A Journey to the Best Castles in the UK

Updated On: January 04, 2024 by   Eman Sameh

The United Kingdom, from craggy Scottish Highlands to bustling England, is a land steeped in history and crowned with iconic castles. Their unique architecture and dazzling landscape make them sought-after destinations and a dream journey for visitors from all over the world.

Join us on a journey through the best castles in the UK, where we delve into the history behind these majestic fortresses in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England. Plan ahead and decide which of these castles is going to be your next stop, though we know it is going to be hard to choose.

Top Castles in Northern Ireland

From dramatic cliffside ruins to fairytale palaces and grand estates, Northern Ireland’s castles offer a journey through time and beauty. Picture Dunluce Castle’s windswept perch above the Atlantic, Carrickfergus’s imposing medieval walls, Belfast Castle’s Victorian elegance, and Castle Coole’s neoclassical grandeur.

Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland features a dramatic seaside location, intriguing history, and captivating legends. Built in the 16^th century and once inhabited by feuding clans, the Castle features medieval architecture and remnants of Victorian renovations.

You can discover the ruins, learn about the tragic kitchen collapse, and hear whispers of the haunting Grey Lady. Dunluce has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including Game of Thrones, further adding to its mystique and allure.

Carrickfergus Castle

Standing guard for over 800 years on Belfast Lough, Carrickfergus Castle isn’t just a pretty postcard; it’s a rugged Norman sentinel whispering tales of battles, empires, and everyday lives within its thick walls.

Built in 1177 by a Norman adventurer, this double-walled fortress has stared down Scots, Irish, English, and even the French, bearing the scars (cannon holes and musket slits) of its resilience. More than just a warhorse, Carrickfergus housed noble families and British troops, adapting to the changing tides of history.

Step back in time, imagining knights on the ramparts and ladies in the Great Hall. Explore the atmospheric Great Tower, its vaulted ceilings whispering secrets of the past.

Unearth history in its museum, from medieval weaponry to Victorian trinkets, connecting with the lives that once filled these ancient stones. Finally, conquer the keep’s steep steps and be rewarded with panoramic views of Belfast Lough, a perfect spot to contemplate this stoic sentinel’s enduring legacy.

Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle isn’t your typical brooding, battle-scarred fortress. Built in the late 19^th century atop Cave Hill, it’s a Victorian fairytale perched above the city, offering panoramic views and a charming escape from the urban bustle. Enjoy Belfast Castle’s ornate towers, arched windows, and intricate detailing that wouldn’t be out of place in a storybook.

Explore the Castle’s grand halls, decorated with Victorian-era grandeur. Wander through the State Drawing Room, admire the ornate ceiling in the Dining Room, and imagine elegant gatherings of Belfast’s high society.

Beyond its fairytale facade, Belfast Castle offers diverse experiences. Enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace with panoramic city views, catch a theatrical performance in the Cellar Theatre, or explore the city’s history at the Belfast Castle Cave Hill Visitor Centre.

Enniskillen Castle

Enniskillen Castle isn’t just a postcard shot; it’s a 15^th-century Maguire clan stronghold on Lough Erne, bearing the scars of centuries of conflict. From medieval skirmishes to WW2 bombings, it stands as a symbol of resilience.

Today, it houses the Fermanagh County Museum, offering a glimpse into its turbulent past and the region’s history. Explore the Castle’s depths, dive into local exhibits, and climb the Watergate Tower for panoramic views.

Castle Coole

Built in 1790, Castle Coole is a neoclassical palace exuding 18^th-century grandeur. Picture pristine white Palladian architecture, lavish interiors with intricate details, and serene parklands designed by a renowned landscape architect.

Explore the State Rooms, imagining noble gatherings, and delve into the fascinating story of the Hamilton family. Today, this National Trust property welcomes visitors to walk its grounds, breathe in the fresh air, and discover this architectural gem. 

Top Castles in Scotland

Scotland, shrouded in mist and legend, is a land crowned with fortresses of stone and story. From Edinburgh Castle, perched atop a volcanic rock, to Eilean Donan’s picturesque island perch, each castle will fascinate you with its charm.

Edinburgh Castle

Built in the 12^th century as a royal fortress, its walls stand witness to centuries of battles, sieges, and intrigue, whispering tales of kings and queens, soldiers and scholars who once walked its hallowed grounds.

Explore St Margaret’s Chapel, Edinburgh’s oldest building, and climb the narrow steps to the battlements for breathtaking views of the city and beyond. Delve into the National War Museum, tracing the evolution of Scottish warfare from medieval swords to modern weaponry.

More than just a military stronghold, Edinburgh Castle served as a residence for royals for over 400 years. Explore the Great Hall, where extravagant feasts were held, and the Royal Apartments, adorned with portraits and tapestries offering glimpses into courtly life.

