The most impressive castles in England
21.07.2023 - 07:48
/ roughguides.com
Historic attractions abound in our green and pleasant land. There are ornate stately homes, gothic cathedrals and chocolate-box villages at every turn, but among the most impressive examples of heritage are the slew of majestic castles in England.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to England , your essential guide for visiting England .
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, is undoubtedly one of the finest medieval castles in England. It’s owned by the Percys, the Dukes of Northumberland, who have presided over the estate since 1309. More recently, however, the castle found fame as Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter movies.
Take a scenic, coastal tour into the Kingdom of Northumbria and explore the medieval market town of Alnwick's stunning castle and gardens.
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Alnwick Castle was used in Harry Potter movies © Gail Johnson/Shutterstock
Another Northumbrian gem, Bamburgh Castle, can be found in the little village of the same name. It’s most formidable when seen from the beach, where acres of sky, sea and dunes lead up to the castle’s dramatic setting atop a rocky basalt crag. This impressive medieval castle first appeared in Anglo-Saxon times, but was heavily reconstructed in the nineteenth century.
Discover the Ancient warrior kings of Northumberland, visit Bamburgh Castle, and explore Ad Gefrin, England’s first whiskey distillery on this private guided tour.
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Bamburgh Castle as seen from the beach © Dave Head/Shutterstock
Its reflection shimmering in a lake, the enormous Leeds Castle, Kent, resembles a fairy-tale palace. First built around 1119 AD, it has had a chequered history and is now run as a commercial concern, with a range of paying attractions on the castle grounds including hot-air ballooning, Segway tours and jousting. The name is misleading: you’ll find it in the High Weald of Kent.
Enjoy a full day discovering the treasures of Kent, including visits to romantic Leeds Castle, historic Canterbury Cathedral and the dramatic White Cliffs of Dover.
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A misty Leeds Castle — majestic castle in England you should visit © JuliaST/Shutterstock
No historical stone goes unturned at Dover Castle, an astonishingly imposing defensive complex that has protected the English coast for more than two thousand years. In 1068 William the Conqueror built over the earthworks of an Iron Age hillfort here; a century later, Henry II constructed the handsome Great Tower. The castle grounds also include a Roman lighthouse, a Saxon church and a network of secret wartime tunnels.
Join a day trip from London to Kent and take a tour of Dover Castle, the country's largest castle.
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