Norman strength with Italianate beauty. Its gardens and interiors attract thousands of visitors yearly.
7. Leeds Castle, England
Located in Kent and surrounded by a picturesque moat, Leeds Castle is often called “the loveliest castle in the world.” Once home to six medieval queens, it now serves as a heritage site featuring falconry displays and romantic landscapes.
8. Stirling Castle, Scotland
Stirling Castle played a key role in Scottish history, serving as a royal residence and military stronghold. It overlooks the battlefield of Bannockburn and features Renaissance architecture, grand halls, and interactive exhibits.
9. Caernarfon Castle, Wales
Caernarfon Castle is one of Edward I’s mightiest fortresses. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its polygonal towers and immense walls, symbolizes English power in medieval Wales. Its imposing design still amazes visitors today.
10. Dover Castle, England
Known as the “Key to England,” Dover Castle has guarded the English Channel for over nine centuries. Its secret wartime tunnels, Great Tower, and panoramic views make it one of Britain’s most historically rich sites.
11. Conwy Castle, Wales
Built by Edward I between 1283 and 1289, Conwy Castle is a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. Surrounded by a walled town, it offers stunning views of the River Conwy and Snowdonia National Park.
12. Hever Castle, England
Hever Castle in Kent was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Its double moat, Tudor architecture, and romantic gardens make it a favorite among history and garden lovers alike.
13. Bodiam Castle, England
This 14th-century East Sussex castle is a textbook example of a medieval fortress, complete with a moat and towers. Though partly ruined, Bodiam’s scenic setting makes it one of the UK’s most photographed castles.
14. Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Eilean Donan Castle, situated where three sea lochs meet, is one of Scotland’s most iconic sights. Its dramatic setting and restored interior make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Highlands.
15. Tintagel Castle, England
Famous for its links to King Arthur, Tintagel Castle on Cornwall’s rugged coast offers mystical ruins and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a fascinating blend of legend and history.
16. Bamburgh Castle, England
Overlooking the North Sea, Bamburgh Castle’s striking location on a rocky plateau makes it one of England’s most majestic fortresses. Once home to Anglo-Saxon kings, it’s now open to the public with rich collections of arms and artifacts.
17. Dunrobin Castle, Scotland
Dunrobin Castle looks more like a French château than a Scottish fortress. With its fairytale spires, formal gardens, and centuries of Sutherland family history, it’s a gem of the Scottish Highlands.
18. Arundel Castle, England
Home to the Dukes of Norfolk for over 850 years, Arundel Castle in West Sussex offers a mix of medieval and Victorian architecture. Visitors can explore grand halls, manicured gardens, and stunning art collections.
19. Kilkenny Castle, Ireland
Kilkenny Castle, though technically in the Republic of Ireland, remains a popular attraction for UK visitors. This Norman fortress features lush gardens and exquisite 19th-century restorations.
20. Pembroke Castle, Wales
Pembroke Castle, the birthplace of Henry VII, dominates the landscape of Pembrokeshire. Its enormous round keep and labyrinthine tunnels make it a fascinating medieval relic.
21. Urquhart Castle, Scotland
Overlooking Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle is famed for its scenic ruins and ties to the legendary Loch Ness Monster. The castle’s dramatic history includes sieges, battles, and royal visits.
22. Raglan Castle, Wales
Raglan Castle combines medieval strength with Renaissance elegance. Built in the 15th century, its moated towers and romantic ruins attract artists, historians, and tourists alike.
23. Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland
Perched dramatically on cliffs above the North Atlantic, Dunluce Castle offers one of the most picturesque views in the UK. Its ghostly ruins and rich legends have inspired countless stories.
24. Kenilworth Castle, England
Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire was once a seat of royal power and courtly love. Its Elizabethan gardens and towering ruins tell tales of medieval grandeur and Tudor romance.
25. Harlech Castle, Wales
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Harlech Castle stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. Built by Edward I, its commanding presence symbolizes English conquest and medieval military precision.
26. Inveraray Castle, Scotland
Home to the Duke of Argyll, Inveraray Castle is a Baroque beauty on the shores of Loch Fyne. Its turrets, grand interiors, and landscaped grounds make it a true architectural jewel.
27. Dunstanburgh Castle, England
Set along Northumberland’s rugged coastline, Dunstanburgh Castle’s haunting ruins evoke tales of medieval conflict and intrigue. It’s a perfect destination for hikers and history enthusiasts.
28. Carrickfergus Castle, Northern Ireland
Built in 1177 by John de Courcy, Carrickfergus Castle is one of Northern Ireland’s best-preserved medieval structures. It has served as a garrison, prison, and royal residence through the centuries.
