Castles in England: A Journey through History and Wonder…
Whilst we might not be able to guarantee sunshine in the UK, what we can guarantee – in buckets! – is a long, fascinating, and at times bloody, history!
And that history is brought alive through our country’s beautiful collection of castles, which offer a unique insight into the story of our national heritage.
Even more, start talking to people about history and they’ll often glaze over, but bring them to an imposing castle, where they can walk along the ramparts, wander through turrets and towers, explore dark dungeons and cross drawbridges and moats and they are immediately captivated.
Castles in England
Experience the Medieval
There is something completely enchanting about visiting a castle, whether it’s a fully preserved medieval castle or the ruins of an ancient stone castle. It’s as if you are magically taken back in time and is a great way to engage children with the history of their country.
You can encourage them to imagine themselves being transported back in time. They could be a soldier guarding the ramparts or a medieval king or queen showing off their status and power in their grand castle. The possibilities are endless!
A Brief History of Castles
The first castles were believed to be built around the eleventh century in England following the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and were originally called ‘motte and bailey’ and were made from simple wood or stone on top of piled earth.
They gradually became more sophisticated, eventually being built from stone and many of these edifices are still standing today. King Henry VIII built lots of castles along the coast to prevent invasion in the early 1500s and lots of examples of these still exist to this day.
Castles in Northumberland
According to English Heritage, both Warkworth and Dunstanburgh castles in Northumberland, are in the top 10 castles in England, highlighting the strategic importance of this part of the country in history.
Warkworth Castle
Explore the majestic & enchanting medieval fortress overlooking the picturesque countryside.
Dunstanburgh Castle
Discover the breathtaking ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, a stunning coastal gem with memorable coastal view.
Alnwick Castle
Experience the grandeur of Alnwick Castle, a magnificent medieval stronghold in the heart of Northumberland.
It is thought that Warkworth Castle and Hermitage was originally laid out around 1150 and was home to the infamous and incredibly powerful Percy family from the 14th to the 17th century. The design of its 14th century great tower is architecturally renowned throughout the world.
Nearby, Dunstanburgh Castle was built later than its neighbour at Warkworth, but is no less grand with its walls being built on a simply massive scale and its position on a remote headland giving it an incredibly dramatic setting.
Alnwick Castle
No visit to Northumberland would be complete without admiring the imposing beauty of Alnwick Castle, which was again home to the powerful Percy family, this time for more than 900 years and its breath-taking grandeur is simply out of this world. Bringing things bang up to date, it was also where the first two Harry Potter films were made.
Windsor Castle
It is believed that Windsor Castle is the oldest, inhabited castle in the world, dating back to 1070 and 40 monarchs have lived here over the centuries. And it’s not hard to see why any self-discerning royal would want to live here with its awe-inducing sense of opulence and luxury.
There are 300 fireplaces and nearly 400 clocks at Windsor Castle and apparently it was a favourite with Henry VIII who used it for parties, tennis, dancing and even wrestling! The late Queen Elizabeth II loved Windsor for weekend retreats, though it’s thought unlikely that she used it for wrestling…
Summary
Curating an English castle bucket-list is nigh on impossible with literally thousands of possible candidates. Just as a starting point (and certainly not exhaustive!), other castles on England Heritage’s top 10 castles are Dover, Kenilworth, Tintagel, Bolsover, Portchester, Caisbrooke on the Isle of Wight, Middleham and Beeston.
What would be on your castle bucket list? Why not start planning a road trip to tick off as many castles as you can off your list? What a great idea for a holiday!
Holiday Parks Near English Castles
If you’re planning a trip to visit a historic castle in England and looking for the perfect place to stay, then you’re in luck! We’ve highlighted two caravan holiday parks near English castles in England so you can explore a historic site and a traditional English caravan break at once!
Haggerston Castle
Offering historic charm and modern amenities, Haggerston Castle Holiday Park features a Grade-II listed castle, a nine-hole golf course, and a range of activities, including an aerial adventure course, an inflatable arena, and pedalos. The park also provides a tranquil fishing lake for fishing enthusiasts!
Berwick Holiday Park
On the stunning Northumberland coast, Berwick Holiday Park is packed with activities and amenities—perfect for a memorable family getaway! The park features heated swimming pools, a scenic nine-hole golf course, excellent fishing facilities, and easy access to beautiful beaches and local attractions.