Step back in time and explore the dramatic stone strongholds that define the English landscape. From royal palaces to haunted keeps, these spectacular medieval castles offer the perfect blend of breathtaking views and captivating history.
England is a land steeped in history, and nothing captures the imagination quite like the abundance of medieval castles dotted across its landscape. These fortified strongholds seamlessly blend breathtaking views with captivating pasts. Though built for bloody warfare, today they offer an enchanting window into the nation's heritage. Here are ten of the best to add to your itinerary.
The 10 best medieval castles in England
Warwick Castle
Founded as a wooden fort by William the Conqueror in 1068, Warwick’s strategic, hilltop location made it a formidable stronghold. Over the centuries, it evolved into a magnificent stone fortress around which the town grew. Today, it is famed as much for its family-friendly immersive events as it is for its resident ghosts, with visitors reporting chilling drops in temperature and eerie growls echoing from the dungeons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot16e0RiCqA
The Tower of London
Officially His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, this iconic landmark was built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s to deter rebellion. It later became a dreaded state prison, holding the likes of Guy Fawkes, Princess Elizabeth (the future Elizabeth I), and two of Henry VIII’s ill-fated queens, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. Now home to the Crown Jewels, the ghost of Anne Boleyn is still said to roam Tower Green.
Dover Castle
Known as the 'Key to England', Dover Castle commands the Kent coastline. While William the Conqueror established a fort here in 1066, the spectacular fortress seen today is largely the work of Henry II’s massive 1180s rebuild. Having withstood a legendary siege in 1216, this Grade I listed site now hosts vibrant historical exhibits for all ages.
Bodiam Castle
Breaking the Norman mould, East Sussex’s Bodiam Castle was built later in the medieval period (1385) by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge to defend against French raids during the Hundred Years' War. With its fairy-tale moat and grand rooms arranged around a central courtyard, it combined defense with comfortable manor-house living. Now looked after by the National Trust, it features fantastic costumed guided tours.
Alnwick Castle
Nestled in Northumberland, Alnwick was founded in 1096 to protect the English border from Scottish invasions. In 1309, it was bought by the Percy family, who spent decades adding watchtowers and a hidden emergency gate. Modern visitors will likely find it familiar; its striking architecture has starred in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves.
Note: Open from March to October; times vary. See ticket prices here.
Framlingham Castle
This Suffolk fortress was destroyed following a 1173 revolt, but its unusual rebuild skipped the traditional central keep in favour of a massive curtain wall with 13 towers. It was here in 1553 that Mary Tudor rallied her forces before marching on London to claim the crown. Now managed by English Heritage, it offers interactive games and excellent audio guides for families.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X297wxuJb-E
Hedingham Castle
This Essex gem boasts one of the best-preserved Norman keeps in Europe. Built in 1140 by the de Vere family—the ultra-powerful Earls of Oxford who were later involved in the signing of the Magna Carta—its walls soar over 100 feet high. Still owned by the family’s descendants, visitors can explore the spectacular Banqueting Hall, which once hosted lavish medieval feasts.
Durham Castle
Constructed in 1072 by William the Conqueror, Durham Castle was designed to defend the north from both Scottish invasions and local rebellions. Together with its neighbouring cathedral, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In a delightful twist of history, the castle has served as student accommodation for University College, Durham, since 1837, meaning it can only be explored via guided tours.
Windsor Castle
As the longest-occupied palace in Europe, Windsor Castle, one of the most visited castles, has been a royal residence since the reign of Henry I, having originally been fortified by William the Conqueror in 1070. It was a favourite of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, a parliamentary headquarters during the English Civil War, and a prison for Charles I. Today, you can tour the grand State Apartments. If the Royal Standard flies from the Round Tower, King Charles III is in residence.
Rochester Castle
Standing proudly on the east bank of Kent’s River Medway, Rochester Castle was built on a vital invasion route just after the Norman Conquest. Its crowning glory is the magnificent stone tower-keep, built around 1127 by William of Corbeil, the Archbishop of Canterbury. It remains one of the tallest and most imposing Norman keeps in existence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmePlJo3TbM
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