A red stone castle on a high, wooded hill — View from the parkland of Dunster Castle, Somerset | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

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.

Visitors taking part in family activities at Corfe Castle, Dorset

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Family-friendly castles

If you're looking for an activity-packed family day out, discover a family-friendly castle and enjoy a historic visit for knights and royalty of all ages.

Bridge over the moat to the castle in summer at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

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Bodiam Castle

With its full moat, original wooden portcullis, murder holes, spiral staircases and battlements, Bodiam Castle offers a tantalising glimpse of the 14th century. Check dates for tours and talks.

Two visitors walk along a pebbly beach with their black dog on a lead. In the background, a castle can be seen on top of the cliffs.

Place

Lindisfarne Castle

Converted from a fort to a holiday home by Edward Lutyens, there's something magical about travelling across the causeway to this castle perched high on a crag.

A view of the castle through a blooming garden during spring time.

Place

Chirk Castle

Explore medieval towers and dungeons, or the lavish 17th- and 18th-century rooms of Chirk Castle. There's over 700 years of history to uncover, why not start with a hunt for medieval murder holes and finish with the King's Bedroom, where King Charles I is rumoured to have slept?