10 Best Castles in and Around London

Since its founding in the 11th century, Windsor Castle has housed 40 monarchs and is now the official residence of King Charles III. Take a journey through the state apartments, where guests are hosted, or St George’s Chapel, which has witnessed the marriages and deaths of royalty. You can even take tours of the kitchen to see the other side of royal life.

Free children’s learning programs and Queen Mary’s intricate doll’s house, with its working elevators and tiny artworks, mean there’s something to entertain the child in everyone. The castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays but check the website to see if you can still see the Changing of the Guard.

In the center of the capital, right beside Tower Bridge, the Tower of London is iconic. Its walls have imprisoned infamous villains, deposed rulers and some people just unlucky enough to end up on the wrong side of politics. Now they are the home of the British Crown Jewels, which you can see in all their dazzling beauty.

Tickets include a tour by a Yeoman Warder and a visit to see the ravens, the tower’s famous guardians. This castle is drenched in history. Walk the paths to visit the White Tower or sit in one of the 3 cafes and wonder if the princes in the tower, Guy Fawkes, or even Anne Boleyn were ever in your place.

It’s easy to see why Broughton Castle was the setting for movies such as Jane Eyre and Shakespeare in Love. Its imposing gatehouse and bridge over the wide moat really set the scene. The oldest parts of the castle date back to 1306, with the chapel having been consecrated in 1331, though much of what stands today was added in the 16th century.

Packed full of suits of armor, oil paintings and elaborate furniture and decoration, even hand-painted Chinese wallpaper, a guided tour of this castle is more than worth it. If you fancy a breath of fresh air, the 19th century Ladies’ Garden is flourishing and can provide some more natural beauty.

You might be forgiven for thinking that Leeds Castle would be far from London, but it’s actually in Kent, rather than to the north. There has been a castle here, near Maidstone, since the 9th century, and it was once home to Edward I and Catherine of Aragon.

There’s so much to do here, it’s almost impossible to choose. Outside of the castle, enjoy its many gardens, from woodlands to carefully cultivated terraces. Then there are falconry displays, a ferry, adventure golf and even the Dog Collar Museum. Kids will love the 2 medieval-themed adventure playgrounds. As if that wasn’t enough, check the website to see what events are on.

Arundel Castle is just as striking on the inside as it is on the outside, where it towers over the town of the same name. Inside, high vaulted wooden ceilings and a host of antique paintings, coats of arms and furniture await. The round Norman keep still stands in the grounds and is now surrounded by beautiful gardens that make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a storybook.

While the castle and gardens are only open from April to October, events during the season include jousting, craft demonstrations and interactive experiences about the history of the castle. Make sure to have something to eat in the café and stop at the gift shop for local produce and souvenirs.

Once you pass beneath the portcullis, you can stroll the passageways and grounds of the young Anne Boleyn’s childhood home. Admire the Tudor portraits, Reformation art and intricately decorated prayer books. Take a guided tour to see all the secret locations you wouldn’t find on your own. Then wander around the 125 acres of gardens and see if you can find the topiary chess set, the water maze or one of the waterfalls.

If you’re more into doing than seeing, take a boat out onto the lake, lose yourself in the 100-year-old yew maze, or check out what events are on, including falconry and archery lessons. Kids will have an exciting time exploring their own wooden castle, complete with dungeon.

If you’re looking for romantic ruins, rather than guided tours, Rochester Castle might be for you. First built in 1137, it has been besieged and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries, before finally being allowed to fall into ruin in the 1600s. The tower of the main keep still stands and, at 38 meters, it’s the tallest surviving example of its type in Europe.

Surrounding the tower are the ruined remains of the rest of the fortress and buildings that once stood, and a wall walk provides beautiful views of Rochester and the scenery. In the spring and summer fairs and festivals are hosted here, so keep an eye out.

Rising from the waters of the moat, with round towers and a gatehouse, Bodiam Castle feels like you stepped into a fairy-tale, right down to the unicorn on the crest. Now in disrepair, it has a rugged charm and a less polished feel than other castles on this list, but it is no less fascinating. Get a tour from a costumed guide and learn the history of this magnificent building. See the ritual marks carved into the stone to ward off evil.

Its classic appearance lends itself well to the medieval fair that is held here over the summer months, with activities for all the family. There are cafés nearby to relax in when you feel you need some refreshments.

Herstmonceux Castle was once the Royal Observatory, and you can still find evidence of its past. The rose garden houses 7 sundials, including 1 giant dial that’s impossible to miss. The memory of its scientific past doesn’t remove the sense of whimsy. Animals are carved into tree stumps – and you might come across the Magic Garden, where the castle’s magic folk are said to live.

As it’s now the UK campus for Queens University, you’ll need to check the schedule for tours – and to see if you can book a Falconry experience or witness a historical re-enactment. Eat in at the Chestnuts Tea Room or take your food to-go and enjoy a picnic by the moat.

Scotney Castle has both a ruined old castle, built on an island in the lake, and a manor house, built to replace the castle in the 1800s. Regular guided tours of the estate and the gardens are available, though the old castle is closed during the winter.

The gardens themselves are resplendent and considered a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so have a breath of fresh air and really take in their beauty. The castle has excellent facilities for dogs, as well, so your canine companions can enjoy the grounds too. With books, plants and souvenirs available, you’ll find yourself leaving with plenty to remember your trip.