History through the ages: 13 UK castles to visit

Would it surprise you to know that the Tower of London is actually a royal palace? The existing structure in the heart of London dates back to the 13th century but it has since become one of the most iconic (and infamous) UK castles.

It might currently be the grand home of the British Crown Jewels. However, the Tower of London has had a long – and often – dark history. Over the centuries, it’s been a royal mint, a menagerie and a prison for famous kings, queens and peers.

In fact, the main courtyard was the site of numerous executions, including Anne Boleyn.

In the White Tower, you can browse huge displays of swords, armour and other artefacts. The castle’s chapel is fascinating to view, while the prison features gory displays of torture techniques used during medieval times.

Keep an eye out for the Beefeaters by the gates, too, who are always dressed in striking red livery.

Did you know? According to superstitions, the Tower of London must-have six resident ravens at all times otherwise the crown and Britain will fall.

Few UK castles have as ideal a setting as Bamburgh Castle. One of the oldest castles in England, its foundations date back to Celtic times when it was heavily prized by the Anglo-Saxons and the Normans for its strategic value.

You’ll discover it nestled atop a rocky outcrop along Northumberland’s coast and within the charming village of Bamburgh.

Bamburgh Castle played a key role in the War of the Roses and has been restored to its former glory. From the beach below, it is an impressive sight to behold.

Did you know? Bamburgh Castle was sacked by Viking invaders in 993.

You’ll feel like you’ve landed in an episode of Game of Thrones at Bolton Castle. This extraordinary medieval castle in England’s Yorkshire Dales has been impeccably preserved and was everything I’d hoped a 14th-century fortress would be.

Bolton Castle is nestled in Wensleydale, just 70 minutes from York. Once one of the grandest castles in the UK, its interiors are peppered with period features like original flagstone flooring, winding spiral staircases and a vaulted ceiling in the grand Great Chamber.

The kitchen, complete with a roaring fireplace, was a particular highlight for me, while the reimagined nursery features a fun dress-up box for kids.

You can also view the refurbished main bed chamber where Mary Queen of Scots stayed during her imprisonment at Bolton Castle in 1568. The grounds are also well worth a wander. Say hello to the resident wild boar, get lost in the maze, check out the castle’s vineyard or visit the on-site falconry centre.

Useful information: Double-check the castle opening hours before your visit as it’s often hired out for weddings and other events.

I’ll end our English segment at the biggest castle in the UK and the favoured residence of the royal family. The Round Tower and St. George’s Chapel are the defining features of this Windsor Castle, which is located just outside of London.

Windsor Castle is a true bucket-list destination for those fascinated by British history. It’s been the site of several major historic moments, from royal weddings to state functions.

Only a small section is open to the public – but it’s as lavish and impressive as you’d expect. Walk in the footsteps of queens up the Grand Staircase, marvel at the priceless artwork in the State Apartments and take a peek at the exquisite Queen Mary’s Doll’s House.

This is one of the most popular royal castles in the UK, so book your tickets in advance (it also makes your entry £2 cheaper).

Did you know? St. George’s Chapel is the final resting place of numerous monarchs, including Henry VIII and Elizabeth II.

Edinburgh Castle is one of the largest fortifications outside England and perhaps the most famous building in all of Scotland.

The history of this magnificent Castle Rock fortress in the heart of Edinburgh reads like a timeline through Highlands folklore.

It played a seminal role in both the Wars of Scottish Independence and the 18th-century Jacobite uprising.

Edinburgh Castle is home to the Honours of Scotland (the equivalent to the Crown Jewels) and houses several national war museums.

Don’t miss the firing of the legendary One O’Clock Gun or the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Did you know? Edinburgh Castle is built on top of an extinct volcano.

Tucked away on the shores of Loch Fyne you’ll find Inveraray Castle. It’s among my favourite castles in the UK thanks to its fairytale-like architecture and lovely location within a few minutes walk of Invererary town.

What’s more, it’s one of the best day trips from Glasgow, with the 90-minute drive door-to-door taking you through some stunning Scottish landscapes.

The existing Neo-Gothic castle dates back to the 1740s and is the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll. It’s hosted some pretty famous figures of the centuries, including Queen Victoria in 1847.

Inveraray remains the private home of the Campbell Clan, so its interiors aren’t open to the public all year round. If you do manage to peek inside, the main hall (whose walls are lined with antique weaponry) is particularly impressive.

Visiting between November and April? You can wander around most of the castle’s scenic estate. If you’re feeling energetic, venture over the little bridge that crosses the River Aray and wind your way up the path to Dun Na Caiche.

The enchanting folly proffers fabulous vistas of Loch Fyne and beyond, especially in the autumn when the surrounding forests are a riot of colour.

Did you know? This castle famously features in a Christmas episode of Downton Abbey when the family visit the Flintshires at Duneagle Castle.

Eilean Donan Castle is perched on an island in the shadow of the Kintail Mountains and it’s hands down one of the most idyllic castles in the UK.

