When it comes to the best castles in England you really are spoilt for choice. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love a good castle, I’ll never turn down a castle trip.
Some of my favorite historic castles in England are Scotney, Bodiam, and Arundel. However they are so many to choose from. I’ve visited many and they are all brimming with history, each with their unique charm.
My advice is browse this list of castles in England and then choose which is nearest to where you are visiting. Whichever you visit I assure you you won’t be disappointed.
So get comfortable and let me whisk you away on an unforgettable journey. Let’s explore some of the fairytale castles in England. Now where did I put my crown and ball gown!
Oh and a tip if the castle you want to visit is part of the National Trust or English Heritage I recommend getting a membership. If you are going to visit more than one location as it will work out cheaper for you.
12 Best Fairytale Castles In England
Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
If you have children and are looking for a real day out then Warwick Castle is for you. There is so much to do here and so many activities. I personally find a little commercialized for my taste but it is one of the most visited castle in England.
It is one of England’s best castles and is wonderful. However it plays a backdrop to the activities that surround it. However saying that you can stay here which is on my bucket list !
The castle inside is beautiful and very opulent and I highly recommend taking the tour as I learnt so much. I particular enjoyed walking around the towers and the ramparts.
Dating from 1068 this castle was originally built by William the Conqueror. It is one of the famous castles in the UK.
This place is steeped in history and legend and it’s one of the best castles to visit in England with the most on offer. If you are after a fun and historic day out this is the pace for you.
Tower of London, London
A fortress, a palace and a prison this world heritage site is a must see. It one of the iconic old English castles.
You can see the crown jewels up close, talk to the Yeoman Wardens and you might even catch a glimpse of the infamous ravens. When it comes to castles with intrigue the Tower Of London really does have it all.
I was quite surprised at how big and sprawling this site is, I can only imagine how imposing it must have been in its day. The Yeoman Wardens Tours are also wonderful so definitely take one of those and book in advance if you can, it is sometimes cheaper and will stop you waiting in long queues.
The tower twilight tours are one of my favorite things to do in London, very atmospheric and show the tower in an entirely different light. I highly recommend.
As with most most interesting castles in the UK this was built by William the Conqueror as a show of strength. It stands today overlooking the city with much the same vigor.
This is one of the most famous castles in the UK and needs to be top of your list.
Leeds Castle, Kent
Leeds Castle is surprisingly nowhere near the city of Leeds and instead is situated in the scenic county of Kent. It has a little bit of everything making it one of the best castles to visit in England.
I found this place had all the fairytale vibes and then some, in fact there is so much to do here. There is a maze, a grotto, which I feel every castle needs, some wonderful garden terraces and a dog collar museum which is far more interesting than you may at first think.
This is one of England’s best castles and is a full day out experience. There is something that everyone will enjoy, it’s less child focused than say Warwick but still has enough to keep little and big ones entertained.
The castle itself is over 900 years old and mixes medieval with the 1930’s as a tribute to its savior Lady Olive Baillie who renovated the castle to a 1930’s retreat.
This is one of the busier castles and we all know I love the quieter spots but never the less I loved it here. It is one of the best English castles if you are looking for a full day out.
Windsor Castle, Berkshire
One of the best castles near London Windsor needs to be high on your to visit list. While most of these famous English castles on this list have links to royalty in the past this is one of the only one which still holds that role.
Windsor is recognized as one of the oldest and inhabited castles in the word. It was the Queens favorite home and is indeed where her and Prince Phillips bodies were laid to rest.
Of coarse it is ornate, of coarse it comes with all the pomp and ceremony of any royal residence and of coarse it’s picturesque and beautiful. And the surrounding town is also beautiful.
The castle dates from 1070 and was built by William the conqueror and its said to contain the oldest kitchen in the country. It is one of the best medieval British castles to visits.
Due to the fact it’s a working castle opening times do change and entry to certain areas might be restricted. I highly recommend a visit here and a tour it’s honestly so interesting. Its one of the best castles near London.
Scotney Castle, Kent
To me this is one of the best castles of Britain. It’s the first one that comes to mind when I’m asked about English castles.
There is a romanticism to this place that I haven’t really found anywhere else. It’s draped in Ivy and wisteria and surrounded by a moat making it one of the more picturesque fairytale castles in England.
It’s a 14th century moated castle and a Victorian country mansion in Kent. The 780 acre estate is also set in a beautiful wooded valley only adding to its charm.
Scotney Castle owned by the National Trust so check opening hours as I have been disappointed a few times thinking things should be open and they are not.
The facilities are top notch here and tours are available. You will also need to book your parking spot in advance which you can do on-line.
