Best Castles to Visit in UK: A Journey Through History
The United Kingdom is home to some of the most reputed and well-protected palaces in the world. From medieval strongholds to royal palaces, the UK’s palaces offer an attractive glimpse into the past and are sure to be attractions for both locals and tourists. In this guide, we will take you through the best castles to visit in the UK, with highlights from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – perfect for history lovers, families, and curious travelers.
If you’re planning this castle-journey on a shoestring, you might also find our post How to Travel UK on a Budget: Smart Tips for Affordable Adventures very useful—it has practical advice on stretching your travel budget across the UK.”
Whether you are planning a UK Heritage Tour, looking for a romantic palace, or searching for the royal roots of the country, these historical sites deserve a place on your travel list.
1. Windsor Castle, England
Location: Berkshire, England
Why Visit: Windsar Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and is one of the official residences of His Excellency the king. It is rich in royal history and is a stunning St. George Chapel, home to many royal weddings and burials.
Highlights:
- Guard ceremony change
- Queen Mary Doll’s House
- State apartments and royal art collection
2. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Why Visit: Perched, dramatically on Castle Rock, is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Edinburgh Castle Scotland. It provides the city’s funeral view and is home to the honor of Scottish Crown Jewels.
Highlights:
- Fate
- Mons meg cannon
- Military history and the national war museum
3. Caernarfon Castle, Wales
Location: Gwynedd, North Wales
Why Visit: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Caernarfon Castle is an influential fort built by Edward I in the 13th century. Known for its giant stone walls and polygon towers, it is a symbol of English power in medieval Wales.
Highlights:
- Royal investment of Prince Charles in 1969
- Come on with the walls of the palace
- Family friendly exhibitions
4. Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland
Location: County Entream, Northern Ireland
Why Visit: These dramatic clifted ruins offer some of the most amazing coastal ideas in the UK. Dunlus is immersed in Castle Legend and was used as a filming space in the Game of Thrones.
Highlights:
- Causeway Coast ignored
- Medieval banquet hall ruins
- Mythological stories and legends
5. Alvik Castle, England
Location: Northernland, England
Why Visit: Known as the ‘Windsor of the North’, Alnwick Castle is one of the largest inhabited palaces in the UK and the Percy family home for over 700 years. It also worked as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter Films.
Highlights:
- Harry Potter Filming Location
- Night training for children
- Alnvik Garden nearby
6. Sterling Castle, Scotland
Location: Sterling, Central Scotland
Why Visit: Scottish is a symbol of freedom and the former home of Mary, the Queen of Scots, Sterling Castle is rich in both political and royal history.
Highlights:
- Great Hall and Renaissance Mahal
- Beautiful view ahead of the river
- Interactive exhibitions for all age
7. Conwy Castle, Wales
Location: North Wales
Why Visit: Convoy Castle, built during the victory of Edward I, is one of the best protected medieval fortifications in Britain. The surrounding city walls are also intact and moving.
Highlights:
- Eight huge towers
- Town Wall Walk
- Amazing idea on Conwy Estuary
8. Leeds Castle, England
Location: Kent, England
Why Visit: Often called “The Lovelyst Castle in the World”, Leeds Castle is surrounded by a trench and beautiful Parkland. It has been a Norman stronghold, royal residence and even a jail.
Highlights:
- Hawk display
- Maze
- Annual program and open air concert
9. Balmoral Castle, Scotland
Location: Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Why Travel: A beloved summer retreat for the royal family reflects the effect of Balmoral Castle, Queen Victoria and is used by the Royals to date.
Highlights:
- Royal estate and garden
- Exhibitions and Nature Trails
- Seasonal access (April to July)
10. Dover Castle, England
Location: Kent, England
Why Travel: Known as “Key to England”, Dover Castle has protected the banks of the English channel for more than 900 years. It played an important role in both medieval wars and WWII.
Highlights:
- Secret warfare tunnel
- Medieval great tower
- Roman lighthouse
Bonus: How to Plan Your Castle Tour
Planning a road trip around Britain? For the first time, visit our full guide on the UK Road Trip Route for visitors to find out how to add a tour of these palace.
Travel on a budget? Read our suggestions on how the UK travels on a budget in the UK – concessional entry tickets, rail cards and advice at the budget residence near the palace.
And if you are going out seasonally, do not forget our seasonal journey in the UK guide to learn the best time of the year in each region.
Final Thoughts
Britain’s palaces are more than just stone walls and towers – they are living monuments to a rich and diverse past. Whether you are following royal history, dramatic ideas, or filming places, this UK’s palaces should provide an unforgettable experience across the country.
So pack your camera, plan your route, and step back on time is to introduce the UK with the most notable palace.