Castles have long captivated people’s imaginations, inspiring stories of knights and princesses, dragons and damsels in distress. It’s no surprise that castles are some of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. Find the best Castles to Visit on our website. From ancient fortresses perched high atop hills to sprawling palaces with grand gardens, these majestic structures offer a glimpse into a different era. People visit castles for many reasons: to explore their beautiful architecture, learn about their rich history, or simply take in the grandeur of these awe-inspiring monuments from another time. Whether you’re an avid historian or just looking for a unique vacation spot, visiting a castle is sure to be an experience you won’t forget!
Throughout history, castles have been built in a variety of architectural styles. The most common type is the motte and bailey castle, which was popular from the 10th to 12th centuries. This style consists of an earth mound (motte) surrounded by a fortified wall (bailey), with a keep or tower at its centre. Another popular style is the concentric castle, which has two or more walls that form circles around each other for added protection; these were first seen during the Crusades in the late 11th century. Later designs included Gothic and Renaissance-style castles with large windows and ornate decorations such as turrets, towers, and spires. No matter what type of architecture they feature, all castles are sure to leave you spellbound!
Three UNESCO-listed medieval castles stand above this quiet Swiss town, connected by ancient walls you can walk for free. Almost nobody stops. That’s exactly why you should. — plus get weekly travel stories free.
Built before the First Crusade and chosen by Ridley Scott for Kingdom of Heaven, Castillo de Loarre is one of Europe’s oldest and most dramatic castles — and almost nobody outside Spain knows it exists. Plus get weekly travel stories free.
The most romantic château in France spans an entire river — and behind its famous gallery lies a rivalry between two women that shaped the building for centuries. Plus get weekly travel stories free.
Malbork Castle in Poland covers 21 hectares — four times Windsor — and most travellers have never heard of it. Here’s the story of the warrior monks who built it, the war that nearly destroyed it, and why it’s unmissable — plus get weekly travel stories free.
The largest castle ever built — and the medieval knights who raised it from a swamp Read More »
Leeds Castle — built on two islands in a lake in Kent and home to six medieval queens — has been called the loveliest castle in the world. Here’s the history, the secrets, and what to expect when you visit. Plus get weekly travel stories free.
Six medieval queens called this lake castle home — and it’s still making history Read More »
The 13th-century castle at Sirmione rises from Lake Garda on three sides of water — built by the medieval family whose name Shakespeare immortalised as Prince Escalus. — plus get weekly travel stories free.
The lake castle in Italy that belonged to the family who inspired Romeo and Juliet Read More »
Inveraray Castle has overlooked Loch Fyne since 1746, still home to the Duke of Argyll and famous as the filming location for Downton Abbey’s Highland scenes — plus get weekly travel stories free.
The castle on Loch Fyne that Downton Abbey called home — and the clan that never left Read More »
The Rock of Cashel rose as an ancient throne of Irish kings — then a king gave it to God for good. Here’s the full story, and why it’s one of the most extraordinary places in Ireland — plus get weekly travel stories free.
The Irish hill that kings gave to God — and why they never asked for it back Read More »
Chateau de Chillon has floated on Lake Geneva for nearly a thousand years. Inside its dungeon, a prisoner wore a groove in the stone floor – and a poet carved his name on a pillar. Plus get weekly travel stories free.
Dunnottar Castle above the North Sea held Scotland’s crown jewels through an eight-month siege – then a minister’s wife smuggled them out in a bundle of flax. Plus get weekly travel stories free.
