British Castles

British Castles | Imposing Fortresses From The Past 1000 Years

British castles showcase some of the most impressive buildings in Europe.

We’ve featured several of these imposing structures – please find below a selection of castles from England, Scotland & Wales.

ENGLISH CASTLES

Motte And Bailey Castles In England (And The Rest Of The UK)

Share Tweet Pin Motte and bailey castles were introduced to the UK in the 11th century by the invading Normans. Their design originated in Europe in the 10th century, and they came to be strategically scattered across the British landscape, playing a pivotal role in the country’s defence strategies during the early medieval period. They … Read more

The Castles Of Tudor History

Here are some of the castles involved in the bloody history of the Tudors… The Tudor period was a tumultuous time. England’s aristocratic families were jostling for influence in the aftermath of the Wars of the Roses. The nobility was vying for power and influence at court and marriages between noble families created powerful alliances, … Read more

Castle Howard | Brideshead Revisited’s Yorkshire Gem

Set in the rolling countryside of North Yorkshire, magnificent Castle Howard’s roots date back to the 18th century. Here’s our guide: From its grandiose architecture to the carefully curated gardens, the house remains home to the Howard family, who open their doors to the public to preserve this national treasure for future generations. A Stately … Read more

Lindisfarne Castle: A Rugged Northumberland Gem

Lindisfarne Castle sits atop Beblowe Craig’s volcanic mound, on Holy Island off the Northumberland Coast. In this guide, we delve deeper into the intriguing past of this castle, its transformation into a charming Edwardian home, and its current status as a beloved National Trust property. A Historical Overview Contrary to what its serene presence might … Read more

Oxford Castle | History, Architecture & How To Visit

Oxford Castle, located in the historic city of Oxford, England, is a great example of the rich history of the medieval era. Standing for nearly a millennium, the castle’s foundations reach back to the 11th century during the Norman conquest of England. Through the passage of time, it has held various roles, morphing from a … Read more

Barnard Castle: Imposing Fortress On The River Tees

Here’s our guide to Barnard Castle, an ancient fortress on the River Tees, in County Durham, in the north of England. ‍Barnard Castle History Barnard Castle‘s origins can be traced back to the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century. It was founded by the Picard knight Guy de Balliol, who received estates in … Read more

SCOTTISH CASTLES

Craigievar Castle | Inspiration For Disney’s Cinderella Castle

If you are a Disney fan, you might know that the inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle was the Scottish fortified country house, Craigievar Castle. The fairy-tale castle is built with the Scottish Baronial style, and its owners have spent most of their life enhancing the beauty of this enchanting building. In this post, we have … Read more

Urquhart Castle, Scotland: Visitor’s Guide of Loch Ness’s Ancient Fortress

Urquhart Castle, Scotland’s third most visited castle, after Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, is an imposing ruin set on the banks of the iconic Loch Ness, deep in the heart of the romantic yet unforgiving Scottish Highlands. Urquhart Castle History Sitting on the shore of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle’s history goes back some 800 years. … Read more

Caerlaverock Castle: Scotland’s Triangular Fortress

A detailed guide to Caerlaverock Castle, Scotland’s mighty fortress. Discover the castle’s history, architecture and ghosts!

Fyvie Castle | 800 Year Old Aberdeenshire Fortress

Fyvie Castle has been home to some of Scotland’s oldest families figures, and it’s said to be haunted by more ghosts than any other castle in the country.

Kilchurn Castle, Scotland | Gorgeous Castle On Loch Awe

Kilchurn Castle is one of the most picturesque castles in Scotland. This beautiful castle, located on the shores of Loch Awe, has a rich history and stunning setting. It was built in the 15th century by the Campbells of Glenorchy and has since been passed down through generations of this powerful Scottish clan. Today, the … Read more

Eilean Donan Castle | Scotland’s Most Photographed Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most famous castles in Scotland. It is a classic Scottish castle that attracts tourists worldwide, all eager to witness this breathtaking place and the majestic view it offers.

WELSH CASTLES

Caerphilly Castle | South Wales Medieval Stronghold

Situated in the town of Caerphilly, in South Wales, this medieval stronghold is the second largest in the UK, surpassed only by Windsor Castle. What sets Caerphilly Castle apart is not just its size, but also its innovative use of water defenses and the distinction of being the first truly concentric castle in Britain. Its … Read more

Chepstow Castle and town on the River Wye, Gwent, on the border between England and Wales, UK

Chepstow Castle, Wales: Gorgeous Norman Castle On The River Wye

Chepstow Castle, located in Monmouthshire, South Wales, is a stunning fortress overlooking the River Wye. The castle was initially constructed around 1067 by William FitzOsbern, a Norman nobleman, and later expanded by Sir William Marshal, one of England’s most prominent knights. Known for its unique position atop a limestone cliff above the river, Chepstow Castle’s … Read more

Castell Coch | Discover This Fairytale Welsh Castle

The magnificence of Castell Coch in South Wales is due to its distinctive conical roofs. This castle is a wonderful image of an imagined medieval world. Even today, people vote it as their favorite building in Wales regularly. So, let us get to know a bit about this fortress in detail. Where Is The Castle? Castell Coch, … Read more

Edward I’s Ring Of Iron Castles | Caernarfon, Conwy & More

The English King Edward I conquered Wales in the late 13th century. In order to consolidate his power, and cow the rebellious Welsh into submission, he built a series of castles in the north of the Wales – known as the ‘Ring of Iron’. Most were built by his master architect, James of St.George, from Savoy near the modern … Read more

Cardiff Castle | Medieval Castle In Welsh Capital

Cardiff Castle is a Norman keep and Victorian Gothic revival mansion in Wales. The castle has been used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows, including Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes. Visitors can explore the tunnels, towers, courtyards and gardens of the castle grounds. But always be on the lookout for the infamous ‘Dragon’ of Cardiff Castle…

Beaumaris Castle | Explore Edward I’s Unfinished Masterpiece

Beaumaris Castle was built to be the titan of castles: four rings of fortress-style defence walls and a moat so vast it needed its own dock. Yet more intriguing still is that it has been unfinished ever since the 1320s.