Millions of people visit one or more grand castles each year to experience their mystery and haunting beauty. Will you be one of them? Check out our list of top 10 historic castles and be inspired.
Bamburgh Castle
Commonly referred to as the ‘King of Castles’, Bamburgh has been keeping watch over Northumberland’s coast for over 1,400 years. Bamburgh Castle was renovated in the 1800s by William Armstrong, whose family continues to reside there and has generously opened 14 rooms to visitors.
Bamburgh Castle and the whole Northumbrian coastline is one of my favourite places in the world. https://t.co/zv3rovt53R pic.twitter.com/S9qMvoYi4X
— Alastair Roberts (@zugzwanged) April 29, 2025
Wander through the castle’s public rooms, and you will eventually find the King’s Hall, where over 3,000 breathtaking porcelain, china, furniture and artwork items await.
Booking a two-to-three-hour tour with a well-informed and entertaining guide here is always a great idea, but be aware that this dog-friendly destination is cashless. Bamburgh Castle is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Corfe Castle
Dorset’s Corfe Castle boasts 1,000 years of history. Built by William the Conqueror, the castle has seen its share of troubled and successful reigns, multiple imprisonments and several private owners from 1572. An order to destroy the castle formed its current angles and gaps, but today, the romantic ruins are the site of a multi-year conservation project.
You won’t want to miss the King’s view. Almost 380 years in the making, it’s now accessible to visitors for the first time since 1646. Corfe Castle is dog-friendly and open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and longer on weekends.
Carisbrooke Castle
Another 1,000-year-old piece of the UK’s history is Carisbrooke Castle. Located on the Isle of Wight, the castle has been a king’s prison, royal summer residence and artillery fortress. But now, it’s a beautiful piece of history that boasts stunning views from its walls, tranquillity in the Princess Beatrice Gardens and reflection in the St. Nicholas Chapel.
If you’re planning a visit to Carisbrooke Castle soon, make sure to meet the adorable Carisbrooke donkeys, who have been walking the wheel of the well house to draw well water for generations. Carisbrooke Castle is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cahir Castle
One of Ireland’s best-preserved castles, the 13th-century Cahir Castle is also one of the island’s largest. This massive castle spent many of its 883 years as a military stronghold and was named a National Monument. As such, it is currently managed and operated by the Office of Public Works.
A popular location for movie and television shows, Cahir Castle experienced a partial restoration and rebuilding in the 1800s. The entire castle is open to visitors year-round from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Eilean Donan Castle
Scotland’s romantic Eilean Donan Castle is a famous and popular destination. This 800-plus-year-old castle is one of the most-photographed castles in the world and has been a filming location for many well-known films. The castle can be reached by its iconic footbridge.
Although pictures cannot be taken inside without the castle curator’s permission, you may photograph freely on its grounds, where stunning panoramas await. At night, the castle is lit by floodlights, offering visitors even more postcard-worthy photo opportunities. Hours vary, so check before you visit.
Castell Conwy
A UNESCO world heritage site, North Wales’ Castell Conwy was built in just four years. A very well-preserved castle, Conwy’s residential rooms of the medieval monarchy are the most intact set in England and Wales. With no fewer than eight towers, Castell Conwy offers plenty for visitors to explore.
Conwy’s formidable size, along with its staircases and winding ways, means lots of walking and climbing for those who dare. Don’t be surprised to find other visitors enjoying casual reading, podcasts and mobile games they can play for fun with no commitment. Hours vary at Castell Conwy according to season, so check before visiting.
Tintagel Castle
Built in the 13th century, Tintagel Castle is said to be the site of the legendary King Arthur’s conception. Tintagel’s main parts are split into two sections. The Great Hall and main courtyard can be accessed via a landside path. You’ll have to navigate steep stairs or cross a bridge over a chasm to enter the other section, which is where most of the castle sits.
Climbing stairs, as well as navigating at great heights will be necessary to experience Tintagel Castle and its medieval settlement. A timed ticket allows you to cross the footbridge and explore the site, which is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ardvreck Castle
Wrapped in the legend of a Scottish Chief strapped for funds, his daughter and a deal with the Devil, Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt’s east side is a wonderful destination. Although you can’t tour the ruins themselves due to the danger of falling mortar, you can access and admire them as you walk along the path.
Ardvreck Castle is always open. While you’re there, look closely and you just may see a mermaid tail in Loch Assynt or hear the gentle sobbing of the Chief’s daughter.
Castell Cilgerran
Overlooking River Teifi’s deep and forested gorge, Castell Cilgerran (Cadw) is over 900 years old and one of Wales’ most spectacular sites. Cloaked in history, Castell Cilgerran has seen a number of attacks, despite its seemingly impenetrable location.
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Climb the staircases of Castle Cilgerran’s east and west towers, then walk the parapet between, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful gorge, river and landscape views. Dog-friendly Castell Cilgerran is open from 1 April to 31 March, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Malahide Castle & Gardens
Dublin’s north coast is home to Malahide Castle & Gardens. Owned by the Talbot family for 800 years (one of the longest ownerships by a single family in the country), Malahide Castle sits on 250 acres and offers guided tours of its rooms and Great Hall. The castle also boasts a walled garden, which contains 5,000 plant species.
If you’re planning a visit here, you will be walking a lot, as the gardens are extensive. Malahide Castle & Gardens is open year-round from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.