Top 10 Castles to Visit in the UK 2026

The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. A working royal palace with St George's Chapel and the stunning State Apartments.

A thousand years of history brought to life with jousting tournaments, trebuchet firings, and the finest medieval ramparts in England.

Home to the Crown Jewels and nearly a millennium of royal intrigue. The ravens and Beefeater tours make it endlessly fascinating.

Edward I's mighty Welsh fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The polygonal towers and eagle statues are unique in British castle architecture.

The second-largest inhabited castle in England, famous as a Harry Potter filming location. The neighbouring Alnwick Garden is equally spectacular.

A dramatic Northumberland fortress rising above sweeping sandy beaches. The views across to the Farne Islands and Holy Island are breathtaking.

One of Scotland's grandest castles, perched on a volcanic crag. The Great Hall and Renaissance palace are magnificently restored.

Often called the loveliest castle in the world, this moated Kent beauty is set on two islands surrounded by 500 acres of parkland.

Another of Edward I's Iron Ring fortresses in North Wales. The intact town walls and eight massive towers make it one of the finest medieval fortifications in Europe.

The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. A working royal palace with St George's Chapel and the stunning State Apartments.

A thousand years of history brought to life with jousting tournaments, trebuchet firings, and the finest medieval ramparts in England.

Home to the Crown Jewels and nearly a millennium of royal intrigue. The ravens and Beefeater tours make it endlessly fascinating.

Edward I's mighty Welsh fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The polygonal towers and eagle statues are unique in British castle architecture.

The second-largest inhabited castle in England, famous as a Harry Potter filming location. The neighbouring Alnwick Garden is equally spectacular.

A dramatic Northumberland fortress rising above sweeping sandy beaches. The views across to the Farne Islands and Holy Island are breathtaking.

One of Scotland's grandest castles, perched on a volcanic crag. The Great Hall and Renaissance palace are magnificently restored.

Often called the loveliest castle in the world, this moated Kent beauty is set on two islands surrounded by 500 acres of parkland.

Another of Edward I's Iron Ring fortresses in North Wales. The intact town walls and eight massive towers make it one of the finest medieval fortifications in Europe.