From turreted towers to royal suites—explore Britain’s most captivating castles, whether for a day or a decadent overnight stay.
The UK has a treasure trove of castles, each steeped in history, legend, and architectural splendour. For travellers craving a taste of royalty, there’s nothing quite like stepping into the grand halls, walking along battlements, or even spending the night in a centuries-old fortress.
From grand palaces to rugged cliff-top strongholds, these castles let visitors immerse themselves in the world of kings, queens, and knights. Whether you want to tour regal state rooms, wander through manicured gardens, or stay overnight in historic luxury, Crypto Casinos’ list of the UK’s top ten castles promises unforgettable adventures.
1. Windsor Castle, Berkshire, England
Location: Windsor, Berkshire
Built: 1070s (originally by William the Conqueror)
Stay from: Not open for overnight stays, but private events can be booked
Highlights: Europe’s largest inhabited castle, State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, Changing of the Guard
Windsor Castle is an emblem of British history. Its walls have sheltered monarchs from William the Conqueror to Queen Elizabeth II, with the Gothic State Apartments showcasing priceless art, tapestries, and furniture.
Visitors can stroll through St George’s Chapel, where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle, or marvel at the castle’s impressive fortifications. The exterior features sweeping lawns and the River Thames curling around the base.
2. Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, England
Location: Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Built: 1705–1722
Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Birthplace of Winston Churchill, expansive landscaped gardens
Blenheim Palace is grandeur personified. Commissioned as a gift to the Duke of Marlborough, it boasts sprawling Baroque architecture and gardens inspired by Versailles.
The interiors are a feast for the eyes, with vast state rooms, gilded ceilings, and elaborate artworks. Wander through the gardens and discover reflective lakes, ornate fountains, and meandering pathways, creating a landscape that rivals its interior opulence.
History buffs can soak in the story of Winston Churchill’s birthplace and the palace’s role during wartime, while architecture lovers will marvel at every detail carved in stone and marble.
3. Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
Location: Bamburgh, Northumberland
Built: 11th century (original fortifications can be traced to the 6th century)
Highlights: Cliff-top fortress, North Sea views, Viking history, Norman architecture
Perched dramatically on a cliff above the North Sea, Bamburgh Castle is one of England’s most visually striking fortresses. Its walls have seen centuries of Viking raids, Norman battles, and family dynasties.
Inside, visitors can explore the keep, grand halls, and museum exhibits detailing the castle’s turbulent history. The panoramic views from the battlements stretch for miles along the Northumberland coast, making it a photographer’s dream. Historical reenactments and interactive exhibitions bring the castle’s past vividly to life, allowing visitors to imagine the medieval battles that once raged here.
4. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Built: 12th century (site occupied since at least the Iron Age)
Highlights: Scottish Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny, panoramic city views, military history
Edinburgh Castle dominates the city’s skyline from Castle Rock. Steeped in Scottish history, it has been a royal residence, military stronghold, and site of dramatic sieges.
Visitors can explore the Great Hall, see the legendary Stone of Destiny, and marvel at the Scottish Crown Jewels. The castle also houses the National War Museum, with exhibits tracing centuries of Scotland’s military past. Walking its cobbled courtyards and climbing to the ramparts, guests feel the weight of history, from Mary, Queen of Scots, to pivotal moments in Scottish independence.
5. Cardiff Castle, Cardiff, Wales
Location: Cardiff, Wales
Built: 11th century (Roman origins; current structure is a 19th century remodel)
Hidden within Cardiff’s bustling city centre, Cardiff Castle surprises visitors with its rich tapestry of history and design. Roman walls form the castle’s base, topped by medieval fortifications and lavish Victorian interiors created by the Marquess of Bute. The elaborate rooms, bursting with murals, intricate woodwork, and gilded ceilings, feel like stepping into a fantasy of aristocratic excess.
Beneath the castle lie wartime tunnels that were used during World War II, offering a glimpse of 20th-century history alongside medieval grandeur.
6. Thornbury Castle, Bristol, England
Location: Thornbury, Gloucestershire
Built: 1511
Stay from: Overnight stays from approx. £300 per night
Thornbury Castle offers the rare chance to sleep like Tudor royalty. Originally built as a stately home, it hosted Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in the 16th century.
Today, it’s a luxury hotel, with bedrooms preserving original features like oak beams and stone fireplaces, while offering all the modern comforts you’ll need for a fantastic stay. Guests can enjoy fine dining, explore the beautiful gardens, and sip wine produced in the castle’s own vineyard.
7. Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire, England
Location: Bolsover, Derbyshire
Built: 1612
Bolsover Castle is a flamboyant playground of Jacobean design. Commissioned by William Cavendish, the “Little Castle” is packed with ornate rooms, elaborate plasterwork, and whimsical touches that reflect the tastes of the Cavalier aristocracy.
The Fountain Garden, centred around a Venus statue, is a fragrant, colourful haven perfect for leisurely strolls. Visitors can imagine the stately parties and horse-centred entertainments that once filled the castle, making it a fascinating window into early 17th-century aristocratic life.
8. Hedingham Castle, North Essex, England
Location: Castle Hedingham, Essex
Built: 11th century (Norman keep)
Hedingham Castle is one of England’s finest examples of Norman military architecture. Its keep remains impressively intact, rising above the surrounding parkland with commanding views.
The castle hosts medieval fairs, jousting events, and seasonal activities that bring its long history to life. Visitors can wander the extensive grounds, explore the ramparts, and soak in the atmosphere of a fortress that has stood for over 900 years.
9. Château Rhianfa, Anglesey, Wales
Location: Menai Bridge, Anglesey, Wales
Built: 1849
Stay from: Overnight stays from approx. £150 per night
Château Rhianfa blends European elegance with Welsh charm. Built in the style of a French Loire Valley châteaux, it offers sweeping views of the Menai Strait and Snowdonia beyond.
Guests can stay in stylish rooms that combine heritage details with modern comfort, dine in historic splendour, and explore Anglesey’s beaches and villages. This castle is perfect for travellers seeking a quieter, romantic escape where history meets contemporary luxury.
10. Hedingham Castle, North Essex, England
Location: North Essex, England
Built: 12th century
Stay from: £545 per room, per night (bed & breakfast)
Hedingham Castle offers a rare opportunity to sleep in a genuine Norman keep, surrounded by almost 900 years of history. The castle’s towering stone walls and ancient ramparts make you feel like a noble from centuries past, while the interior blends historic charm with modern comforts.
Guests can explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, wander through the medieval hall, or simply take in the sweeping countryside views that stretch across the Essex-Suffolk border. With its rich history, staying here feels like a privileged peek into a timeless, romantic world, where you are both visitor and resident of history.
Why Castles Continue To Captivate
Castles in the UK blend history, legend, and luxury in ways few other attractions can match. They offer glimpses into royal lives, medieval battles, and architectural innovation, while providing a range of experiences, from guided tours to overnight stays. Perched on cliffs, nestled in countryside, or standing proudly in cities, these castles invite visitors to step into history and live like royalty, if only for a day.