Discover Castles in britain


Britain has a unique castle heritage. This Website is an exploration of some of the most awe-inspiring castles in England, Scotland and Wales.

Discover Castles is an independent travel guide packed with all the information you need to make the most of your castle visit and will provide you with lots to explore and enjoy!

Is this your favourite castle?

Popular English Castles

Historic Welsh Castles

Scenic Scottish Castles

Windsor Castle
Warwick Castle
Leeds Castle
Hever Castle
Arundel Castle

Cardiff Castle
Harlech Castle
Caernarfon Castle
Pembroke Castle
Caerphilly Castle

Edinburgh Castle
Balmoral Castle
Stirling Castle
Cawdor Castle
Glamis Castle

how many castles?


William the Conqueror brought castles to Britain when he invaded England in 1066. After his victory he ordered the construction of very simple castles, called Motte and Bailey castles. They were just earthen mounds, topped by a tower.

Later, stone castles were built, as they were much more sturdy and offered protection to withstand attacks by enemies.

Over the centuries, much more elaborate castles were constructed, used by the kings, and also by the kings most loyal subjects, like knights and barons, who fought in battle and supported their king.

By the 15th century castles were no longer useful as a place of defence and emphasis was given to more comfortable living conditions. By 1650, with the development of firearms and gunpowder, the great castles had outlived their purpose and fell into decline.

How many castles are there in England, Scotland and Wales?

Too many to visit in a lifetime.

On this site we shall visit the most famous, most picturesque and most notorious castles of them all.



Plan your castle visit


England, Scotland and Wales are full of Medieval Castles, Ancient Fortifications and Castle Ruins.

Various Heritage Organisations help protect and care for these unique historic buildings and landscapes and organize special Castle Events throughout the year.

The National Trust, Europe’s largest conservation charity, cares for hundreds of historic houses and gardens and miles of coastline and countryside.

English Heritage, as a registered charity, also manages over 400 historic sites and monuments across England.

National trust

ENGLISH HERITAGE

It’s well worth becoming a member to one of those as benefits include free admission to hundreds of properties and free or reduced price admission to their Special Events held throughout the year.


STEP BACK IN TIME


A castle was a fortress and a home for its Lords and Ladies, Knights, Soldiers and Servants.

In times of conflict and siege these fortresses were dangerous places, but castles were also full of ceremony and pomp and Entertainment.

Many British castles have a dark past, with Tales of spooky sightings and mysterious occurrences. Look out for Haunted castles steeped in Legend.

CASTLE LIFE

HAUNTED CASTLES

CASTLE  RUINS

Let’s start our castle adventure...