Alnwick Castle
© Alnwick Castle
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Chances are you aren’t live no more than an hour’s drive from a castle, whether it be a ruin, a stately pile full of armour or a prehistoric hill fort. Virtually every town and village has a nearby castle, standing guard. Here are Show Me's favourites.
Alnwick Castle
Top of our list, and shown above, is Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. Why? Because it was Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films! Harry’s flying lesson was filmed here, and it was used again when Harry and Ron crashed Mr. Weasley’s car into the Whomping Willow.
Some of the wizards have stayed on at the castle, and offer muggles a chance to learn how to ride a broomstick.
Pevensey Castle
As most of you will know, the Norman invasion of Britain began when William the Conqueror landed on our shores in 1066.
The first thing William did, after drying out his chainmail, was to occupy the Roman fort at Pevensey in Sussex and convert its Roman remains into an imposing motte-and-bailey castle – the like of which were soon to spread right across the conquered lands of Britain. Motte-and-bailey castles have a wooden or stone keep sat on a very steep mound of earth (a motte) with an enclosed courtyard (a bailey) below. Both were surrounded by a ditch and a strong wooden fence.
Find out more about Pevensey Castle’s history on their website.Colchester Castle
Pevensey Castle© English Heritage
Colchester Castle was built more than 1,000 years ago on the Roman temple of Claudius. You can still see traces of the original temple today and you can explore the Roman vaults.
With so many layers of history, this a fantastic place to get lost in the past.
Walmer Castle
Walmer Castle in Kent is a well-preserved Tudor stronghold. It was built by Henry VIII to help protect his kingdom from the threat of invasion by France and Spain.You can run around the castle's Tudor gardens before exploring the castle’s many turrets and gatehouses. Don’t forget to check out their original pair of Wellington boots!
Walmer Castle© English Heritage
Kenilworth Castle
At Kenilworth, there is a massive but ruined castle that was once the biggest in all of England.With its atmospheric passageways and battlements Kenilworth Castle is a former stronghold of Henry II that towers over the surrounding gardens and lakes. With just a little imagination, you can transport yourself back to the days of sieges and jousts with no need for a time machine.
Kenilworth Castle© English Heritage
Beeston Castle
Beeston Castle is an unusual one - the architects who designed it were inspired by the Middle Eastern forts they saw on the Crusades.All castles should have a great view, so the people inside can see any approaching invaders, but Beeston possibly has the best views of all: you can see from the Pennines all the way to the Welsh mountains!
Beeston Castle Bridge and Gate© English Heritage
They also have some hidden treasure from the reign of Richard II – maybe you will be the one to uncover it.
Beaumaris Castle
Beaumaris Castle was one of the last castles built by Edward I. It is also one of the best examples of a concentric castle remaining today. A concentric castle is one that has two lots of walls, one inside the other.
With its complex of defensive walls within walls, gate houses, defensive towers, drawbridges and murder holes, this impregnable fortress sure is impressive.
Tintagel
Known worldwide as the seat of the legendary King Arthur, this is probably the most famous castle ever. Well, after Hogwarts.Joined to the mainland by a narrow stretch of land, there are many coves and caves to explore as you search for Arthur’s sword Excalibur.
Tintagel Castle© English Heritage
If you like to act, the staff at Tintagel have written a script for a play about King Arthur that you can download.
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland is one of the most dramatic castle locations in the British Isles. Perched on a rocky ledge, and surrounded on all sides by sheer rock faces, today it is still only reachable via a dizzying narrow bridge.Richard de Burgh, Earl of Ulster, built it in the early 16th century but it often came under siege. In 1584 the infamous Sorley Boy MacDonnell captured it from the English when one of his men, who worked in the castle, hauled his comrades up the cliff in a basket.
© Osioni via wikimedia commons
Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle in Scotland sits on the banks of Loch Ness. If you don’t want to be a knight you can always try your hand at being a monster hunter as you search for the legendary creature in the Loch.These are our favourite castles, but there are lots of castles all over the UK.
© Sam Fentress via wikimedia commons
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Chances are you aren’t live no more than an hour’s drive from a castle, whether it be a ruin, a stately pile full of armour or a prehistoric hill fort. Virtually every town and village has a nearby castle, standing guard. Here are Show Me's favourites.
