The UK is home to some of the most breathtaking castles in the world—fortresses steeped in history, mystery, and fairytale charm. Whether you’re drawn to medieval ramparts, romantic ruins, or royal estates, there’s a castle in the UK waiting to capture your imagination. In this 2025 guide, I’ve carefully picked 25 of the most beautiful castles to visit—based on personal experience, traveler reviews, and historical significance. These are not just tourist stops—they’re full-blown time machines.
1. Windsor Castle – England’s Royal Gem
- Location: Windsor, Berkshire, England
- Founded: 11th century
- Why Go: The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world
- Plan your visit here
Windsor Castle is the weekend home of the British royal family—and it shows. With its lavish State Apartments, St George’s Chapel (where Harry and Meghan were married), and stunning views of the Thames Valley, Windsor is a must-visit. The Changing of the Guard is still as spectacular as ever.
2. Edinburgh Castle – Scotland’s Iconic Fortress
- Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Founded: 12th century
- Why Go: Dramatic hilltop location and centuries of Scottish history
- Check opening times and tickets
Perched on Castle Rock, this fortress dominates the Edinburgh skyline. Inside, you’ll find the Honours of Scotland (Scotland’s crown jewels), the Stone of Destiny, and sweeping views over the city. Visit in August to experience the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
3. Bamburgh Castle – Coastal Beauty in Northumberland
- Location: Bamburgh, Northumberland, England
- Founded: 6th century origins, current structure from 11th century
- Why Go: Overlooks one of England’s most stunning beaches
- Discover more at the official site
Bamburgh Castle feels like it was pulled from a fantasy novel. With the sea crashing below and miles of sandy beach stretching out, this castle offers beauty and drama in equal measure. You might recognize it from films like Macbeth and The Last Kingdom.
4. Caernarfon Castle – The Welsh Power Symbol
- Location: Caernarfon, Gwynedd, Wales
- Founded: 13th century by Edward I
- Why Go: Massive medieval fortress with polygonal towers
- Visit Cadw for details
Caernarfon isn’t just big—it’s a statement. Built to intimidate the Welsh, this castle blends military might with architectural beauty. It’s where Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales in 1969.
5. Leeds Castle – “The Loveliest Castle in the World”
- Location: Kent, England
- Founded: 1119
- Why Go: Surrounded by a moat, gardens, and wildlife
- Book your experience
Leeds Castle looks like a storybook illustration come to life. Once home to six medieval queens and later a luxurious estate, it’s now one of the UK’s top romantic getaways. The castle grounds also host falconry shows and vineyard tours.
6. Stirling Castle – Scotland’s Crown Jewel
- Location: Stirling, Scotland
- Founded: Late 14th century
- Why Go: Key site in the Wars of Scottish Independence
- Plan your day trip
Stirling Castle once rivaled Edinburgh’s in importance—and for good reason. It’s where Mary, Queen of Scots was crowned. The Renaissance-style royal palace and dramatic clifftop views make it one of the most immersive historical visits in Scotland.
7. Conwy Castle – Wales’ Walled Treasure
- Location: Conwy, North Wales
- Founded: 1283
- Why Go: Perfectly preserved medieval structure with sea and mountain views
- Official visitor information
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the finest examples of 13th-century military architecture in Europe. The surrounding Conwy town walls are also intact—you can walk the full circuit for epic photo opportunities.
8. Dunluce Castle – Ireland’s Cliffside Ruin
- Location: County Antrim, Northern Ireland
- Founded: 13th century
- Why Go: Hauntingly beautiful ruins on the edge of the Atlantic
- Explore via Discover Northern Ireland
If you love Game of Thrones or windswept coastal ruins, Dunluce is a must-see. The castle teeters on the edge of a basalt cliff, looking like it might plunge into the sea at any moment. It’s both dramatic and deeply atmospheric.
9. Alnwick Castle – A Real-Life Hogwarts
- Location: Northumberland, England
- Founded: 11th century
- Why Go: Filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey
- Book tickets and events
This majestic castle is still lived in by the Duke of Northumberland—but it’s also open to the public. Take a broomstick flying lesson or join a medieval reenactment. The surrounding Alnwick Garden is equally spectacular.
