Castles

The ancient castles that are scattered across the length and breadth of Britain are testaments to the country’s fascinating past. Some have weathered and crumbled in time, leaving ruins ready to be explored. Others stand as proud as they once did when they were first built. However, they have all witnessed some of the world’s most significant events in history, from monumental invasions and the highest of celebrations to the bloodiest of battles.
Guards at entrance to Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Visiting Windsor Castle: HM The Queen’s weekend home

Find out all about visiting Windsor Castle, the location for this year’s royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

White Tower, Tower of London, history of London’s castles

The history of London’s castles

The capital is home to many palaces that have been impeccably preserved but London’s castles are a little more elusive. Here are four of the castles in London to have withstood the test of time…

10 of Britain’s best stately homes

Britain has a wealth of beautiful stately homes, many of which are used as sets for filming period dramas for film and television. Here is our pick of the best.

Windsor Castle

Six medieval castles near London

You don’t have to leave the capital far behind to immerse yourself in history. Pay a visit to one of these medieval castles near London for an unforgettable day trip…

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: five things you might not know

Scotland’s military tattoo is welcoming 1,200 performers from across the globe, including more than 250 piers and drummers, five UK military bands and a performance team from Japan 

Queen Victoria’s bedroom, Arundel castle, West Sussex, British castles, castle interiors, Victorians

Exclusive: Stunning photos of Arundel Castle

Take a look at these beautiful photos of Arundel Castle, which show the true majesty of the West Sussex castle in its 950th year

BRITAIN magazine

Castles you can stay in: book a room in a British castle

From dungeons and haunted turrets to four-poster beds and glorious spas, a stay in one of Britain’s castles is a magical and mysterious experience.

culzeancastle castle palace fountain green hedge window castles culzean

Help restore Culzean Castle’s kitchen garden

The historic kitchen garden at Culzean Castle in Carrick, Scotland, set to be restored using funds raised by the National Trust for Scotland’s US Foundation.

Edward IV: the first Yorkist king

Jeffrey James, author of book Edward IV: Glorious Son of York, introduces the charismatic older brother of King Richard III, a key figure in the Wars of the Roses.

Highclere Castle. Credit: Tony Harris/PA Pics

Life inside the real Downton Abbey

Listen to audio extracts from our exclusive chat with Lady Carnarvon, mistress of Highclere Castle – setting of everyone’s favourite period drama, Downton Abbey