England contains some of the most historically significant castles in Europe, reflecting nearly a thousand years of military, political and architectural development. From Norman fortresses built after the Conquest to later royal residences and coastal strongholds, these sites offer a broad insight into the country’s past.
This selection of the top 20 castles in England brings together locations chosen for their historical importance, architectural character and setting. The castles are presented in reverse order and entry links to a dedicated page with more detailed historical and visitor information.
20. Ludlow Castle (Shropshire)
Ludlow Castle, located in Shropshire, is a Norman fortress with later medieval additions, originally built to control the Welsh border. It served as the seat of the Council of the Marches and has royal associations, including the childhood of Prince Arthur. The partially ruined structure includes a gatehouse, keep, and chapel. Open to visitors year-round, the site offers interpretive displays, events, and panoramic views. Entry is ticketed with on-site facilities.
View full Ludlow Castle guide →
Official website: https://www.ludlowcastle.com
Google map 4.6/5
19. Tintagel Castle (Cornwall)
Tintagel Castle, located on the north Cornwall coast, is a medieval fortification with earlier occupation dating to the late Roman period. Associated with Arthurian legend, the site features dramatic clifftop ruins and a modern footbridge linking the mainland and island. Managed by English Heritage, it includes archaeological remains, coastal views, and visitor exhibitions. Entry is ticketed, with access involving steep paths and uneven terrain. Facilities are available near the entrance.
View full Tintagel Castle guide →
Official website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
Google map 4.6/5
18. Corfe Castle (Dorset)
Corfe Castle, located in Dorset, is a ruined medieval fortress built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Strategically positioned on a hill, it was partially destroyed during the English Civil War. The remaining stone structures and earthworks offer views over the Purbeck countryside. Managed by the National Trust, the site includes a visitor centre, walking trails, and seasonal events. Entry is ticketed, with limited facilities in the nearby village.
View full Corfe Castle guide →
Official website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
Google map 4.7/5
17. Carlisle Castle (Cumbria)
Carlisle Castle, located near the Scottish border in Cumbria, is a medieval fortress with a history of military use spanning over 900 years. Built by William II in the 11th century, it served as a royal stronghold, prison, and garrison. Key features include the keep, walls, and Captain’s Tower. Managed by English Heritage, the site offers exhibitions on border conflicts and Mary, Queen of Scots. Entry is ticketed with visitor facilities available.
Official website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
Google map 4.4/5
16. Skipton Castle (North Yorkshire)
Skipton Castle, located in North Yorkshire, is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England. Built in the 12th century and later expanded, it served as a stronghold during the English Civil War. The castle retains a complete roof, intact rooms, and defensive features including a gatehouse and watchtower. Visitors can explore the chapel, banqueting hall, and inner courtyard. Open year-round with ticketed entry and self-guided tour information available on-site.
Official website: https://www.skiptoncastle.co.uk
Google map 4.5/5
15. Richmond Castle (North Yorkshire)
Richmond Castle, located in North Yorkshire, is a Norman fortress built shortly after the 1066 conquest. It features a large keep, curtain walls, and views over the River Swale. The castle played a military role into the 20th century and includes a preserved 19th-century cell block. Managed by English Heritage, the site offers exhibitions, interpretive panels, and access to elevated viewpoints. Entry is ticketed, with seasonal opening times and limited facilities.
View full Richmond Castle guide →
Official website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
Google map 4.6/5
14. Raby Castle (County Durham)
Raby Castle, located in County Durham, is a well-preserved medieval fortress built in the 14th century by the powerful Neville family. The castle features a large hall, towers, and a collection of period furnishings and art. Surrounded by a deer park and formal gardens, the site includes walking trails and a visitor centre. Privately owned, Raby Castle is open seasonally to the public with ticketed entry and guided tours available.
View full Raby Castle guide →
Official website: https://www.raby.co.uk/
Google map 4.6/5
13. Warkworth Castle (Northumberland)
Warkworth Castle, located in Northumberland, is a medieval fortress associated with the Percy family, Earls of Northumberland. Built in the 12th century, it features a distinctive cross-shaped great tower and extensive earthworks. The castle occupies a commanding position above the River Coquet. Managed by English Heritage, the site includes interpretive panels and seasonal events. Nearby attractions include the hermitage chapel, accessible by boat. Entry is ticketed, with limited facilities on-site.
Official website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
Google map 4.6/5
12. Durham Castle (Durham)
Durham Castle, located in the city of Durham, is a Norman fortress built in the 11th century. It forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Durham Cathedral. Originally a bishop’s palace, it now serves as a college of Durham University. Access is by guided tour only, highlighting medieval halls, chapels, and living quarters. The castle’s elevated position offers views over the River Wear and the surrounding historic cityscape.
View full Durham Castle guide →
Official website: https://www.durhamworldheritagesite.com
Google map 4.6/5
11. Bamburgh Castle (Northumberland)
Bamburgh Castle, situated on the Northumberland coast, is a large coastal fortress with origins in the Anglo-Saxon period. Rebuilt in stone by the Normans, it was later restored in the 19th century. The site includes a keep, armoury, and museum galleries, with views over the North Sea. Still privately owned, the castle is open to visitors seasonally, with ticketed entry, exhibitions, and access to its extensive grounds and beachside setting.
