Have you seen the best castles in the UK?

The Brits of old sure knew how to build a good castle! The best castles in the UK are an eclectic mix of medieval fortresses and Tudor buttresses. No two are the same and each provides a unique insight into a slice of British history. Here is a list of the finest castles open to the public just waiting to be explored.

Edinburgh

Perched on top of an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle towers over the cosmopolitan capital, and draws visitors from around the world hoping to catch a glimpse of the Crown Jewels. Best part? The 1pm canon’s boom bouncing of the stunning Lothian hills is an un-missable 150 year old tradition.

Bodiam

Built in 1385, the quadrangular walls and prominent towers make Bodiam (pictured) resemble a fairytale castle. Whilst the grand interior was torn out during the Civil War, visitors are still able to ramble along the ramparts or enjoy a picnic next to the glistening moat. Amongst the enchanting scenery, kids can explore trail paths, try their hand at archery, or join the knight and princess academy.

Caernarfon

Caernarfon is a dominating fortification and a UNESCO world heritage site with unique architectural features inspired by the walls of Constantinople. It was inside these walls that the Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales took place in 1969. Nowadays the castle walls contain the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers.

Deal

Deal is one of the finest examples of an artillery castle in the UK and forms part of a chain of coastal forts commissioned by Henry VIII. Visitors can access all areas of this petal-shaped castle and the beach is literally on the castle’s doorstep.

Alnwick

For muggle fans, Alnwick Castle is a must-see as it featured in two Harry Potter movies. Kids will be spellbound meeting the film’s characters and learning to fly in the Hogwart’s school grounds. The magic continues inside the castle walls with the Italian Renaissance staterooms and majestic collections that belong to the Percy Family who reside here.

Tintagel

The wonderfully rugged coastline surrounding this ruined castle fuels the imagination about the legend of King Arthur. The King’s so-called birthplace is a breathtaking ruin with a mythical aura. Spend some quality time outdoors investigating the castle’s ruins, explore Merlin’s cave, or letting the kids run wild along dramatic shoreline.

Windsor

Her Majesty welcomes you to the oldest royal residence still in use today. This is the big one: horse drawn carriages, uniformed guards, the Long Walk, and all before even entering the castle! Once inside climb to the top of the round tower, gasp at the magnificence of St George’s Chapel or check out the latest exhibition in the Drawings Gallery.

Warwick

Even on busy days, Warwick never feels overcrowded and there is plenty to enjoy from the falcon shows, jousting and giant trebuchet, to the museums and dungeons. However, the best way to appreciate the scale of Warwick is to tackle the extensive rampart walk. Big and little family members alike will come away with a big smile.

Arundel

Pound the steps to the medieval keep or tour through the bedrooms, library and beautiful Fitzalan Chapel in the restored 18^th century section that is home to the Duke of Norfolk. Outside the castle walls, smell the strong perfumes of the rose garden or discover what interesting creatures now guard the castles moat.

Tower of London

Educational and fun, this iconic building offers families the chance to learn about the royal lineage, exotic animals, infamous villains, the crown jewels, the Mint, and so much more. And remember please don’t chase the ravens for if they leave the tower and the kingdom will fall!

Undoubtedly, all these castles have impressive facades and fascinating histories, and luckily for campers all are within easy reach of camp and caravan sites. For some, such as Tintagel and Bodiam, the distance is a short walk. For others, such as Edinburgh and London, sites are located a few miles outside the city centres but are equally accessible by car or public transport. All the castles have public toilets, and most have gift shops, and places to buy food. As castles were originally built to protect local settlements, easy access to vibrant local towns and cities will provide any facilities the castles lack and enables you to pack as much as possible into your day trip out!