If you’re going to be spending any time in England, you clearly need to visit a castle or two. It’s just common sense. And it’s even better if you can actually spend the night in a stunning English castle. (Let me tell you, that’s definitely one of my favorite memories!)
There are tons of castles and castle ruins throughout England, many of which have dizzying historical importance (and even though I love castles there’s no way I’ve been to them all). But if you’re planning your trip to England and wondering about castles outside of London that you can visit or stay in, this list will help you plan and decide which ones should be at the top of your list.
1. Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle is a beautiful 14th century moated castle in East Sussex. Built by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge (a former knight of Edward III), this castle was originally intended to defend against French invasion in the Hundred Years’ War. The castle remained in the family line for many years…and then remained in the family line through marriage to the Lewknor family, up until at least the 16th century. Today, this castle stands as a glimpse into the medieval splendor of the past, and even though it has a ruined interior it is a delightful place to visit and explore.
Learn more about Bodiam Castle and how to visit!
2. Thornbury Castle
Thornbury Castle is just a couple hours west of London, and is a delightful castle, hotel, and restaurant that you can visit and stay the night in like I did. It has a fascinating history—from intrigue and beheading, to the honeymoon suite of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. You can even stay in the room Henry and Anne stayed in nearly 500 years ago! This gem of a castle is certainly worth a look if you’re near Bristol, and is even better when you get to spend the night in one of its many luxurious suites.
Check out Thornbury Castle and book a night’s stay!
3. Pendennis Castle
Pendennis Castle is another impressive castle/fortress to visit, and like Thornbury, has a Henry VIII connection. Built between 1540-42, this is one of his best coastal fortresses and was intended to protect against invasion from France. Its original circular keep was later expanded with stone ramparts and bastions to deal with the Spanish Threat, and then even later was even renovated by Charles II after he returned to the throne in 1660. If you love history, then this is one of the best castles to visit. It even was in service during the first and second World Wars!
When you visit Pendennis, you’ll get amazing views from the fortress as well as learning more about its history. You’ll experience what battle was like here and even meet important characters (in costume) from the castle’s past and watch the daily firing of the gun. This is an experience not to miss!
Learn how to visit Pendennis Castle and what you can see!
4. Dover Castle
If you are a history buff, then Dover Castle should be at the top of your English castles list. This medieval castle has been of key strategic importance throughout history, from its founding days in the 1180s all the way until the two World Wars. Since its early days, the castle hill has been reshaped in many different ways, as various inhabitants built towers and dug tunnels to suit the needs of the day. When you visit, you can explore the way this castle has taken shape across its history!
In other fun news, Peverell’s Tower at Dover Castle is available to spend the night in. It’s quite expensive, but if you have the budget and want to stay at the castle then I’m sure it’s a super cool experience! You can have a look at the availability here.
Check out Dover Castle to learn more before you go!
5. Amberley Castle
Amberley Castle stands in West Sussex in the village of Amberley. It started as a beautiful 12th century manor house, and only later in 1377 was fortified with high walls and towers to transform it into a castle.
Much of the fortification is still in place today, and the old manor house is now used as a beautiful hotel with an amazing interior. It’s the perfect place to relax in the countryside and enjoy the gorgeous castle surroundings!
Check out Amberley Castle or make a reservation to stay the night!
6. Lumley Castle
Like Amberley, Lumley Castle is an old manor house that is now a hotel. This manor house was converted into a castle by Sir Ralph Lumley, the original owner and builder, when he came home from war in 1389. It’s a beautiful castle and property and is now a Grade I listed building, so if you’re looking for a castle to see or accommodation near Durham then this could be an excellent choice!
Click here to check for availability at Lumley Castle!
7. Tintagel Castle
Tintagel Castle is an amazing site to visit for literary enthusiasts. It’s situated on Cornwall’s coast and has been linked with the legend of King Arthur all the way back to Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Historia Regum Britanniae (The History of the Kings of Britain). Although there’s no real historical evidence for this link, the idea was borrowed and used again and again throughout literary history from the works of Alfred, Lord Tennyson to Algernon Charles Swinburne and Thomas Hardy.
Richard, the 1st Earl of Cornwall, built the castle on this site in the 13th century…but it has since fallen into disrepair. However, just because this is a ruined castle is no reason not to go. As a site that set the minds of writers, artists, and many others ablaze with imagination, this dramatic coast and castle definitely deserves a look!
8. Langley Castle
Langley Castle is a medieval tower house (built for defense and habitation) in the Northumbrian valley. This Grade I listed building was built in the 14th century by Sir Thomas de Lucy…but it was attacked and ruined in 1405 by the army of Henry IV. While this gem remained a ruin until 1882, it has since had a long and varied history including use as barracks in World War II, becoming a girls’ school, and finally being converted into a luxury hotel in the late 1980s. It sounds like an exceptional place to stay, and is definitely on my wish list!
Check out this luxury hotel and see if you want to spend a night here!
9. Beeston Castle
The ruins of Beeston Castle is a fascinating spot to visit, with plenty of history and dramatic views to make it worth your while. While the castle itself was built in the 1220s, the site incorporates elements from as far back as the time of an Iron Age hillfort.
When Ranulf, the original builder of this castle, returned home from war he found the king’s viceroy confiscating lands from others he knew. So he soon began construction on this impressive castle to defend his position and show the strength at his command so he would be less likely to lose his land. After his successor died without an heir, however, Henry III seized the castle and held it as royal property until the 16th century when it was partially demolished after a siege.
Today you can visit and learn more about this fascinating history, as well as marvel at the ruins that, like Tintagel, provided much inspiration to Romantic artists and painters.
See all that Beeston Castle has to offer!
10. Bolsover Castle
Bolsover Castle was originally built in Derbyshire in the late 11th century by the Peverel family, specifically William Peverel who was one of William the Conqueror’s knights. But after a few centuries of neglect, a new castle was begun on this site by Sir Charles Cavendish. This “Little Castle” that started construction in 1612 is the current building on site and was designed with Romanesque elements in mind. While the current castle was used as an aristocratic retreat instead of a fortress, it is still an extraordinary and beautiful place to visit with much architectural and historical merit. You can enjoy wandering the lavish rooms inside the castle, exploring the wall walk, and seeing the exhibitions and extensive grounds on the site.
Check out Bolsover Castle and all you can see and do here!
How to Visit These Amazing Castles Outside of London
If you checked out any of the castles or castle ruins above, you may have noticed that quite a few of them are English Heritage properties and some are National Trust properties. If you plan to visit several of these castles or any other historical sites (Stonehenge, Hadrian’s Wall, etc.) then I recommend purchasing a pass as it could save you quite a lot of money. You really only have to visit three sites and you already come out ahead!
The Heritage Pass and the National Trust Pass have quite a bit of overlap on their properties but are not identical, so you will want to check out the sites you want to visit and see which one is the best option for you (or maybe even buy both depending on your plans!).
For reference, though, the English Heritage pass grants access to over 100 historic places for £35-42 per person. This pass in general gives more access to historic places/castles (especially ruined castles). Check out more information about English Heritage or purchase this pass here.
The National Trust Touring Pass, on the other hand, offers admission to over 300 locations (many of which are houses and gardens). It costs around £33-38 per person depending on the ticket length you choose. Click here to check out the Touring Pass and buy tickets!
Castle Map
Save for Later