29. Culzean Castle, Scotland
Culzean Castle, perched dramatically above the Ayrshire coast, was designed by architect Robert Adam. Its opulent interiors and vast estate make it a highlight of Scotland’s National Trust properties.
30. Powis Castle, Wales
Powis Castle near Welshpool is renowned for its terraced gardens and rich art collection. Built in the 13th century, it combines Welsh heritage with Indian treasures collected during the colonial era.
31. Castle Howard, England
Although more of a stately home than a fortress, Castle Howard in North Yorkshire is a baroque masterpiece. Its gardens, fountains, and art collection make it one of Britain’s grandest estates.
32. Crathes Castle, Scotland
Crathes Castle in Aberdeenshire is a fairytale structure surrounded by ancient woodland. Built by the Burnett family, it’s known for its turrets, painted ceilings, and historic charm.
33. Beaumaris Castle, Wales
Another of Edward I’s masterpieces, Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey is considered the “perfect castle” for its symmetrical design. Though unfinished, it’s a UNESCO-listed marvel of medieval architecture.
34. Chirk Castle, Wales
Built in 1295, Chirk Castle combines military might with elegant living quarters. Its extensive gardens and preserved state rooms make it a popular tourist stop in North Wales.
35. Glamis Castle, Scotland
Glamis Castle, childhood home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, is steeped in myth and royal history. With its grand turrets and haunting legends, it’s one of Scotland’s most mysterious castles.
36. Berkeley Castle, England
Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire is one of Britain’s oldest inhabited castles. It’s infamous as the place where King Edward II was murdered in 1327 and features stunning medieval interiors.
37. Corfe Castle, England
Dramatically perched on a hill in Dorset, Corfe Castle was once a royal fortress and prison. Its striking ruins overlook the village below, making it one of England’s most scenic historic sites.
38. Blair Castle, Scotland
Blair Castle, home of the Dukes of Atholl, boasts nearly 30 rooms filled with treasures from centuries past. Its grand white façade and extensive estate attract history buffs and nature lovers alike.
39. Goodrich Castle, England
Located above the River Wye, Goodrich Castle is one of the most complete examples of English medieval architecture. Its towers and chapel remain remarkably well-preserved.
40. Lincoln Castle, England
Built by William the Conqueror, Lincoln Castle houses one of the few surviving copies of the Magna Carta. Visitors can walk its medieval walls for panoramic city views.
41. Craigievar Castle, Scotland
Craigievar Castle’s pinkish hue and turreted design look straight out of a fairy tale. It’s said to have inspired Walt Disney’s castle design, making it a magical spot for visitors.
42. Caerphilly Castle, Wales
Caerphilly Castle is one of the largest in Britain, featuring an enormous moat and leaning tower. Built in the 13th century, it’s a fortress of immense scale and engineering brilliance.
43. Hedingham Castle, England
Hedingham Castle in Essex features a Norman keep over 100 feet tall. Still family-owned, it hosts medieval festivals and weddings, offering a true step back in time.
44. Scone Palace, Scotland
Once the crowning place of Scottish kings, Scone Palace near Perth holds deep historical significance. Its lavish interiors and peacock-filled gardens draw thousands each year.
45. Pickering Castle, England
Built by William the Conqueror, Pickering Castle is one of the earliest motte-and-bailey fortresses. Though partly ruined, its history and views over North Yorkshire make it a must-see.
46. Dunvegan Castle, Scotland
Home to the Clan MacLeod for over 800 years, Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye is Scotland’s oldest continuously inhabited castle. Its lochside setting is simply breathtaking.
47. Pevensey Castle, England
This Sussex fortress has witnessed invasions from Romans to Normans. Its massive stone walls still stand as a testament to over a thousand years of English history.
48. Blarney Castle, Ireland
Famous for the Blarney Stone, said to grant the gift of eloquence, Blarney Castle near Cork attracts millions of visitors. Its gardens and legends make it a captivating destination.
49. Ruthin Castle, Wales
Ruthin Castle combines medieval ruins with modern luxury as a hotel and spa. Its history of royal intrigue and rebellion adds charm to its stunning North Wales location.
50. Castle Stalker, Scotland
Castle Stalker, standing isolated on a small islet on Loch Laich, is one of Scotland’s most photogenic fortresses. Its picturesque solitude perfectly captures the romantic essence of the Highlands.
Conclusion
From the towering battlements of Dover to the mystical ruins of Tintagel, the castles of the UK offer a journey through centuries of history, architecture, and legend. Whether you’re exploring Scottish highlands, Welsh valleys, or English countryside, these fortresses stand as proud testaments to Britain’s rich and storied past.