There are approximately 4000 castles all across the UK. Some are in full, glorious, working order, while others are ruins, holding only memories of times gone by. Wales is home to the highest concentration of these British castles, with 427 of them just in this one beautiful part of the country.
Tourists pour into the UK from far-flung destinations to bask in the wonder of these buildings, some of which have stood for hundreds of years and seen whole civilisations rise and fall. Standing inside one of these mammoth constructions is like stepping into your favourite Arthurian legend. It’s something you’ve got to experience to believe.
If this sounds like the experience of your dreams, this is your sign to start planning your spring trip to the UK’s most incredible castles.
Edinburgh Castle
Let’s start with a castle that’s perhaps the best known in the whole United Kingdom: Edinburgh Castle. Being a popular tourist destination, Edinburgh is easy to travel to, whether you take a jet charter, commercial airline, or train. Once you’ve arrived, it is easy to see why this Scottish landmark was constructed in this location. The castle’s positioning on a hilltop undoubtedly gave it a strategic advantage in times of attacks and sieges.
The castle has kept an eye on Edinburgh for almost four centuries now, changing hands many times through the years. The long-suffering Mary Queen of Scots birthed James VI in this castle, which was the seat of royal power at the time. These days, however, you can wander the castle with or without a guide and indulge in a delicious afternoon tea at The Tea Rooms in the castle’s Crown Square.
Bamburgh Castle
Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the seemingly endless waters of the North Sea, Bamburgh Castle has witnessed much life in its time. Records of the castle and its inhabitants date back as far as AD547, and the castle is now owned by the Armstrong family. The real treasure isn’t held in a cryptic vault or buried under the castle’s foundations: it’s the wealth of artefacts left behind by the keyholders who have come and gone over the centuries.
A colourful tapestry of the UK’s extensive history is on display. This castle was a home and fortress in Anglo-Saxon times and a structural predecessor to castles like Bamburgh and Lindisfarne. The well-preserved interior rooms, as well as the castle’s exterior walls and archaeology, are worth exploring. If you’re an aviation enthusiast, visit the castle’s aviation museum to marvel at the WW2-era planes and artefacts.
Warwick Castle
During the warm parts of the year, Warwick Castle is a hive of activity. Jewel bright flags flap from the ramparts, welcoming you into the imposing structure. This is a living, breathing piece of history and an incredibly well-preserved castle that has stood for over 1000 years. The original motte-and-bailey structure was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century and is a wonder to behold with its banqueting halls and gorgeous grounds.
This castle is an excellent choice if you’re travelling with your family, thanks to all the exciting activities hosted during the warmer months. Get a taste of mediaeval life when you watch the jousts and falconry or experience one of the many heralded music festivals conducted on the grounds.
Alnwick Castle
When we say “England’s green and pleasant land”, the grounds surrounding Alnwick Castle are the living, breathing replica of what we picture in our minds. Northumberland’s loveliest castle dates back to 1309 and is the second-largest castle still inhabited in the UK today.
The noble Percy family, who have been in residence here for over 700 years, has maintained this castle flawlessly and welcomes visitors for a large part of the year. If you’re a Harry Potter or Downton Abbey fan, you may spot a few familiar locations here and there.
Caernarfon Castle
Castles in the countryside are great, but castles nestling in the seaside are on a whole other level. With boats bobbing all around its foundations and flags flying from the tallest towers, Caernarfon Castle in Wales is something special indeed. This functioned as both a fortress and palace for Edward I and has been declared a world heritage site, along with his other residences.
The sheer scale of the place is mesmerising and the architecture, designed to ward off wave after wave of attacks in a brutal war, is dramatic, to say the least. If you really want to get into the spirit of things, be sure to check out the mediaeval reenactments that happen from time to time which include dancing archery and full combat performances.
Dunrobin Castle
The grounds and incredibly fine, detailed architecture and facades of Dunrobin Castle render most visitors speechless on their first visit. It’s almost as if you’re stepping into the pages of a fairytale in real life, and you might even come close to these incredible sights. This “French chateau” look was part of the remodelling done in 1845, but the original castle dates back to 1235 and is believed to have been a fort in those times.
More recently, the castle was used as a navy hospital followed by a boy’s boarding school before being opened up to the public as a tourist attraction. You can visit the castle from April to October and immerse yourself in its history with bird-of-prey experiences that take you back to old-time falconry.
History You Can Explore
This island nation boasts a breathtaking number of castles and offers visitors a way back into simpler times — even if for the briefest moment. The UK is waiting to welcome you when the flowers bloom next spring. Bring your camera, your walking shoes, and a sense of adventure.
