Castles

Dive into England's history with a visit to a famous castle, and see what life was like and how they protected the UK's shores. Walk the historic walls, enjoy the drama of the medieval joust, the grace and beauty of the birds of prey, and the mystic and magic of the historic stories.  From the weekend home of the British Royal Family to fully moated fairy tale castles and battle-scared ruins, there are over 50 castles to discover in South East England. 

The South Coast has historically always been vulnerable to foreign attack so more than 30 of the region's castles defended the UK's shores. It is no surprise therefore, that castles in Kent and castles in Sussex dominate our royal connections guide as Kings and Queens throughout the ages turned South East England into the fortress of Britain. Building some of the most impressive, imposing, and famous castles in England. Built to last, the castles make fascinating places to visit and the South East has them in abundance. Explore the winding staircases, secret tunnels, ramparts, ornate rooms, and castle keeps, and discover the stories of Kings and Queens.

10 Best Castles in Southern England

• Dover Castle, Kent
  One of Britain's most iconic fortresses, home to King Henry II, is set on the famous white cliffs.
• Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
  Set in the heart of a historic landscape, with spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, 14th-century Bodiam Castle is one of Britain's most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments.
• Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight
  Famous for its donkeys and as a royal prison to Charles I and now the location of the stunning new Edwardian-style Princess Beatrice Garden.
• Windsor Castle, Berkshire
  The most famous castle in England, the official residence of the late HM Queen Elizabeth II, and one of the oldest occupied castles in England.
• Leeds Castle, Kent
  One of England's best-preserved castles with 500 acres of parkland & gardens, dressed in all its 1930 glamour.
• Oxford Castle & Prison, Oxford
  Discover 1,000 years of history and the fascinating stories of those who spend their time here.
• Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex
  Embodies the history of medieval England and the romance of Renaissance Europe.
• Hever Castle, Kent
  Romantic castle & childhood home of Anne Boleyn.
• Deal Castle, Kent
  One of the finest Tudor artillery castles in England. Today you can explore the whole castle, from the exciting dark passages underneath, to the first-floor captain's residence.
• Portchester Castle, Hampshire
  Portchester Castle is both a fortification and a residence of kings

South Coast Castles

The south coast has historically been Great Britain's first line of defence against attack and military invasion so there are many more to explore beyond our top ten guide.

Castles in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are littered with castles that once defended the UK shores, including Yarmouth Castle, the first Arrow Head castle in Britain, Southsea Castle which is free to visit from April to October (Tue- Sun), Porchester Castle a Roman fortress, a Norman stronghold, with its own castle keep that was used as a prisoner of war camp during the Napoleonic Wars.  Like many of the castles in South East England, Carisbrook Castle has had a varied life and today brings its history to life with its legendary jousts, ghost tours, birds of prey shows, and added value story-telling and trails over the school holidays. Fort Nelson near Fareham, is a superbly restored Victorian Fort with a display of more than 350 guns and daily gun salutes. Don't forget that the famous 'Great Hall' in Winchester is all that remains of Winchester Castle, one of the finest surviving aisled halls of the 13th century now containing the greatest symbol of medieval mythology, King Arthur’s Round Table.

Castles in Kent and Sussex

Follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror with a visit to Battle of Hasting's Abbey and Battlefield and Pevensey Castle.  Explore the eight acres of award-winning gardens at Walmer Castle, which was built during Henry VIII reign, a great all-weather day out. The iconic Dover Castle allows you to dive into over 2000 years of history, with Operation Dynamo a new immersive exhibition in the secret wartime tunnels, the chance to experience the royal court of King Henry II and explore the atmospheric Underground Hospital. 

Don't forget you can grab those walking boots and head out along all or part of the 31-mile 1066 country walk which is marked by 10 bespoke sculptures along the way and includes other castles along the way.

Castles in Dorset

Head to the village of Corfe and enjoy a visit to one of Dorset's most famous castles - Corfe Castle.  Built shortly after the Norman conquest, you can hop onboard a cruise from Poole with City Cruises and take advantage of their joint ticket with Swanage Railway which takes you right to the village and castle. A great day trip out for all the family, with a cruise and steam train ride.

Castles to visit near me

Whether you live in South East England or are visiting from elsewhere in the UK or abroad, find which castles are near you by using the 'map view' button below. Many of our featured castles double up as wedding venues, offer the chance for a night away and have a selection of seasonal events suitable for all the family, dispelling the myth that castles aren't fun places to visit for kids too!