It’s not easy picking England’s most beautiful castles. This is, after all, a country with around 800 such buildings scattered across its rolling landscape, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Though each grand and imposing structure has its own charms and devoted followers, there are a few that live in the hearts and minds of visitors long after they leave. These eight stunning castles in fair England are the pick of the best.
1. Dover Castle
Some castles are just a pretty face; some are more about the heritage than hot looks. Dover Castle is the full package. Dotted around the vast site are a Roman lighthouse (around 2000 years old), an Anglo-Saxon church (around 1000 years old), a tower with interiors recreating life under Henry II (around 800 years old), and secret WWII tunnels that shed light on the castle’s strategic importance – not just in the 20th century but throughout its existence. And exactly why has this site always been so vital to England’s security? The beautiful views from the grounds across the Channel to France and continental Europe answer that question.
How to get to Dover Castle: Frequent trains connect Dover Priory station on Kent’s Heritage Coast with London.
2. Durham Castle
The university city of Durham is famous for its magnificent cathedral, which is well worth a visit in its own right. But directly across from the cathedral is the almost-as-magnificent castle, sitting on the same lofty hill as its ecclesiastical neighbor and once the home of the bishop. Tours around this 900-year-old beauty happen daily but perhaps the greatest attraction is that, out of term times (the castle is now student accommodation), visitors can spend the night here. Rooms range from basic to four-poster-bedded, and most have views fit for a bishop.
How to get to Durham Castle: Durham is on the main London to Edinburgh train line with very frequent services to both.
3. Alnwick Castle
Located in Northumberland, Alnwick has been occupied by the Percy family, dukes of the county, for over 700 years. From across the River Aln, the view has changed little since medieval times – an assortment of battlements and towers that check every castle wish list. Head inside for grand Italian palazzo rooms filled with priceless paintings…
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