Today, the castle houses several museums showcasing Scotland’s rich military history, the magnificent Crown Jewels (including the Honours of Scotland), and the captivating legends woven into the Castle’s past.

Eilean Donan

Built in the 13^th century on a tiny island where three sea lochs meet, Eilean Donan’s imposing structure has weathered centuries of conflict and change. While its early history focused on defence, the castle later served as a residence for powerful families like the Mackenzies and MacRaes.

Wander the restored interior, picturing daily life within the castle walls, from grand gatherings to quiet moments by the fire. Delve into the history of the Castle and its inhabitants at the on-site visitor centre.

Discover archaeological finds, uncover clan stories, and witness the dramatic 1912 reconstruction that brought the Castle back to life. Climb the narrow staircase to the top of the castle and be rewarded with the breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding lochs, mountains, and islands. 

Palace of Holyroodhouse

From Mary, Queen of Scots, who famously met with John Knox here, to Queen Victoria and beyond, Holyroodhouse served as the official residence of Scottish royalty for centuries. Explore the Great Hall, where lavish banquets were held, and Mary’s Bedchamber, where the Rizzio murder unfolded in a chilling chapter of Scottish history.

Wander through the Queen’s Gallery, showcasing exquisite artwork and royal treasures. Discover the Abbey of Holyroodhouse, a majestic ruin dating back to 1128, which is older than the palace and holds the tombs of Scottish kings and queens.

Stirling Castle

Guarding a key passage between the Highlands and Lowlands, Stirling Castle’s strategic location made it a major military hub for centuries. Explore its imposing walls dating back to the 12^th century, towers, and gun loops, imagining medieval clashes and the roar of cannons during sieges. Delve into the on-site museum, displaying weapons, armour, and artefacts that bring the Castle’s past to life.

Discover the fascinating stories of figures like Mary, Queen of Scots, who was crowned Queen of Scots within the castle walls, and James VI, who later became King James I of England, uniting the two crowns. Explore the palace kitchens, where elaborate meals were prepared for royal feasts, and learn about the daily lives of those who worked within the castle.

Dunnottar Castle

Beyond its military role, Dunnottar served as a refuge for Scottish monarchs and the site of significant historical events. Witness the Governor’s House, where Mary, Queen of Scots, once sought sanctuary, and learn about the dramatic siege that protected the Honours of Scotland, the nation’s crown jewels.

Delve into the fascinating story of Dunnottar through informative displays and guided tours. Uncover the stories of famous figures like the Earl Marischal, who defied the English crown, and discover archaeological finds that bring the Castle’s past to life. Explore the Black Watch Battery, a 19^th-century fortification offering panoramic views of the ruins and the vast North Sea. 

Top Castles in England

In England, you’ll find a wealth of breathtaking castles to explore, including the majestic Windsor Castle, the impressive Warwick Castle, and the iconic Hampton Court Castle. You won’t want to miss the stunning Dover Castle or the picturesque Bamburgh Castle with its beautiful gardens.

Windsor Castle

One of the best castles in the UK is Windsor Castle. It has been a royal residence for over 900 years. Established in 1070 in Berkshire, it is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world.

Witnessing over nine centuries of British history, Windsor Castle has served as a home to 40 monarchs, from William the Conqueror to the current King Charles III. Built initially as a defensive stronghold in the 11^th century, it evolved over time. 

Explore the State Apartments, adorned with opulent furnishings and artwork, and the magnificent St George’s Hall, where lavish banquets and state ceremonies are still held. Explore St George’s Chapel, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and the Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, a miniature replica of a real aristocratic home.

Warwick Castle

Rising proudly from the banks of the River Avon in England, Warwick Castle is a captivating time capsule transporting you to the heart of English history. Built in the 11^th century, William the Conqueror built it to guard a key crossing on the River Avon, which made it a crucial military base for centuries.

Beyond its military might, Warwick Castle evolved into a luxurious residence for powerful earls and dukes. Immerse yourself in interactive experiences like archery demonstrations and falconry displays, imagining life in medieval England. Explore the dungeon and torture chamber, learning about the darker aspects of the castle’s history.

Hampton Court Castle

Hampton Court embodies the architectural brilliance of the Tudor era. Later monarchs like William and Mary added their own touch to the palace.

Discover the opulent Queen’s State Apartments, featuring exquisite decorations and furniture, and wander the elegant State Rooms, showcasing the artistic styles of the 17^th and 18^th centuries.

Stroll through the magnificent gardens, designed in the style of the “Garden of Eden”. Marvel at the King’s State Apartments, adorned with portraits of his six wives and boasting a 90-foot-long tapestry commemorating the Battle of the Spurs.