10. Tintagel Castle – The Legend of King Arthur
- Location: Cornwall, England
- Founded: 13th century (on much older ruins)
- Why Go: Myth, magic, and coastal views
- Visit English Heritage
Associated with the legend of King Arthur and Merlin, Tintagel Castle is more about mood than grandeur. Cross the dramatic footbridge to reach windswept ruins with jaw-dropping views of the Cornish coast. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy epic.
11. Dunrobin Castle – Scotland’s Fairy-Tale Château
- Location: Sutherland, Northern Highlands, Scotland
- Founded: 13th century (current French château style from the 1800s)
- Why Go: Looks like something straight out of a Disney movie
- More on Dunrobin Castle
With its pointed spires, manicured gardens, and dramatic seaside backdrop, Dunrobin is one of the most picturesque castles in the UK. The falconry displays and Victorian museum inside make it a full-day experience.
12. Warwick Castle – Live Entertainment & Medieval Action
- Location: Warwick, England
- Founded: 1068 by William the Conqueror
- Why Go: Full-scale jousting shows, dungeons, and immersive experiences
- Book Warwick Castle adventures
This isn’t just a castle—it’s a full-blown medieval theme park. From live jousting tournaments to the Kingmaker wax museum and birds of prey displays, Warwick Castle is ideal for families, history buffs, and adrenaline seekers.
13. Eilean Donan Castle – Scotland’s Most Photographed Castle
- Location: Dornie, Western Highlands, Scotland
- Founded: 13th century
- Why Go: Iconic location on a tiny tidal island where three lochs meet
- Plan your visit
Eilean Donan is an Instagram dream. Often seen on postcards and calendars, this castle is the definition of Scottish romanticism. It’s also appeared in James Bond, Highlander, and The World Is Not Enough.
14. Pevensey Castle – Where the Normans First Landed
- Location: East Sussex, England
- Founded: 4th century Roman fort; rebuilt in 11th century
- Why Go: Site of William the Conqueror’s 1066 landing
- Visit with English Heritage
Pevensey blends Roman and Norman history like few other places. It’s one of the oldest fortifications in the UK and has stood through invasions, revolutions, and World War II.
15. Raglan Castle – A Ruined Masterpiece in Wales
- Location: Monmouthshire, Wales
- Founded: 15th century
- Why Go: Lavish Renaissance design and dramatic decay
- See more from Cadw
This lesser-known Welsh gem features grand towers, carved stonework, and a hauntingly beautiful moat. It’s a favorite among photographers and a peaceful alternative to Wales’ more famous sites.
16. Hever Castle – The Childhood Home of Anne Boleyn
- Location: Kent, England
- Founded: 13th century
- Why Go: Tudor drama, topiary gardens, and a charming lake
- Hever Castle official website
Hever Castle is deeply connected to Henry VIII’s tumultuous love life. Inside, you’ll find original Tudor portraits, tapestries, and a collection of antique instruments of torture. Outside, the Italian Garden and 125-acre grounds are simply stunning.
17. Beaumaris Castle – The “Perfect” Castle That Was Never Finished
- Location: Isle of Anglesey, Wales
- Founded: 1295
- Why Go: Symmetrical design and flawless concentric layout
- More info on Beaumaris Castle
Built as part of Edward I’s campaign to conquer Wales, Beaumaris is widely regarded as the most technically perfect medieval castle in Britain—even though it was never completed. Its moats, towers, and views of the Menai Strait are still awe-inspiring.
18. Arundel Castle – A Hidden Treasure in West Sussex
- Location: Arundel, West Sussex, England
- Founded: 1067
- Why Go: Rich interiors, riverside views, and spring tulip festivals
- Arundel Castle website
Arundel Castle doesn’t always make the mainstream lists—but it should. The gothic architecture, royal gardens, and preserved Victorian rooms make this a true hidden gem. Visit in April for their famous tulip season.
