England Castles

Below is a list of the most impressive Castles in England

Many castles in England were built after the invasion of William the Conqueror in 1066. Some were originally built as wooden fortresses, then rebuilt in stone over the next few centuries. Most of the larger castles are strategically placed to deal with invasions from the Scots, Vikings, Welsh and Europeans.

Click on Post-Codes for Maps, Directions and Reviews.

Tower of London built from 1066, situated in the centre of London
The most prominent part of the castle is the four spire White Tower, built by William the Conqueror in 1078. This is the most visited attraction in the UK. Here you can see the crown jewels, films of coronations, and hear about the many prisoners held and executed within the walls. Entry about £16.50 per adult. Postcode: EC3N 4.
www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_of_London.

Windsor Castle built from 1066, situated 22 miles west of london
Windsor Castle originated as a mote and bailey fortification built by William the Conqueror after his victory in 1066. Work to convert the building to stone began during the reign of King Henry II (1154-1189). King Henry III (1216-1272) is also credited with having the castle extensively expanded. Successive monarchs continued to extended the castle into what is now the largest continually inhabited castle in the world. Entry about £16.50 per adult. Postcode: SL4 1NJ.
www.royalcollection.org.uk
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsor_Castle.

Warwick Castle built from 1068, situated 97 miles northwest of London
From 1088, the castle belonged to the Earl of Warwick to serv as a symbol of his power. Most of the current castle was built between 1350 and 1400. The castle has interesting history being involved in the War of the Roses and English Civil War. There are many events held each year. Entry about £15 per adult. Postcode: CV34 5BE.
www.warwick-castle.co.uk
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warwick_Castle.

Arundel Castle built from 1067, situated 63 miles south of London
Arundel Castle is a restored medieval castle founded by Roger de Montgomery in 1067. Roger was awarded the earldom of Arundel by William the Conqueror. The castle was severely damaged in the English Civil War 1642–1651. Restoration took place in the 18th and 19th centuries. The castle remains the principal seat of the Dukes of Norfolk, open to the public to help fund the upkeep. Admission from £7.50 per adult. Postcode: BN18 9AB.
www.arundelcastle.org
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arundel_Castle

Dover Castle built from 1150s, situated 77 miles southeast of London
Dover Castle is a medieval castle founded in the 12th century. It has been described as the "Key to England" due to its location at the shortest crossing to Europe. Much of the present structure dates from the reign of Henry II 1154-1189, and the Napoleonic Wars early 1800s. The castle has a series of tunnels used in the Napoleonic & World Wars. Entry about £16.00 per adult. Postcode: CT16 1.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/dover-castle
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dover_Castle

Leeds Castle built from 1119, situated 42 miles southeast of London in Kent
Leeds Castle was built from 1119 by Robert de Crevecoeur to replace the earlier Saxon manor. The castle became a royal palace in 1278 for King Edward I of England and his queen, Eleanor of Castile. This castle and grounds are now run as a leisure destination with an aviary, a maze, a grotto, a golf course and what may be the world's only museum of dog collars. Entry about £17.50 per adult. Postcode: ME17 1PL.
www.leeds-castle.com
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leeds_Castle

Alnwick Castle built from 1096, situated 34 miles north of Newcastle, northeast
Alnwick Castle is the stately home of the Duke of Northumberland. The castle was built following the Norman conquest with it having been extended and remodeled a number of times. Alnwick Castle was built to protect England's northern border against Scottish invasions. Interest increased in the castle following it being used as a stand in for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Entry about £15 per adult. Postcode: NE66 1NQ.
www.alnwickcastle.com
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alnwick_Castle.

Durham Castle Built from 1070s, situated 17 miles south of Newcastle
Durham Castle was built in the 11th century to serve as a symbol of the Norman king's power in the north of England. Since 1840, the castle has served as the University College of Durham. Durham Castle is jointly designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Durham Cathedral, a short distance across the impressive Palace Green. Tours are about £5 per adult. Postcode: DH1 3RW.
www.dur.ac.uk/university.college
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durham_Castle

Bamburgh Castle from 1060s, situated 51 miles north of Newcastle
Bamburgh Castle is built on a basalt outcrop. This location was previously home to a wooden fort of native Britons that was destroyed by Vikings in 993. Since 1996, a team of archaeologists have worked on the fortress. They have since discovered the gold plaque known as the Bamburgh Beast as well as the Bamburgh Sword. Entry about £8.50 per adult. Postcode: NE69 7DF.
www.bamburghcastle.com
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamburgh_Castle.

Lindisfarne Castle built from 1550, situated about 61 miles north of Newcastle
Lindisfarne Castle is located on Holy Island, near Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland. The castle was remodeled by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1901. The island is accessible from the mainland at low tide by a causeway. Lindisfarne Castle is situated close to the Scotland border. This saw it involved in battles with the Scots as well as being attacked by Vikings. Entry about £6.60 per adult. Postcode: TD15 2SH.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-lindisfarnecastle
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindisfarne_Castle.