Throughout history, England has seen its share of conflicts with invaders from far-flung shores, such as the Romans and the Vikings, as well as Napoleonic France. To better fortify itself against attackers, many impressive castles were built near coastal areas, particularly after the Norman invasion of 1066 by William the Conqueror.
The tradition of castle building in England evolved considerably from the time of the Norman conquest, with many prominent fortresses being raised throughout the centuries to guard against external and internal threats before undergoing conversion into palaces and private residences. England has an affinity with castles that has seen them evolve from simple fortifications into some of the grandest residences still in use today.
Windsor Castle
Originally built by William the Conqueror as part of a strategic network of fortifications, Windsor Castle has, over time, become one of the most recognisable and largest royal residences in the country. Notable highlights include the Norman-designed Round Tower and St George's Chapel, the burial site of many prominent English monarchs - the most recent being Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The castle is a permanent residence for the royal family but is occasionally open to the public via tours of the site and grounds, which are incredibly popular. Public fascination with the castle goes back several centuries, with the first guidebook printed in 1742. Highlights of the tour include the impressive State Apartments, featuring works by Rembrandt and Rubens, whilst the dollhouse and the Chinese art collections of Queen Mary provide fascinating insights into shifting Royal tastes throughout time.
Arundel Castle
Another of the great Norman castles located close to the sea on the south coast of England, Arundel Castle was established in 1067 by Roger de Montgomery, one of William the Conqueror’s most trusted aides. Serving as the ancestral home of the Dukes of Norfolk, it has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the centuries. Some of the most notable changes happened during the Victorian era, making it one of the most well-maintained and expansive castles in the country that is not a Royal Residence.
From the top of the Norman Keep, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the South Downs and a glimpse of the Sussex coastline on clear days. Arundel’s award-winning gardens are the envy of many castles throughout England and incredibly popular to visit during the summer months when in full bloom. The Castle’s perimeter includes a boating lake, a nature reserve for various species of wildlife including pelicans, and stunning countryside trails that lead around to the back of the charming town of Arundel, which boasts a stunning Gothic cathedral.
Corfe Castle
One of England’s most captivating ruins, Corfe Castle was occupied well before the Norman Invasion which saw the construction of the impressive fortification that still casts an imposing figure over the landscape today. The castle fell into ruin as a result of the English Civil War and although it was never rebuilt, its dramatic ruins are still impressive, and of a scale that is hard to find elsewhere in the country.
Located in a gap between the Purbeck Hills, close to the majestic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, the castle offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the charming stone village below. The area is incredibly popular with walkers and railway enthusiasts, with Swanage Railway running through the town and offering visitors a heritage steam train ride to the coast as part of a day exploring Corfe Castle.
Dover Castle
Known as the "Key to England," Dover Castle has safeguarded the nation's southeastern coast across the narrowest section of the English Channel since its construction in the 12th century and is arguably the country’s most important historical fortification. Its strategic location has made it a linchpin of England’s defences, from the siege of 1216 to its critical role during World War II as a command centre for the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.
The castle’s extensive network of underground tunnels is among its most fascinating features, with gun batteries that were cut into Dover’s signature white cliffs offering commanding views of the English Channel. A prominent site for medieval reenactments, it gives visitors a tour through almost every period of England’s military history with knights jousting in full-plate armour, archery shootouts, and medieval duels.
Warwick Castle
A formidable medieval fortress that later transformed into a grand residence under the Earls of Warwick, the castle played key roles in the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War, two of England’s bloodiest and most transformative internal conflicts. The castle’s history is steeped in intrigue, with stories of plots, imprisonments, and sieges due to the shifting allegiances the Earls of Warwick displayed through the centuries.
Today, visitors can walk around the formidable structure at Warwick and immerse themselves in its impressive history. The castle interiors are fascinating to explore, with notable highlights from guided tours including a visit to the lavish Great Hall and the Ghost Tower, whilst the grounds, particularly The Mill Garden, with the river Avon running its course through it, are stunning to behold.
Lindisfarne Castle
Perched on Holy Island off the Northumberland coast, Lindisfarne Castle was originally a Tudor fort built in 1550 to defend against incursions from the sea (most notable of which was the Spanish Armada). Its detached location and beautiful setting have been an inspiration for artists and poets across centuries. A notable fan of the castle was Edward Hudson, founder of Country Life magazine, who transformed it into a private residence.
Accessible only during low tide via the causeway, its remote location only furthers its appeal as a destination for history enthusiasts. The residence's layout incorporates different elements of how the site has changed through the ages, preserving some of the original design and works of the Tudor fortification, whilst adding Neo-Gothic touches. Although a much smaller castle than others included in this list, its unique setting and fascinating history more than compensate for its size.
Eastnor Castle
Perched close to the border of Wales in Herefordshire, Eastnor Castle is a privately constructed residence from the 19th century. This sets it apart from the other entries on this list as a mock castle, having never been built for defensive purposes. It’s somewhat ironic given the long history of castles built along the Welsh borders as a deterrent to raiders. However, Eastnor boasts a particularly impressive collection of rooms, complete with the family heirlooms of the Earls of Somers.
The private arms and armour collection includes significant pieces such as an Etruscan helmet and full suits of medieval tourney armour. Another notable highlight is the lavish Gothic Room, and the still-working flour mill, which has been running since the 18th century and is one of the few remaining in the country. Land Rover has a vehicle test centre on the estate grounds for would-be customers, and such is the castle’s appeal that it was most recently featured in several episodes of the Emmy-winning series Succession.
England suffers from no shortage of impressive castles, whether they be occupied by private residents, or given back to the public to preserve their fascinating heritage and unique place in English history. Castles have been the seat of many dramatic developments and now offer visitors the chance to relive those experiences through immersive tours and detailed exhibits, at some of the country’s most beloved and frequented destinations.