19. Carreg Cennen Castle – A Cliff-Top Ruin with Caves
- Location: Carmarthenshire, Wales
- Founded: Possibly pre-12th century
- Why Go: One of the most dramatically located castles in Wales
- Visit details
Built on a limestone crag, this ruin feels remote and mysterious. There’s even a natural cave underneath the castle you can explore with a torch. Few castles offer such a sense of adventure and solitude.
20. Lincoln Castle – Magna Carta & Medieval Walls
- Location: Lincoln, England
- Founded: 11th century by William the Conqueror
- Why Go: One of the only places to see an original Magna Carta
- Learn more at Visit Lincoln
Lincoln Castle blends legal history with incredible views. Walk the medieval walls, tour the Victorian prison, and view one of only four surviving Magna Carta documents from 1215.
21. Bolsover Castle – A Fantasy Palace in Derbyshire
- Location: Bolsover, Derbyshire, England
- Founded: 11th century (reimagined in the 17th century)
- Why Go: Lavish interiors, unique riding school, and panoramic views
- Visit English Heritage for more
Bolsover Castle isn’t your typical fortress. Known as the “Little Castle,” it was designed more for show than defense. The painted ceilings, beautiful fountain garden, and riding displays make it feel more like a Renaissance dream than a battlefield relic.
22. Craigievar Castle – The Pink Castle That Inspired Disney
- Location: Aberdeenshire, Scotland
- Founded: Completed in 1626
- Why Go: Its pink exterior and turrets are said to have inspired Cinderella’s castle
Nestled in the Grampian hills, Craigievar Castle is straight out of a storybook. With its fairytale architecture and no artificial lighting inside, the tours feel incredibly authentic. It’s also a photographer’s favorite thanks to its color and charm.
23. Chirk Castle – A Lived-In Fortress with Lavish Gardens
- Location: Wrexham, North Wales
- Founded: 1295
- Why Go: Medieval fortification + elegant 18th-century interior
- Visit via National Trust
Chirk Castle is one of the rare ones that blends medieval grit with Georgian glam. Still lived in until 2004, its grand rooms are filled with tapestries, fine art, and antique furniture. The gardens and terraced lawns are a peaceful bonus.
24. Dover Castle – The Key to England
- Location: Dover, Kent, England.
- Founded: 11th century.
- Why Go: Overlooks the English Channel and has deep wartime history.
- Get tickets and info
Dover Castle is known as the “Gateway to England.” Not only is it historically significant, but it also hides WWII-era tunnels, a medieval lighthouse, and even a Roman pharos. You can easily spend a full day exploring the castle and its underground secrets.
25. Castle Howard – Yorkshire’s Stately Stunner
- Location: North Yorkshire, England
- Founded: Began in 1699
- Why Go: Technically a stately home, but it’s castle-like in scale and splendor.
- Explore Castle Howard
Featured in Bridgerton, Brideshead Revisited, and more, Castle Howard may not be a military fortress, but it’s undeniably magnificent. Its baroque architecture, grand fountains, and expansive gardens make it one of the most beautiful estates in Europe.
Final Thoughts
Castles in the UK aren’t just historical relics—they’re gateways into another world. Whether you’re chasing royal history, medieval warfare, coastal drama, or literary magic, the UK offers a castle that fits the fantasy. And 2025 is the perfect year to explore them—many are hosting new exhibitions, interactive tours, and seasonal festivals.
Quick Tips for Castle-Hopping in the UK:
Pack layers: UK weather is unpredictable—even in summer.
Use the rail pass: Many castles are reachable via scenic train journeys.
Buy tickets online in advance: It often saves money and time.
FAQs
Which UK castle is best for kids?
Leeds Castle and Alnwick Castle are fantastic for families, offering interactive activities and kids’ events.
Can I stay overnight in a castle?
Yes! Some castles like Amberley Castle or Thornbury Castle offer luxury accommodations.
Are dogs allowed in castles?
Some castles with extensive grounds (like Bamburgh or Conwy) allow dogs in the outdoor areas—but always check the website first.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
