The English King Edward I conquered Wales in the late 13th century. In order to consolidate his power, and cow the rebellious Welsh into submission, he built a series of castles in the north of the Wales – known as the ‘Ring of Iron’. Most were built by his master…

Highclere Castle is home to Crawleys on Downton Abbey & the Earls of Canarvon (one of whom funded finding Tutankhamun’s tomb) in real life. Here’s our guide. Highclere Castle is more of a stately home than many castles on this site. However it is still very special and world famous…

No other royal residence in England has been put to such dastardly use or gained such a chilling reputation as the Tower of London. But before it became an infamous prison, it started life as a Norman castle. During the reign of King Henry VIII the Tower was transformed from a heavily fortified palace into…

There are some incredible castles across England, each with its own story to tell, and Skipton Castle in Yorkshire is certainly one of these. Based in Skipton, this is a medieval Grade I listed Yorkshire castle built by Robert de Romille, a Norman baron, in 1090. It has been preserved for more than 900…

Hidden away in the Peak District of Derbyshire, Bolsover Castle is a fairytale castle perfect for exploring, or combining a visit with nearby Chatsworth House, 30 minutes drive away. History of Bolsover Castle Bolsover Castle has a very interesting history, but not all of it is written down. The oldest…

Arundel Castle, which was built in the 11th century, is the historic home of the Dukes of Norfolk and has been continuously occupied and renovated over the centuries. This vast castle, located in splendid gardens with a view of the River Arun in West Sussex, was constructed at the end…

Durham Castle is a wonderful Norman castle in the centre of the North East England city of Durham, itself a wonderful old city dominated by the castle, cathedral and the university. Indeed the castle is now part of one of the university’s constituent colleges, University College (known colloquially as ‘Castle’)…

A little over 900 years ago, the first Tamworth castle was built overlooking the River Anker where it flows into the River Tame, in what is now Tamworth, England. Unlike many castles on this site which have Norman origins – castles are basically a Norman/continental European invention – the site…

If you’re looking for a breathtaking, history-rich destination in Scotland, look no further than Caerlaverock Castle. Pronunciation: Caerlaverock is pronounced ‘Car-Lav-er-rock’ This mighty, triangular, fortress has stood since the 13th century and has been witness to some of Scotland’s most dramatic moments. Today, the castle is open to visitors who…

Pontefract Castle is a castle located in the town of Pontefract, in the West Yorkshire county of England. The castle was founded by William the Conqueror in 1068 and has been described as “one of the key castles” of medieval England. The castle played an important role during the Civil…

If you’re looking for a fascinating day trip from London, Norwich Castle in England is the perfect place to explore. This historic castle has a rich history dating back to the Norman Conquest, and today it houses an impressive museum and art gallery. Here’s everything you need to know about…

‍ Windsor Castle’s been part of 1000 years of British History, and is still a centre of Royal life. It was the Queen’s favourite home (apart from, perhaps, Balmoral). However you’d be forgiven for thinking that the castle, with its fairytale turrets, ivy-clad towers and cobbled streets, is the fictional…

Fyvie Castle has been home to some of Scotland’s oldest families figures, and it’s said to be haunted by more ghosts than any other castle in the country. The Architecture of Fyvie Castle Fyvie Castle is a stunning example of Scottish Baronial architecture. It is built from sandstone and granite and…

Lincoln Castle in England is one of the best preserved Norman castles in existence. It was built by William the Conqueror following his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The castle has been used as a prison, a royal palace, and a military garrison. One of the few…

Ludlow Castle is a ruined medieval fortification in the town of Ludlow in the English county of Shropshire. It was first constructed as a wooden structure by the Norman baron Roger de Montgomery around 1085 and was rebuilt several times, with its final version as a stone castle being built…

Totnes Castle is the only castle in Devon (a county in the south west of England) that still has its original medieval walls. It is a small and unusual fortification, with origins dating back to before the Norman conquest of England. Its design and location make it unique, helping to…

Scarborough Castle is a medieval castle located in the town of Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England. The castle sits high above the town on a rocky promontory overlooking the North Sea and was once an important strategic stronghold used by both the English and Scottish armies. Today, visitors can explore the…

Hever Castle is a beautiful medieval castle located in England and has been called one of the most romantic and picturesque buildings in Europe. Almost everybody who loves castles and English history should visit Hever Castle. In particular it was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife to Henry…

Cardiff Castle is a Norman keep and Victorian Gothic revival mansion in Wales. The castle has been used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows, including Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes. Visitors can explore the tunnels, towers, courtyards and gardens of the castle grounds. But always be…

Bodiam Castle, a beautiful and historic castle located in the South East of England, was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a knight of Edward III, on the site of an earlier motte and bailey. The castle has been well preserved and is now open to the public as…

Kilchurn Castle is one of the most picturesque castles in Scotland. This beautiful castle, located on the shores of Loch Awe, has a rich history and stunning setting. It was built in the 15th century by the Campbells of Glenorchy and has since been passed down through generations of this…

Raby Castle is one of the most beautiful and historic castles in England. Situated in County Durham, Raby Castle has a fascinating history dating back to the Norman Conquest. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s stunning architecture and art, lovely gardens and parkland, and upcoming events. A Brief History of…