It’s also utterly unmissable if you’re driving to the Isle of Skye via the Skye Bridge (plus it’s just 90 minutes from Inverness if you fancy a day trip).

The former fortress of Clan Mackenzie met a grim end in the aftermath of the Jacobite Rebellion when it was razed by British forces in 1709.

Restored in the early 20th century, including a brand new footbridge, Eilean Donan is now world-renowned for its beauty and incredible Scottish setting.

You can cross over the bridge to the island to admire Eilean Donan’s extraordinary exteriors for free or purchase a ticket to explore its refurbished interiors.

Due to its huge popularity, booking tickets to this castle in advance is a must if you’re visiting in the summer months.

Did you know? Eilean Donan Castle has featured on the silver screen several times, including in The World Is Not Enough.

Another must-see if you’re in bonnie wee Scotland is Stirling Castle. It’s one of the largest UK castles and has been a key strategic fortress for centuries.

Stirling Castle was a focal point of the Wars of Scottish Independence when names like Bruce and Wallace became legends.

Many members of the Stewart dynasty have been crowned at this Stirling landmark, while Mary Queen of Scots once lived there before she met her downfall.

A true masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, it easily ranks among the most-visited sites in Scotland.

Did you know? Stirling Castle has been besieged eight times throughout its history.

Few countries in the world can rival Wales for its sheer number of castles. You’ll find a huge chunk of them concentrated around the English border – including the impressive Raglan Castle just a few miles from Monmouth.

With its turrets, moat and imposing gatehouse, it’s a truly fabulous example of a late medieval castle. Raglan Castle has been the site of several sieges since it was first erected in the 15th century. It was one of the most famous castles involved in the English Civil War, changing from Royalist forces to Parliamentarian hands in 1646.

The latter destroyed a good deal of the castle and it was sadly never properly restored.

Despite lying in ruins today, Raglan Castle is still a truly atmospheric spot to visit. A highlight for me was the huge windows just beyond the gatehouse which once formed part of a huge gallery-style library.

There’s also the moated Great Tower and the magnificent staggered gardens which once overlooked an ornate ornamental lake.

Did you know? Henry Tudor (the future Henry VII) spent part of his childhood at Raglan Castle, becoming a ward of the Herbert family.

One of King Edward I’s series of ring castles, Caernarfon Castle was once a Roman fort on the banks of Afon Seiont.

It was famously plundered in 1294 by invading Welsh forces and witnessed another three sieges during the English Civil Wars.

Abandoned for centuries, Caernarfon was wonderfully restored to its former splendour and now stands as one of the most visited sites in Wales.

With its wonderful position on Caernarfon‘s waterfront (and boasting lovely views across to Anglesey), it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

Make your way around its iconic towers and make sure you head up to its battlements for epic vistas.

Did you know? Caernarfon Castle was the site of Prince Charles’ investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969.

Beaumaris Castle is our last pick from Wales — and it’s truly spectacular. It makes the list as another of Edward I’s ring castles to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s just one of many highlights of a trip to the Isle of Anglesey (don’t skip a visit to Holy Island, either).

Beaumaris was the last of the ring defences constructed by Edward I and is praised for its concentric circular design by master architect James of St. George.

The castle in the town of the same name is additionally the only one on our list that remains unfinished. It’s unsurprising that it’s been given the nickname ‘the greatest castle never built’.

Did you know? James of St. George also designed the castles at Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech as part of Edward I’s defensive perimeter.

This County Antrim gem is another castle which wouldn’t look out of place on a Game of Thrones set.

Situated on the shores of Belfast Lough, Carrickfergus Castle is a former Norman fortress and is easily recognised by the keep that towers over the rest of the fortification.

Carrickfergus had a long and distinguished history as a military installation up until World War I. An extensive effort to restore its original Norman structure has helped Carrickfergus Castle become one of the most famous UK castles in Northern Ireland.

It’s also a brilliant day trip destination from Belfast, with drive times taking just 25 minutes (45 minutes by bus).

Did you know? The castle was used as a garrison and an air-raid shelter in the First and Second World Wars.

If you look westward from the Giant’s Causeway down the coast, you might make out the craggy moor where the ancient Dunluce Castle lies.

This romantic ruin, which sits close to Ballycastle and just outside Bushmills, became famous as the seat of the Irish Clan MacDonald.

There are heaps of fascinating tales to discover at Dunluce – and one of the best involves sunken treasure. During MacDonald’s stewardship of the castle, a ship from the Spanish Armada was famously wrecked in the waters below. Its booty was plundered to fortify the keep and hugely restored clan fortunes during the Elizabethan era.

While the current castle dates back to the 16th century, there’s been a fortification at the site for nearly 1000 years.

Soak up vistas of the ocean from its roofless towers before checking out the displays of ancient artefacts in the Dunluce Castle visitors centre.

Did you know? The north wall of the keep collapsed into the sea during the 1700s.