England and Wales Castle Tours
Explore the castles of England
There are over 1500 castles to tour in England and Wales. Uncover history and stay in an grand castle hotel.
Example Classic England Castle Tour
ROCHESTER - RICHBOROUGH - DOVER - WHITE CLIFFS
ROCHESTER CASTLE is on 3 floors. The keep is an imposing 113 feet high and was seiged by King John. In the North Sea marches, RICHBOROUGH CASTLE is the most symbolic site from Roman Britain and where all modern English roads begin. DOVER CASTLE dominates the WHITE CLIFFS. This huge complex is regarded as the oldest in England with buildings from all periods of history.
BODIAM - LEEDS - HEVER
BODIAM CASTLE is a wonderful example of a moated medieval home. Built as a luxurious mansion, the exterior is virtually complete. LEEDS CASTLE is one of the most famous forts. On an idyllic island and dating to pre-history, Henry VIII transformed it into a palace. HEVER CASTLE is picture perfect. Childhood home of Anne Boleyn, it passed to Anne of Cleves before restoration by the Astors.
OLD SARUM - BERKELEY - THORNBURY HOTEL
Close to Stonehenge, hilltop OLD SARUM is an iron age earthwork. Taken over by the Romans, Saxons and finally Normans, the ruined castle is C11th. BERKELEY CASTLE is a real gem. Owned by the same family for over 900 years and in lovely gardens, the keep is spectacular and gives a picture of medieval life. THORNBURY CASTLE is a small hotel renowned for it’s rooms and good food.
SUDELEY - LUDLOW - STOKESAY
SUDELEY CASTLE is one of the most influential castles. Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Katherine Parr have all played a part in its history. LUDLOW CASTLE sits serenely in the lovely border market town of Ludlow. It was the location of the Lords of the Marches. STOKESAY CASTLE, unaltered since the C13th, is another border castle and is the best preserved fortified manor house in England.
POWIS - CONWY TOWN
Inside Wales, POWIS CASTLE rests high on a rock above the terraces of the castle’s world famous gardens. Built around 1200, it was the home of the Princes of Wales and later, Clive of India. There are many castles in this region, and along the north coast is the ring of castles built by Edward I. These are World Heritage Sites and include CONWY, a small fortified town with the castle at its heart.
LANCASTER - AUGILL CASTLE HOTEL
Owned by the Queen, LANCASTER CASTLE offers a glimpse into England’s dark past. It was the scene of religious persecution and the trial of the C17th Lancashire Witches. Driving through the some of England’s best countryside we will arrive at AUGILL CASTLE. This Victorian folly and weekend fantasy retreat was built in 1841 and offers wonderful individual rooms for over nights stays.
HADRIAN'S WALL - LINDISFARNE
On the Scottish border, HADRIAN’S WALL dominates the scenery. Some of the best preserved Roman artefacts have been discovered here. HOUSESTEADS fort has great views of the Wall. Northumberland has many superb castles. LINDISFARNE CASTLE is dramatically set on a rocky island accessible by a 3 mile tidal causeway. Built by Elizabeth I, the castle was a ruin until transformed in the C19th.
ALNWICK - BAMBURGH
ALNWICK CASTLE is the second largest fort in the country. The seat of the Duke of Northumberland, it has 1000 years of history, opulent State Rooms and used in many movies. The gardens and grounds are outstanding. Another dramatic site, BAMBURGH CASTLE is one of the most important sites in English history. Restored by wealthy C18th industrialists, the keep and walls have history at every corner.
DURHAM - RICHMOND
A World Heritage Site, DURHAM CASTLE has been occupied since the C11th. Ruled by the Prince-Bishops, the area was a buffer between England and Scotland. Next door is the CATHEDRAL, regarded by many as the best church on the planet. It is the burial site of two saints. With breathtaking views, RICHMOND CASTLE is one of the great Norman fortresses and the best early castle in England.
WARWICK - WINDSOR
WARWICK CASTLE is England’s favourite castle once owned by the Earls of Warwick and the home of “Warwick the Kingmaker” – whose large army determined who was King of England. WINDSOR CASTLE is largest inhabited castle in the world and the Queen’s weekend home. It is truly spectacular with unrivalled sequence of State Rooms. St George’s chapel is the burial place of many monarchs including Henry VIII.
ADDITIONS TO THE ITINERARY
This tour is an example of what can be seen. There are so many castles to visit we can adjust this tour to any places you would like to add. We can theme tours on certain period like the Tudors or add few extra days exploring countryside of the LAKE DISTRICT, NORTHUMBERLAND, the KENT or LONDON.
What People are Saying
“Thank you for arranging a superb vacation for us. Everything was lovely but the best part was our guide. She was so able to identify what we were looking for within the first hour and adapted the itinerary accordingly. "Mr Smith - Cleveland, OH