Urquhart Castle, Scotland’s third most visited castle, after Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, is an imposing ruin set on the banks of the iconic Loch Ness, deep in the heart of the romantic yet unforgiving Scottish Highlands. Urquhart Castle With Loch Ness In Background Urquhart Castle History Sitting on the…

Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most famous castles in Scotland. It is a classic Scottish castle that attracts tourists worldwide, all eager to witness this breathtaking place and the majestic view it offers. This castle is also the most photographed infrastructure in Scotland and has featured is several…

Best known as the Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family, Balmoral Castle is an estate house, a category A listed building, and one of the best-known examples of Scottish baronial architecture. Originally built as a hunting lodge by King Robert II of Scotland, the castle has passed through many…

(Originally posted at https://englandexplore.com/richmond-castle/) Richmond Castle in North Yorkshire towers over the prosperous market town of Richmond, and the River Swale. Here’s our guide. The castle was originally built from 1071 onwards by Alan Rufus after the Norman Conquest of England. It is referred to as a ‘castlery’ at Richmond within the 1086…

There are some incredible castles across the UK, and Carisbrooke Castle is one of them. Carisbrooke Castle This is a historic motte-and-bailey castle, which is situated in Carisbrooke Castle, a village close to Newport on the Isle of Wight in England. One of the most historic events that happened at…

Beaumaris Castle was built to be the titan of castles: four rings of fortress-style defence walls and a moat so vast it needed its own dock. Yet more intriguing still is that it has been unfinished ever since the 1320s. Beaumaris Castle Built in response to the Welsh uprising under…

Corfe Castle sits of one of the steepest hills in Dorset, England, overlooking the village of Corfe on the Isle of Purbeck peninsula. It nestles within a decisive gap cutting through an extended row of chalk hills, bounded by the towns of Swanage and Wareham. Where Is Corfe Castle? Corfe…

Harlech Castle looks out from an imposing rocky bluff, with the sheer peaks of Snowdonia as its backdrop. Located in North Wales, Harlech Castle has been awarded World Heritage Site status along with Caernarfon, Beaumaris and Conwy Castle.  Local legends place the site of Harlech Castle as the original site…

Resting on the River Seiont banks in northwestern Wales, Caernarfon Castle more than earns its reputation as a crowning achievement of Middle Ages architecture. Taking its moniker from the once-sleepy fishing hamlet of Caernarfon, Gwynedd, the castle now stands as a grounding structure in the World Heritage Site, which also includes…

Edinburgh Castle has a long history and several years of battles. It is one of the most enthralling sites in Scotland. Perched on Castle Rock in Edinburgh, the storied Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s oldest national treasures. As part of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site, this centuries-old castle nestles…

Yorkshire in northern England is a rugged county known for its warm non-nonsense people and gorgeous countryside. It has lots of treasures, from York and its Minster, the Yorkshire Dales National Park and acres of moorland which inspired the Brontes. However, it also has quite a few castles from the…

Glamis Castle, the ancestral seat to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, has been standing for over 650 years. It’s located in the village of Glamis in Angus, Scotland, just north of Dundee in Eastern Scotland: It’s open to the public (see below for more info) and is a popular…

Historical, magnificent and revered for their grandeur, Scottish castles are just as essential to the country’s stunning landscape as its lochs and dramatic mountains. Whether you’re dreaming of adventuring to Scotland or making actual plans to go there, these iconic Scottish castles should definitely make your list of must-see destinations.…

Conwy Castle in North Wales is one of the best preserved medieval castles in the UK. Read on to learn about this splendid castle. Where Is Conwy Castle? Conwy Castle is in North Wales, near the town of, well, Conwy. The castle is built on a rock promontory. Its defence…

The magnificence of Castell Coch in South Wales is due to its distinctive conical roofs. This castle is a wonderful image of an imagined medieval world. Even today, people vote it as their favorite building in Wales regularly. So, let us get to know a bit about this fortress in…

Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland is one of its largest inhabited castles, spanning over nine acres of land on its rocky plateau. Here’s our guide to this magnificent, ancient fortress… Bamburgh Castle Where Is The Castle? For almost 1,400 years, Bamburgh Castle has guarded the magnificent Northumberland coastline in the North…

Alnwick Castle – or the exterior of Hogwarts to Harry Potter fans – is a medieval castle in Northumberland. It is a big-time tourist attraction – especially now with wizard fans – and one of the biggest inhabited castles in England. It’s the home to the Percy family who’ve owned…

Stirling Castle is located at a strategically important spot, where the lowlands meet the highlands, giving a defence position. The castle has therefore played a pivotal role in Scottish history. In this post, we have highlighted the key events that took place in Stirling Castle. In addition, you can also…

Maiden Castle in Dorset is one of the largest and most complex Iron Age hillforts in Europe – the size of 50 football pitches. Its huge multiple ramparts, mostly built in the 1st century BC, once protected hundreds of residents. When it was first built, the gleaming white chalk ramparts…

Dover Castle is one of the most iconic castles in England. It also has the distinction of being among the oldest; it was originally fortified by William the Conqueror following the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Before it was turned into a fortified castle it was a general stronghold for…

Claiming to be the “loveliest castle in the world”, Leeds Castle in Kent (and, confusingly, nowhere near the city of Leeds in Yorkshire) is one of the most famous castles in England. Appearing in the Domesday Book, Leeds Castle has been a stronghold for the Norman armies, a royal residence,…