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Sandstone medieval castle surrounded by a moat in the evening light
View across the moat at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex | © National Trust Images/Alasdair Ogilvie

Castles and forts

Royalty, wars and even ghosts – the castles we care for have seen it all. Choose from exploring early fort ruins, the battlements of a medieval castle, or a castle furnished with lavish 17th-century decor and step back in time at some of the best castles in the UK.

Best castles to visit

Family-friendly castles 

If you're looking for an activity-packed day out, find a family-friendly castle where you can explore knights and royalty through the ages.

A family cross a bridge towards the camera with a castle behind them

Corfe Castle 

A royal palace and fortress that survived the English Civil War (1642-1651), Corfe Castle's a romantic ruin, full of history. You can also spot wildlife and take in the views across Purbeck from the top.

Wareham, Dorset

Fully open today
The medieval ruins of Corfe Castle on a hill on a sunny day in Dorset

Powis Castle and Garden 

Built in the 13th century as a medieval fortress, Powis Castle and Garden reflects the changing ambitions of the Herbert family. There are historic paintings, South Asian collections and views across the Severn Valley to discover.

Welshpool, Powys

Fully open today
Family playing on the great lawn at Powis Castle on a sunny day in August in Wales.

Croft Castle and Parkland 

Surrounded by 1,500 acres of woods, park and farmland, there's plenty of wildlife and nature to look out for whilst exploring the grounds.

near Leominster, Herefordshire

Fully open today
The East, or Entrance, front of Croft Castle, Herefordshire

Find a castle or fort near you

    A group of four women along a path, in the background, down a hill is a reservoir

    Where will you visit next?

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