View full Bamburgh Castle guide →
Official website: https://www.bamburghcastle.com
Google map 4.7/5
10. Alnwick Castle (Northumberland)
Alnwick Castle, located in Northumberland, is a historic fortress and the seat of the Duke of Northumberland. Originally built in the 11th century, it has been extensively restored and is still partly used as a residence. The castle features medieval towers, state rooms, and exhibitions. It is also known as a filming location for various productions, including Harry Potter. Open seasonally, with ticketed entry and family-oriented activities available on site.
View full Alnwick Castle guide →
Official website: https://www.alnwickcastle.com
Google map 4.5/5
9. Lincoln Castle (Lincolnshire)
Lincoln Castle, located in Lincolnshire, was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. It features a well-preserved Norman curtain wall with a complete wall walk, a Victorian prison, and a Magna Carta exhibition. The site offers panoramic views of the city and guided tours. Managed by Lincolnshire County Council, the castle is open to the public year-round, with ticketed entry and separate admission options for key attractions.
View full Lincoln Castle guide →
Official website: https://www.lincolncastle.com
Google map 4.6/5
8. Kenilworth Castle (Warwickshire)
Kenilworth Castle, located in Warwickshire, is a large ruined medieval fortress with origins in the 12th century. It was expanded during the reign of John of Gaunt and later transformed into an Elizabethan palace by Robert Dudley. The site includes a great tower, gatehouse, and reconstructed Elizabethan garden. Managed by English Heritage, it offers exhibitions, walking routes, and panoramic views. Entry is ticketed, with information panels and audio guides available.
View full Kenilworth Castle guide →
Official website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
Google map 4.7/5
7. Warwick Castle (Warwickshire)
Warwick Castle, located in Warwickshire, is a restored medieval fortress originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068. It features towers, ramparts, and a preserved great hall. Now operated as a visitor attraction, it offers exhibitions, reenactments, and landscaped gardens. The site includes family-oriented activities, seasonal events, and accommodation options. Owned by Merlin Entertainments, it combines historical architecture with commercial entertainment. Entry is ticketed, with various packages available online.
View full Warwick Castle guide →
Official website: https://www.warwick-castle.com
Google map 4.6/5
6. Bodiam Castle (East Sussex)
Bodiam Castle, located in East Sussex, is a 14th-century moated fortress built for defence and display. Although largely a ruin, its exterior walls, towers, and moat remain well preserved. The site offers views of medieval architecture and insight into castle life. Visitors can explore the gatehouse, climb towers, and walk the surrounding grounds. Managed by the National Trust, the castle is open seasonally with ticketed admission and limited visitor facilities.
View full Bodiam Castle guide →
Official website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
Google map 4.7/5
5. Arundel Castle (West Sussex)
Arundel Castle is one of the most complete and historically significant medieval castles in southern England, originally established shortly after the Norman Conquest in the late 11th century. It has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk for centuries and remains in private ownership, reflecting its long continuity as both a fortress and residence.
The castle features a well-preserved keep, extensive defensive walls and a series of later residential additions set above the River Arun. Its elevated position provides wide views over the surrounding countryside, while its interiors and gardens illustrate the gradual transition from military stronghold to stately home.
View full Arundel Castle guide →
Official website: https://www.arundelcastle.org
Google map 4.7/5
4. Leeds Castle (Kent)
Leeds Castle, located on islands within a lake in the Kent countryside, is one of the most picturesque castles in England. Originally established in the 12th century, it later became a royal residence for several medieval queens, earning it the description “the loveliest castle in the world.”
The present structure reflects significant alterations made during the late medieval and early modern periods, as well as extensive 20th-century restoration. Surrounded by landscaped parkland and water, the castle is noted for its setting as much as its history, offering a contrast to more heavily fortified sites elsewhere in England.
View full Leeds Castle guide →
Official website: https://www.leeds-castle.com
Google map 4.7/5
3. Dover Castle (Kent)
Dover Castle occupies a commanding position above the White Cliffs of Dover and has played a central role in England’s defence for over nine centuries. Established in its current form by Henry II in the 12th century, it incorporates earlier Roman and Saxon elements, reflecting its long strategic importance.
Often referred to as the “Key to England,” the castle controlled the shortest crossing point to continental Europe. Its extensive defences include a great keep, curtain walls and a network of wartime tunnels later adapted during the Napoleonic period and the Second World War.
View full Dover Castle guide →
Official website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
Google map 4.7/5
2. Tower of London (London)
The Tower of London is one of the most historically significant castles in England, founded by William the Conqueror in the late 11th century as part of the Norman consolidation of power. Originally intended as a defensive stronghold, it later developed into a royal residence, treasury, prison and place of execution.
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the complex includes the White Tower, medieval walls and a series of later additions. It is closely associated with key events in English history, including the imprisonment of notable figures and the safeguarding of the Crown Jewels, which remain on display today.
View full Tower of London guide →
Official website: https://www.hrp.org.uk
Google map 4.7/5
1. Windsor Castle (Berkshire)
Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest continuously occupied castle in the world and has served as a royal residence for over 900 years. Originally established by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has been expanded and adapted by successive monarchs, resulting in a complex that reflects multiple architectural periods.
The castle remains an official residence of the British monarch and continues to host state occasions and ceremonial events. Key features include the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel and the extensive grounds overlooking the River Thames. Its scale, condition and continued use distinguish it from most other historic castles in England.
View full Windsor Castle guide →
Official website: https://www.rct.uk
Google map 4.7/5