England is home to some of the most beautiful castles in the world. From medieval fortresses to Gothic masterpieces, these structures have stood the test of time and remain a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over. In this blog post, we will count down the 10 most beautiful castles in England, so you can start planning your next vacation. From Warwick Castle to Windsor Castle, there is something for everyone on this list. So read on and start dreaming of your next trip across the pond!
Dover Castle
Dover Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in England. The castle is located in Dover, Kent, and was built in the 11th century. The castle has been used as a fortification, a royal residence, and a prison. The castle is now open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in England and is a must-see for any visitor to the country. The castle dates back to the 11th century and has been home to many British monarchs over the centuries. Today, Windsor Castle is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction.
The castle is located in the town of Windsor, which is just outside of London. Visitors can take a tour of the castle grounds, which include the State Apartments, St. George's Chapel, and Queen Mary's Dolls' House. There is also an audio guide available for those who want to learn more about the history of Windsor Castle.
Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle, located in Kent, is often considered one of the most beautiful castles in England. The castle has a long and rich history, dating back to the 11th century. It was originally built as a Norman motte and bailey castle, but underwent significant changes over the centuries. The castle today is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, with beautiful turrets and towers. Leeds Castle is set on 500 acres of land, and includes a golf course, gardens, and a falconry centre. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, take a boat ride on the moat, or go on one of the many guided tours available.
Kenilworth Castle
Kenilworth Castle is a magnificent medieval castle in Warwickshire, England. The castle was built in the 12th century by Geoffrey de Clinton and has been described as “one of the finest castles in England”. The castle was besieged by King John in 1216 and later by Oliver Cromwell in 1649.
The castle is now owned by English Heritage and is open to the public. The castle has a beautiful gardens, a great hall, a chapel, and many other fascinating features. Visitors can also explore the ruins of the castle's outer walls. Kenilworth Castle is definitely worth a visit if you're interested in English history or architecture.
Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is a medieval castle in Warwickshire, England. The castle was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068. Warwick Castle has been owned by the same family, the Earls of Warwick, for over 850 years. It is one of the most visited castles in England, with over 1 million visitors each year.
The castle is located on the River Avon and has a large number of towers and turrets. The main tower is the tallest at 180 feet (55 meters). There are also three other large towers, two smaller towers, and six turrets. The castle walls are 13 feet (4 meters) thick in places.
Inside the castle, there are many rooms to explore including the Great Hall, Chapel, State Rooms, and Dungeon. There is also an exhibition about the history of Warwick Castle. Visitors can go on a guided tour of the castle or explore it on their own.
Warwick Castle is open all year round but opening times vary depending on the season. In summer (July and August), the castle is open from 10am to 6pm. In winter (November to February), it is open from 10am to 4pm.
Carlisle Castle
Carlisle Castle is located in Carlisle, Cumbria, England. The castle is over 900 years old and has been the site of many historical events. The castle is currently managed by English Heritage and is open to the public.
The castle was built in the 11th century by William Rufus, the second son of William the Conqueror. It was originally built as a wooden Motte and Bailey castle, but was later rebuilt in stone. The castle has been besieged many times and was even captured by the Scots in 1315.
In 1645, during the English Civil War, the castle was held by Royalist forces. It was eventually captured by Parliamentarian troops after a three-month siege. The castle then changed hands several times before being recaptured by the Royalists in 1648. However, they were forced to surrender the following year after another siege by Parliamentarian troops.
The castle fell into disrepair during the 18th century but was eventually restored in the 19th century. Today, Carlisle Castle is one of the most well-preserved castles in England and is a popular tourist attraction.
Raby Castle
Raby Castle is a beautiful castle located in the county of Durham, England. The castle was built in the 14th century and has been home to the Vane family since 1626. The castle is surrounded by a large park which is open to the public. Raby Castle is a popular tourist destination and receives over 200,000 visitors per year.
Bolsover Castle
Bolsover Castle is a stunning example of an English castle, with its beautiful architecture and picturesque setting. The castle dates back to the 11th century and was once the home of the powerful Earls of Chesterfield. Today, the castle is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination.
Chillingham Castle
Chillingham castle is a beautiful, historic castle located in Northumberland, England. The castle dates back to the 12th century and has been home to many notable figures throughout its history. The castle is currently owned by the Earl of Tankerville and is open to the public for tours and events.
The castle grounds include an expansive park with gardens, a lake, and hiking trails. The castle itself is imposing and impressive, with high towers and thick walls. Inside the castle, visitors can explore the many rooms and halls, including the Great Hall, Tapestry Chamber, and Library. The castle also houses a ghost museum, which tells the stories of some of the ghosts said to haunt the property.
Whether you're interested in history, ghosts, or simply admiring beautiful architecture, Chillingham Castle is definitely worth a visit.
Herstmonceux Castle
Herstmonceux Castle is a moated castle in the village of Herstmonceux, East Sussex, England. The castle is situated within a deer park and gardens and is surrounded by countryside. The castle is a Grade I listed building and has been described as “one of the finest examples of an early Tudor brick-built mansion house”.
The castle was built in the 15th century by Sir Roger Fiennes, Lord Dacre of the South. It was bought by Edward IV in 1471 as a residence for his second wife, Elizabeth Woodville. The castle remained in royal hands until 1539 when it was confiscated by Henry VIII during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
The castle was purchased by Sir Edward Coke in 1622 and it remained in his family until 1923 when it was sold to Sir George Gage, 7th Baronet. The Gage family owned the castle until 1987 when it was sold to Raymond Burke, an American businessman. The castle is currently owned by Herstmonceux Castle Ltd, a company set up by Burke to manage the property.
The castle is open to the public and is used as a venue for events such as weddings, conferences and corporate functions. It is also home to the Bader International Study Centre (BISC), which is part of Queen's University in Canada.