Castles Near Me

Duncluce

You’re sitting in front of your computer or phone anxiously typing lots of potential days out and you’re stuck. Maybe it’s the upcoming school holidays or you are looking for attractions to visit during your UK staycation. You could even be planning a local weekend adventure, either way if you’re tapping Castles Near Me into your search bar, you’ve landed in the right place!

We have a list of castles from all over the UK that are sure to blow your socks off! Dive head first into history, go scene-spotting at famous castles (as seen on Harry Potter), or reminisce on the spectacular grounds of castle ruins. Expect castle’s galore over here!

Now, let’s into our top picks across the UK…

Scotland

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle has stood proudly overlooking the city of Edinburgh for the last 1000 years! This impressive medieval castle has over one million visitors each year!

Discover 2 tiers of cavernous stone vaults – they were used to hold prisoners from all over the world… *gulps*.  Have you heard of the Stone of Destiny? You can find this fascinating nugget of history in the Crown Room. It has been part of the coronation ceremonies for most monarchs of England, (and later Great Britain) for hundreds of years! Here you will find the oldest crown jewels in the British Isles!

Don’t forget to visit Meg’s Cannon while you’re there. It the oldest and most famous medieval cannon in the world! if you don’t see it you’ll certainly hear it as its fired at one o’clock everyday from Monday to Saturday.There are two other museums within the castle too that explore the last 400 years of Scotland at war through military artefacts, treasured collections, and more.

Finish your day with a perfect afternoon tea at the castle for an additional experience. Parents & grandparents might enjoy the castle’s very own Edinburgh Castle Gin which is also available to buy – it’s the perfect momento for adults to bring back with them!

Info & Pricing

  • Location Castle Hill. Edinburgh. Edinburgh and Lothian. EH1 2NG. Scotland
  • Price Adults (16-59) from £17.00. Kids (5-15) from £10.20. Concessions from £13.60
  • Opening Times 1st April - 30th September: Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 18:00. 1st October - 31st March: Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 17:00.
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Northern Ireland

Duncluce Castle

Care to visit a castle on the coast? Duncluce Castle is a beautiful gem located in Bushmills, Northern Ireland. Narnia fans might recognise the “Cair Paravel” from CS Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series which was inspired by this unique castle!

Duncluce is one of the most picturesque and romantic of Irish Castles. The castle shows evidence of settlement from the first millennium! The present castle ruins date mainly from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Learn about the captivating history of it’s previous owners like the feuding McQuillan and MacDonnell clans. Kids can look at historical and archaeological exhibits as they are on display for public viewing. Take to the turrets, the drawbridge and the rooms of these amazing castle ruins!

What better way to finish your adventure than with a delightful stroll on the beach on the Causeway Coast? Go ahead and visit the Giant’s Causeway while you’re at it. This unusual sight is made up of over 38,000 basalt columns which flooded the coastline after a volcanic eruption 60 millions years ago!

Info & Pricing

  • Location 87 Dunluce Rd. Bushmills. BT57 8UY
  • Price Adult £6. Child (5-17) £4. Child (under 5) Free. Concession £4.50. Family (up to 5 people) £18.
  • Opening Times February to November: Daily 9.30am to 5pm. December/January: Daily 9.30am to 4pm.
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North East England

Alnwick Castle

Medieval knights, dragons, dressing up AND Harry Potter?! Alnwick Castle may very well be heaven on earth. Located in Northumberland, this impressive castle has a long line of English heritage and mind-gripping history of the Percy family.

Embark on a stateroom visit and exhibition and learn about 700 years of rich history. Why not go scene-spotting around the castle? Alnwick Castle has been the star of the silver screen more times than one! It’s played host to some pretty incredible film sets, like Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Harry Potter, and Downton Abbey! You will find resident witches and wizards roaming the grounds encourage visitors to get robed up and be part of the magic!

The headline attraction has to be their Artisans Courtyard. Dress up, do quizzes and wind your way through a labyrinth to see if you can defeat the mythical dragon at the end! Warning: not for the faint-hearted! Also enjoy special events like Longbow and falconry demonstrations, traditional musical performances and meeting locals like Peterkin, the court jester. His fire eating, stilt walking antics will have you laughing and gasping all at once!