This is one of the must-see castles in England and has a little of everything. I’m sure you will love this place as much as I do.
This is one of the prettiest places in Southern England.
Arundel Castle, West Sussex
If you are look for a fortress in England they don’t come much better than this gem. In fact the whole town of Arundel is one of those hidden places that you simply must visit.
Arundel is an impressive building with a romantic exterior, beautiful gardens and stories that will make your toes curls. Started in 1067 the Norman Keep, medieval Gatehouse and Barbican still stand.
Inside and outside Arundel Castle blew me away and it’s hard to describe how this place made me feel. The history here is palpable and the grandeur breathtaking, there is nothing else like it.
There is tons to see and do here but again check opening times, England really does shut down in winter. Their are also loads of events that take place here like the medival festival and the tulip festival which is astonishing.
The only downside with this castle is public transport here can be a but tricky and West Sussex is often not on the tourist trail. Saying that though if you can make a special journey I would as it is so worth it.
This is one of the best medieval British castles.
Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
Bodiam Castle is another National Trust property and its different form the others because its partially ruined. It’s also spectacular and one of the most picturesque and romantic old English castles.
Built in 1385 you will find spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, and of coarse it is surround by a moat. The gatehouse is also very impressive and a perfect place to grab a photograph.
I do love a good ruin and this one is all full of arches, stone walls and incredible vistas. If I were to ask you to draw a castle you would probably come up with a drawing that looks like Bodiam.
There are all the facilities you would expect here with tours and activities for children.
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
I’m now going to take you all the way up to the top of England into Northumberland for our next castle. This medieval castle was used to film scenes in Harry Potter and has over 950 years of history to discover.
Alnwick Castle largest inhabited castle in the UK after Windsor been home to the Percy family for over 900 years. It is one of the best historic castles in England.
This castle is well looked after and a thriving estate with a collection of documents and antiquities that are nothing short of fabulous. This is a stately home come castle experience and I loved it. The gardens are also incredible.
Oh and if you need more convincing you can go broomstick training here. One of the best castles in England.
Durham Castle, County Durham
Another Willian the conqueror medieval castle surprise, surprise. This castle is now part of Durham University but you can visit it so don’t let that put you off.
The Norman Chapel within the complex dates from the1080s and is the oldest standing building in Durham City. There is a beautiful stained glass window in the 16th Tunstall Chapel, but what I loved most was the Black Stairs, built in the 1660s.
There really is so much to see here and if for you castles are all about history then tis is a must see for you.
If you want to visit just contact then and they can arrange a tour for you or let you know when one is available. You can take guided tours or self guided tours. I always think the guided tours are a better option if they are available.
Carlisle Castle, Cumbria
There is nothing fancy about this fortress in England. Carlisle Castle has stood stoically for over 900 year looking over the land below. It has indeed fended off many a siege and has been a working fortress within living memory.
his castle is robust, utilitarian and mighty in its own way, but instead of lulling you with it’s beauty it is steadfastness that envelopes you. It was built to do a job and it has done so for many years. It has even held a royal captive.
Carlisle Castle is owned by English heritage and opening times do vary so please check. I feel that this is a really good alternative to some of the more grandiose and lavish affairs and perhaps is one of the only ones n the list that really does what aa castle was designed to do.
Corfe Castle, Dorset
This National Trust property is one of my favorites. It’s has breathtaking view you can see for miles.
Corfe Castle is in ruins nowadays savaged by warfare in particular the English Civil War but you can see how imposing and grand it must have been in it’s day. Atop a hill the views from here are impressive now but must have been spectacular when the castle stood.
The best thing about this place is that you can watch the steam trains go by below which is super relaxing. It also is a perfect place for photography and all the fairytale abandoned castle vibes.
I loved it here and the town of Corfe is also super cute with some great tea shops. Be warned though this place is busy so if you can I suggest going outside of peak times.
This is one of the best castles in England and one of the most visited.
Corfe is one of those magical English villages.
Highclere Castle, Hampshire
If you are after a castle that looks more like a palace this is the one for you. Highclere is the building used in Downtown Abbey and is a standing testament to nobility and elegance.
The first records of the estate date back to 749 but the building you see today was built in 1679. The castle has 300 rooms, and while you don’t visit them all on a tour all the state rooms are covered.
There is also an a Egyptian Exhibition here which celebrates the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Lots of different tours and events are offered throughout the year so please check before you go to see what’s on.
These are in my opinion some of the best castles to visit in England. From medieval British castles to glamourous castles that are more like palaces I feel like I’ve included them all.
I hope you get to visit some of these fairytale castles in England and that you love them as much as I do. Have fun and let me know which one is your favorite.
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