Top 5 English castles to visit
Great Britain is full of castles steeped in history and legend. Over the years they have been visited by people from all walks of life from all over the world. The popularity of visiting castles has increased recently due to the popular TV show “Game of Thrones”, which is based on George RR Martin’s best-selling fantasy novels that take inspiration from British history.
Some of the most popular castles to visit include:
warwick castle
Warwick Castle was built in 1068 and is located in Warwickshire, England. Until 25 years ago, generations of Earls of Warwick lived at the castle. It is famous for its jousting and today you can visit the castle and watch a re-enactment. One of the largest working catapults in the world has been built on the grounds of Warwick Castle. This catapult, once known as a trebuchet, can launch a 150kg rock over 300m and travel at speeds of over 250km per hour. Today you can visit the caste and join the many attractions and interactive events that take place throughout the year.
windsor castle
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It is 900 years old and is much more than a castle. On the castle grounds there are several houses, a large church and also a royal palace. The castle is situated on a cliff overlooking the Thames 20 miles west of London. It was built strictly for defense and the site was chosen because it was a day’s walk from the Tower of London. Today it is the weekend home of Queen Elizabeth II.
Hampton Court Castle
Hampton Court Castle is a 15th-century medieval castle located a few miles from London in the Herefordshire countryside. The estate consists of 1,000 acres with beautifully landscaped award winning gardens. The Castle is open to the public but can also be rented for weddings or other events. The building was established in 1434, but was renovated in the 20th century.
leeds castle
Leeds Castle is located in Kent and has been open to the public since 1976. It is surrounded by a moat and 500 acres of gardens. It is at least 900 years old and was originally built as a Saxon mansion in 857 AD Over the years it has been home to many kings and queens of England, including Queen Elizabeth, Edward III and most notably Henry VII. King Henry VIII converted the castle into a royal palace listed in the Domesday Book. Today it is run by the Leeds Castle Trust and can be rented out for idyllic weddings.
Tower of London Castle
The Tower of London is a castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. Steeped in history, the Tower of London is one of the most popular attractions to visit in London. The real name of the Tower is Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, the Tower of London. It was originally built as a Royal Palace and defensive fortress, and built by William the Conqueror. During World War II it was used as a prisoner of war camp. Queen Anne Boleyn led in 1536 and many more followed. The last execution took place on August 14, 1941, when Josef Jakobs, a German spy, was shot. For centuries, the Tower has housed the Crown Jewels, estimated to be worth at least £20 billion.
There are many more castles worth a visit in Great Britain. It all depends on where you are staying or are prepared to travel. Each and every one of the castles has its own unique story and will be a great day out for the whole family.