Info & Pricing

  • Location Alnwick Castle. Alnwick. Northumberland. NE66 1NG. England
  • PriceAdults - £19.50. Concessions (60+ or full time education) - £15.75. Children (5 to 16 years) - £10.25. Under 4's - free. Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) - £53.
  • Opening Times 29th March - 27th October. Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:30
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North West England

Wray Castle

Perched on the shores of Lake Windermere, Wray Castle  is located in Ambleside, Cumbria. Board a boat the castle, walk along the west-side of the shoreline or hop on your bikes in the cycle trail around the castle. Either way kick off journey in style as if you were on a medieval mission to reach the castle!

Explore the jagged turrets, tall towers and the beautiful grounds. This 19th century castle was built in started construction in 1840 and was finished in 1847! The castle was passed down to one of the founding members of the National Trust and was a holiday home for the famous Beatrix Potter when she was a teenager!

Kids get stuck into fun activities like Geocaching! This activity is a kind of treasure hunt for the digital age which is available to try out at the castle. Head to the lake for a splash and paddle around. Climb aboard a boat ride around the lake or hitch up your picnic blanket on the castle grounds. Bask in the sun and fresh Northern air after day filled to the brim with history & activities.

Info & Pricing

  • Location Low Wray. Ambleside. Cumbria. LA22 0JA. England
  • PriceAdult: £5.40. Child: £2.70. Family: £13.50
  • Opening TimesOpen Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30 - 16:00
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Wales

Castell Coch

Known as the Fairytale Castle of Wales, this treasured attraction is over 900 years old! Castell Coch was built by the Marquess of Bute, and is said to be one big love letter to his wife Gwendolen. Fans of the TV series, Merlin, will recognise The Red Castle from the ‘Changeling’ episode. Open everyday & under 5’s go FREE!

This picturesque castle is the stuff of kids dreams! Although the castle may look like it’s from The Middle Ages it was in fact crafted from a vivid Victorian imagination. The Middle Ages fascinated the Victorians as much as the Victorians fascinate people today. The style of the castle complex is a real mish-mash with High Gothic fashionable features yet you can trace time back to the 13th-century castle it used to be before its destruction.

The ‘Red’ castle is so mesmerising inside and out that it has been voted as Wales’ favourite castle! Kids can run around in the courtyard and explore every inch of the castle.

Info & Pricing

  • LocationTongwynlais. Cardiff. Glamorgan and Cardiff. CF15 7JS. Wales
  • Price Member's go Free. Adult: £7.40. Family: £24.40. Disabled person and companion: Free. Juniors (Aged 5-17) / NUS / Armed Forces and Veterans: £5.20. Seniors (Aged 65+): £6.90.
  • Opening TimesOpen everyday from 09:30 - 17:00.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Castle Coch closes 13:00 - 14:00 for lunch.
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West Midlands

Warwick Castle

Steer your medieval sword in the direction of Warwick Castle to complete your family quest!

Did you know that one of the most popular searches for days out in the UK? This magical attraction is located in Warwickshire and hosts a fleet of exciting events throughout the year like the Dragon Slayer and the Midsummer Carnival!

There are plenty of things to do on your medieval adventure. Climb to the top of the ancient battlements, uncover gruesome history in the castle dungeons and stroll around the beautiful castle grounds – as if you were royalty! There are magnificent birds of prey shows, a real life trebuchet and even a majestic peacock garden!

Families can also stop over in the medieval glamping tents, Knights Village lodges and in the tower! For more information about these unique staycations check out our Warwick Castle Tickets article!

Info & Pricing

  • Location Castle Hill. Warwick. Warwickshire. CV34 4QU. England
  • Price Individual ticket price (3+ years) starts from £24 online. Carers go free. Children under 3 years go free. Students can go for £12 when using Student Beans app.
  • Opening TimesOpen from 10:00 - 16:00 everyday
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East Midlands

Belvoir Castle

Expect beautiful landscape gardens, celebrity-status history, and lot’s of exciting events run throughout the year at Belvoir Castle! Psst, the castle featured in an episode of The Crown and in the film the Young Victoria (a film about Queen Victoria). Throughout the centuries, each royal family of its time has visited Belvoir Castle.

