Through the ages, numerous castles and fortifications were built to defend against opposing armies that still stand today! Whether they remain fully maintained or are ancient ruins, they still play a significant role in British heritage. With over 250 castles to search for in our Days Out section, many castles offer family events and tours throughout the year to keep you entertained. Here are just some of the many astounding castles in the UK to get you started on your crusade! SCOTLAND One of Scotland's most impressive castles, Stirling Castle towers over some of the most important battlefields of Scotland's past including Stirling Bridge, the site of William Wallace's victory over the English in 1297, and Bannockburn Battlefield where Robert the Bruce defeated the same foe in the summer of 1314. The castle has dominated its surroundings with majesty for centuries. Today the castle continues to attract visitors to its rocky perch. Edinburgh's Castle rock has been a stronghold for over 3000 years and holds many popular events in its famous courtyard every year. With its moat, twin towered gatehouse and imposing battlements, Caerlaverock Castle is the epitome of the medieval stronghold. The castle's turbulent history owes much to its proximity to England which brought it into border conflicts. Visitors can enjoy a siege warfare exhibition, a children's adventure park and a nature trail. Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit Once one of Scotland's largest castles, Urquhart's remains include a tower house that commands splendid views of Loch Ness and Great Glen. ENGLAND The largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. With over 900 years of British history to its past, the castle is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen and covers an area of 26 acres. Set on two islands on the River Len in the heart of Kent, Leeds Castle been home to royalty, lords and ladies for over 1000 years. Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England. In 914AD Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great, ordered the building of a 'burh' or an earthen rampart to protect the small hill top settlement of Warwick from Danish invaders. A fantastic 17th century ducal mansion built on the site of the original Medieval Castle, with spectacular views across the city. It also houses a museum and art gallery with collections of silver, glass, armour and paintings, plus fifteen centuries of Nottingham history. NORTHERN IRELAND The castle represents over 800 years of military might. Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, the Castle saw action right up to World War II. Today it is maintained by the Environment and Heritage Service and can be enjoyed by visitors wanting to learn more about its history or just looking for a fun day out in a unique setting. Surrounded by jaw dropping coastal scenery, this medieval castle stands where an early Irish fort was once built and where its history can be traced back to early Christians and Vikings. Visit and take a peek at medieval Irish life! The familiar landmark of Belfast Castle, overlooks the city from a prominent site 400 feet above sea level on the slopes of Cave Hill. This magnificent sandstone building, recently restored by Belfast City Council's Parks Department, has close associations with the city's history. WALES One of the largest Castles in the United Kingdom, built in 1268-1271 by the Anglo-Norman lord, Gilbert de Clare. The castle offers 2,000 years of history in the heart of the Welsh Capital. Choose from guided tours of spectacular Victorian gothic apartments designed by William Burges or climb to the top of the 12th Century Norman Keep for spectacular views of the city.
Once the seat of a succession of major barons who played leading roles in shaping Britain's history, this historic showpiece is the birthplace of Henry Tudor, father to the infamous Henry VIII and grandfather of Elizabeth I.
|  Stirling Castle  Edinburgh Castle  Caerlaverock Castle  Urquhart Castle  Windsor Castle  Leeds Castle  Skipton Castle  Warwick Castle  Nottingham Castle  Carrickfergus Castle  Dunluce Castle  Belfast Castle  Caerphilly Castle. Photo: Crown Copyright  Norman Keep at Cardiff Castle  Pembroke Castle |