Dover Castle

While traces of a Roman fort can be found on the site, Dover Castle we see today owes its origins to William the Conqueror in the 11^th century. He recognised the strategic importance of Dover and ordered the construction of the Great Tower, an imposing symbol of Norman power.

Delve into the fascinating story of the Castle through informative displays and guided tours. Uncover the stories of famous figures like Henry II, who expanded the Castle and hosted lavish tournaments, and Queen Elizabeth I, who used it as a base for her coastal defences. Learn about the Castle’s role in espionage and smuggling throughout history.

Bamburgh Castle

From a Celtic fort to the Anglo-Saxon stronghold royal palace to the Victorian restoration project, Bamburgh Castle witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties and the enduring spirit of the Northumbrian coast.

The earliest evidence of human activity at Bamburgh dates back to the Iron Age, with a Celtic fort occupying the site. In the 6^th century, Anglo-Saxon King Ida captured the fort and established Bamburgh as the royal seat of Bernicia, a forerunner of the Kingdom of Northumbria.

In the 19^th century, industrialist Lord Armstrong purchased the castle and undertook a major restoration project, returning it to its former glory.

Explore the restored state rooms adorned with Victorian furniture and artwork, and imagine the lifestyle enjoyed by the Armstrong family. Do not miss climbing the King’s Walk, a narrow fortified path on the castle walls, and be awestruck by the breathtaking views of the North Sea.

Must-See Castles in Wales

Wales is home to some of the best castles in the UK. It includes Caernarfon Castle, Edward I’s symbol of power; Cardiff Castle, a blend of the Roman and Victorian Era; Pembroke Castle; and Beaumaris Castle. So, be ready to be dazzled, for every Welsh castle is a portal to the past.

Caernarfon Castle

Built by King Edward I, this UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as a testament to medieval ambition and the complex history between England and Wales.

Inspired by Roman city walls and Constantinople’s imperial defences, Caernarfon boasts unique features like concentric walls, water gates, and drawbridges. Its polygonal design, echoing Roman forts, was rare in Britain at the time.

Explore the King’s Gate, adorned with heraldic lions and statues, and imagine the grand processions that once entered the castle. Don’t miss the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum housed within the castle, showcasing the history of the regiment from its origins to the present day.

Cardiff Castle

Situated on the foundations of a Roman fort in the 11^th century, architectural styles evolve, and the city of Cardiff blossoms around its towering walls. Its iconic Norman keeps a mighty stone atop a man-made mound and is the oldest surviving part of the castle. Climb its narrow steps and imagine medieval guards patrolling the ramparts, keeping watch over the surrounding landscape.

In the 19^th century, the 3^rd Marquess of Bute, one of Britain’s richest men, embarked on a grand reimagining of the castle. He transformed it into a Victorian Gothic masterpiece, adding lavish staterooms, opulent interiors, and breathtaking gardens.

Pembroke Castle

For centuries, Pembroke’s strategic location, guarding a key river crossing and commanding panoramic views, made it a crucial defensive point. From its early Norman origins, it evolved through the centuries.

In the 13^th century, William Marshall, known as “the Greatest Knight,” transformed the castle into a luxurious palace, adding the stunning Great Hall and state apartments. Later, fortifications were added during the Wars of the Roses, highlighting its adaptability.

Conwy Castle

Conwy Castle was one of eight castles built by Edward I in his “Iron Ring” to conquer and control Wales. It is a UNESCO World Heritage recorded site built in just four years between 1283 and 1287. While built for military purposes, Conwy also served as a royal residence and administrative centre. 

Climb the towers, like the Eagle Tower, and marvel at the panoramic views of the River Conwy and the Snowdonia mountains. Learn about the dramatic siege of 1294, when Welsh forces under Madog ap Llywelyn nearly captured the castle and the role it played in shaping Welsh history.

Beaumaris Castle

Unlike most castles, Beaumaris was never fully completed. Lack of funds and Edward’s focus on Scotland halted construction in the 1320s, leaving behind a perfectly symmetrical outer ring of walls, towers, and gatehouses but an empty inner ward devoid of buildings.

Beaumaris features an innovative concentric design, with two rings of fortified walls and a water-filled moat offering formidable protection. Don’t miss the Beaumaris Gaol and Courthouse, housed within the town walls. This atmospheric 19^th-century prison offers a glimpse into the criminal justice system of the time and adds another layer to Beaumaris’s rich tapestry of history.

The UK is home to some of the best castles in the world. From Windsor Castle and Warwick Castle in England to Edinburgh Castle and Dunnottar Castle in Scotland and Caernarfon Castle in Wales, these historical landmarks offer a glimpse into rich history and showcase stunning architecture.

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