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A red stone castle on a high, wooded hill
View from the parkland of Dunster Castle, Somerset | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

Castles and forts

Royalty, wars and even ghosts – the castles we care for have seen it all. Choose from exploring early fort ruins, the battlements of a medieval castle, or a castle furnished with lavish 17th-century decor and step back in time at some of the best castles in the UK.

Best castles to visit

Two young girls standing on the hill below the ruins of a castle, the one nearest the camera blowing a long medieval-style bugle
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Family-friendly castles 

If you're looking for an activity-packed family day out, discover a family-friendly castle and enjoy a historic visit for knights and royalty of all ages.

A view of the classic pale stone Bodiam Castle with towers and crenellations surrounded a moat and greenery
Place
Place

Bodiam Castle 

With its full moat, original wooden portcullis, murder holes, spiral staircases and battlements, Bodiam Castle offers a tantalising glimpse of the 14th century. Check dates for tours and talks.

near Robertsbridge, East Sussex

Partially open today
Two visitors walk along a pebbly beach with their black dog on a lead. In the background, a castle can be seen on top of the cliffs.
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Place

Lindisfarne Castle 

Converted from a fort to a holiday home by Edward Lutyens, there's something magical about travelling across the causeway to this castle perched high on a crag.

Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland

Fully open today
A view of the castle through a blooming garden during spring time.
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Place

Chirk Castle 

Explore medieval towers and dungeons, or the lavish 17th- and 18th-century rooms of Chirk Castle. There's over 700 years of history to uncover, why not start with a hunt for medieval murder holes and finish with the King's Bedroom, where King Charles I is rumoured to have slept?

Chirk, Wrexham

Fully open today

Find a castle or fort near you

    A family in the garden in spring surrounded by daffodils at Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire

    Where will you visit next?

    Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.