Castles Near You

Imposing relics of history, impressive palaces for the nobility, and crumbling ruins to explore... the UK is covered in castles, so you're sure to find one worth visiting near you.

There's a wide range of experiences to choose from. You can take in the history of huge fortifications like the incredibly well-preserved 13th-century Caerphilly Castle, explore the bloody past of the Tower of London, or let your imagination run wild as you trek to tumble-down ruins like Castle Caldwell.

Your kids are sure to love charging about as they pretend to be knights, knaves, princes and princesses, with lots to do for youngsters and adults alike. Not to mention the lovely souvenirs to be had and memories to be made.

With so many castles, keeps, and palaces dotted all over the countryside, it's almost harder to not go and visit one! Have a browse through our handy list, and find the best castles to explore in your area.

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Raby Castle Park and Gardens, Darlington

Darlington

Set in the heart of the Durham Dales in Co Durham, enjoy a family day out at Raby Castle. Explore the wonderful rooms of the Castle or take a quiet walk in the pictures...

Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd

Caernarfon

Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. This fortress-palace on the banks of the River Seiont is grouped wi...

Kelburn Castle and Estate

Ayrshire

Kelburn Castle and Estate always has something to keep the kids occupied! Their most popular attraction is the Secret Forest: a fairy tale inspired maze with a witch’s c...

Pembroke Castle, Pembrokeshire

Pembroke

Pembroke Castle is a medieval castle in the centre of Pembroke, Pembrokeshire in Wales. The castle was the original family seat of the Earldom of Pembroke. A Grade I listed...

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, County Down

Hillsborough

Visit Hillsborough Castle and discover over 100 acres of ornamental lawns, meandering waterways, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens throughout the seasons. Hillsbo...

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

Edinburgh

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, King Charles III. Located at the bot...

Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire

Ballater

Balmoral Castle is a large estate house in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and a residence of the British royal family. It is near the village of Crathie, 9 miles west of Ballater...

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh

A trip to Scotland’s capital isn’t complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle. Part of The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site and standing majestically on...

Fonmon Castle, Vale of Glamorgan

Barry

Built in 1180, the unique Fonmon Castle in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan, has been owned by just three former families in its 800 year history. Combining a fascinating hi...

Hertford Castle, Hertfordshire

Hertford

Hertford Castle is an iconic Grade 1 listed building dating from the 15th century positioned within beautiful gardens alongside the River Lea. We warmly welcome you to come...

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

Alnwick

Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England. This castle has been the setting for many film and television productions including Harry Potter and Downt...

Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve, Dorset

Swanage

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve is the perfect place to start exploring Dorset’s Jurassic coast. Acres of wildflower meadows, sea cliffs, woodland, superb...

Windsor Castle

Windsor

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It is open to visitors throughout the year. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, ...

Leeds Castle, Kent

Maidstone

Visitors never forget their first breathtaking vision of Leeds Castle in Kent, rising majestically from the moat as it has done for more than 900 years. With 500 acres o...

Hever Castle & Gardens, Kent

Edenbridge

Visit Hever Castle & Gardens for the perfect day out in West Kent. Experience 700 years of history at the romantic double-moated castle once the childhood home of Anne B...

Arundel Castle, West Sussex

West Sussex

Set high on a hill in West Sussex, the great Arundel Castle commands the landscape with magnificent views across the South Downs and the River Arun. Founded at the end o...

Cardiff Castle / Castell Caerdydd, Cardiff

Cardiff

2,000 years of history has shaped Cardiff Castle into a spectacular and fascinating site at the heart of one of the UK's most vibrant cities. Located in the heart of th...

Castell Coch, South Wales

Cardiff

Welcome to Castell Coch — Wales's fairytale castle. Grand turrets, lavish interiors and an enchanting woodland setting make this castle truly magical. Take your princes...

St. Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff

Cardiff

Set in 100 acres of beautiful parkland, this is one of Europe's largest open-air museums. There is lots to entertain the whole family. Over 40 buildings have been transp...

Caerphilly Castle

Caerphilly

One of the largest medieval fortresses in Britain, begun in 1268, the castle is famous for its leaning tower and its ringed stone and water defences. Enjoy the impressiv...