England isn’t just about rainy weather and tea — it’s a kingdom of stories. Scattered across the countryside are castles straight out of a storybook, from dramatic ruins on sea cliffs to majestic palaces surrounded by gardens.
Whether we love history, photography, or just pretending we're royalty for a day, these castles promise unforgettable memories.
Let’s explore 8 of England’s most magical castles — and yes, we’ll tell you exactly how to visit them!
1. Windsor Castle – The Royal Residence
As the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle, Windsor Castle is where the past and present of the monarchy meet.
- Location: Windsor, Berkshire
- Tickets: $40 adults, $25 youth (includes St. George’s Chapel)
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
- How to Get There: Train from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central (30–50 mins)
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or weekday mornings
- Tip: Arrive early to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
2. Arundel Castle – Hidden Gem in the South
Nestled in West Sussex, Arundel Castle is a Gothic wonder with manicured gardens and medieval interiors.
- Location: Arundel, West Sussex
- Tickets: From $25 (basic) to $35 (full access)
- Hours: Late March–October, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Getting There: Direct trains from London Victoria (1.5 hrs)
- Best Time: May for blooming gardens
- Tip: Try to catch one of the historical reenactment days!
3. Hever Castle – Home of Anne Boleyn
This romantic moated castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife.
- Location: Kent
- Tickets: $26 adults, $17 children
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM (gardens open earlier)
- How to Get There: Train from London Bridge to Hever, then a 1-mile walk
- Best Time: Summer for rose gardens
- Tip: Don’t miss the water maze — it’s more fun than it looks.
4. Lindisfarne Castle – A Castle on a Tidal Island
Accessible only during low tide, this Northumberland gem feels like something out of a dream.
- Location: Holy Island, Northumberland
- Tickets: $13 adults, $7 children
- Hours: Vary due to tides – check online before going
- Getting There: Drive to Holy Island causeway (check tide tables)
- Best Time: September for fewer tourists
- Tip: Always check tide times or you might get stranded!
5. Kenilworth Castle – Red Ruins of Romance
This red sandstone ruin is steeped in Tudor romance and royal drama. The views from the tower are breathtaking.
- Location: Warwickshire
- Tickets: $16 adults, $10 children
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- How to Get There: Trains to Coventry, then bus or taxi
- Best Time: Summer for garden blooms
- Tip: Download the free English Heritage app for a self-guided audio tour.
6. Tintagel Castle – The Legend of King Arthur
High above the Atlantic Ocean, Tintagel is all about myths, cliffs, and sea mist.
- Location: Cornwall
- Tickets: $20 adults, $12 children
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
- Getting There: Drive is easiest; nearest train station is Bodmin Parkway
- Best Time: May–September for clear skies
- Tip: Wear good shoes — there are LOTS of steps!
7. Raby Castle – Deer Park and Family Fun
A perfectly preserved medieval castle surrounded by wild deer and rolling countryside.
- Location: County Durham
- Tickets: $18 adults, $10 children (includes deer park)
- Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- How to Get There: Drive or taxi from Darlington Station
- Best Time: Autumn — perfect golden lighting for photography
- Tip: Ideal for families — there’s even a forest playground nearby.
8. Leeds Castle – “The Loveliest Castle in the World”
Floating on a shimmering lake, this Kent treasure is all about elegance and fun — complete with falcons, gardens, and a maze.
- Location: Near Maidstone, Kent
- Tickets: $35 adults, $28 children (valid for 12 months!)
- Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Getting There: Train to Bearsted + shuttle
- Best Time: Late spring or early fall
- Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the lake views before the crowds arrive.
Tips for Planning Your Castle Tour
1. Get a Rail Pass: If you plan to visit 3+ castles by train, a BritRail Pass or local railcard can save money.
2. Dress for Weather: Even in summer, castles can be chilly. Bring layers and a rain jacket.
3. Book Online: Many castles offer discounts or timed entry tickets when booked in advance.
4. Check Events: From medieval jousts to light shows, special events can transform your experience.
5. Combine with Local Towns: Castles like Warwick, Arundel, and Windsor are in charming towns worth exploring.
Make Your Own Storybook Adventure
It’s time to step beyond the ordinary and into a world of towers, tapestries, and timeless legends. Each of these castles invites us to experience something different — a royal procession, a quiet moment in a rose garden, or the thrill of standing on a cliff above the sea. These are not just visits — they’re memories waiting to be made.
So, which castle will be the first chapter of our fairytale journey? Let’s begin our adventure, one castle at a time.
Top 10 Castles to Visit in England | UK Travel Guide
Video by TRIP XTREME