Transport yourselves back in time to the 11th century as you explore the stunning castle, from huge, sweeping staircases to admiring majestic portraits on the walls, just don’t forget to look up to take in the incredible decorated ceiling!

The original castle was built 1,000 years ago on land that offered by William the Conqueror which was later destroyed in the War of the Roses in 1464. The castle was reconstructed in the early 1800’s – this is the castle you will see before you today. It holds artwork, furniture and other historical artefacts from the last 1000 years, making it an impressive exhibition to visit!

Kids can enjoy the brand new adventure playground due to be finished in Summer 2022! Families can also walk round the gardens for free without having to pay entry. Look out for the Japanese Woodlands, sweet Duchess Garden, the ice house and more on your leisurely stroll!

Got great eyesight? Take a look outside and see if you can spot the iconic Lincoln Cathedral on a clear day!

Info & Pricing

  • LocationMinster Yard. Lincoln. LN2 1PX. Lincoln. Lincolnshire. LN2 1PX. England
  • PriceAdults: £18.00. Kids (4-16): £9.00. Under 4's: Free
  • Opening Times Open everyday from 11:00 - 17:00
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South East

Castle Drogo

Explore the last castle to be built in England! Nestled into the beautiful Devonshire countryside, your little explorers can discover lots of magical secrets hidden within the grounds of Castle Drogo

Inspect each interesting room and the artefacts within it. Wind up in the grand drawing room to Adrian’s Memorial Room, who was lost in the First World War. Keep an eye out for magnificent artworks like The Char de Triomphe tapestry made for Louis XIV! One thing’s for certain, this castle is packed full of hidden treasures to discover!

Looking for a gorgeous garden? From the formal garden through to the infamous Teign Gorge classic circuit walk that will take you around Dartmoor, there’s plenty for the kids to explore!

Info & Pricing

  • Location Drewsteignton. Exeter. Devon. EX6 6PB. England
  • PriceAdults: £12.80. Kids: £6.40. Family from £19.20
  • Opening Times Open everyday from 10:30 - 4:30
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South West

Oxford Castle and Prison

Travel back in time to Oxford Castle and Prison: home to over 10 centuries of intrigue.

Where do we start with this attraction? This site is packed to the brim with history! Begin by climbing the Saxon St.George’s Tower. This is one of the oldest buildings in Oxford with 360° panoramic views around the city. Then drop right back down to the depths of a 900-year-old crypt, the only surviving remains of St. George’s Chapel. Next explore the insides of an 18th-century debtor’s tower, before winding your way through the prison d-wing. Last but not least? Scale the mound of the 11th-century motte-and-bailey castle. Phew!

This was a site of incarceration dating back to 1071 and gives a look into the lives of real people: the owners, visionaries, activists and inmates of Oxford. Tours run every 20 minutes but you’ll have plenty of time to explore the site under your own steam.

Info & Pricing

  • Location 44 to 46 Oxford Castle. Oxford. Oxfordshire. OX1 1AY. England
  • Price Adult £15.25. Child (5-15) £9.95. Child (under 5) FREE*. Student (with valid ID) £14.25. Carer FREE.
  • Opening TimesEveryday 10:00 - 17:00
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Have you picked your dream castle visit? With so many diverse castle’s to choose from, culture to absorb, and exciting activities to get stuck into, you are spoilt for choice! Whether it’s a day out, a dream wedding venue or a staycation, we hope you’ve found the perfect castle near you!

At horse riding centres like Highlands Unbridled you can actually plan a family holiday with the short breaks & riding holidays they have on offer. If you are looking for any other nature loving holidays head over to our travel page. Find out about Forest Holidays, Seaside Cottages, dog-friendly campsites in Cornwall and lots more.

For more inspiration head over to our Hub page, you’ll found everything from Dog-Friendly Campsites in Cornwall to Forest Holidays and Pick Your Own Fruit Near Me!

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