England has a rich royal history that has left behind magnificent castles, many of which are still standing.
Many visitors to England are fascinated with the British upper-class and royalty, especially recently due to new television series like The Crown and Downton Abbey.
Visiting and touring castles allows travelers to step inside a world of royal opulence while learning about Britain’s royal and military history.
What is the oldest castle in England?
- Windsor Castle, built in 1070 AD
Most of the castles still standing in England date back to the Middle Ages, built after the fall of the Roman Empire in England and around the time of the Norman conquest in the 11th century.
While many castles have been destroyed, rebuilt, or decayed with age, these remaining castles offer visitors a glimpse into life in England during medieval times.
Windsor Castle (1070 AD)
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in England and in the world. Located in the county of Berkshire, it was built around 1070 AD under the rule of William the Conqueror. Visitors to the castle can walk through grandiose state apartments, enter St. George’s chapel, and marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of Queen Mary’s dollhouse.
Warwick Castle (1078 AD)
Warwick Castle, like Windsor Castle, was built in the 11th century by the Normans. It is located in Warwickshire, near Stratford-Upon-Avon. One popular draw for tourists is the jousting reenactments that are performed for audiences in the castle.
Rochester Castle (1087 AD)
Rochester Castle was the first castle in England to be fortified with stone. This castle has one of the best preserved stone towers in Europe. It was under siege three times in two hundred years, and now stands as a symbol of England’s military power in the Middle Ages.
Castle Hotels in England
What is a castle hotel?
Castle hotels provide luxurious accommodation for travelers looking for a unique experience. While the more famous castles like Windsor or Warwick may not host guests, there are several castles throughout the United Kingdom that offer lodging for tourists.
Thornbury Castle
This Tudor castle hotel features a vineyard, manicured gardens, and two on-site restaurants. Guests can have dinner in the dungeon and even stay in the same room that King Henry VII and Anne Bolyn Tudor stayed in during their visits to the castle.
Amberley Castle
Amberley Castle was built in 1380 in Sussex, England. Today, the castle offers guests beautiful rooms with four-post beds, wood fireplaces, and opulent decorations. The grounds also feature tennis courts, a croquet lawn, and a putting green.
Pentillie Castle
Pentillie Castle is located in Cornwall on the banks of the River Tamar. This extravagant 17th century mansion is famous for its beautiful gardens and expansive grounds. Guests can explore the 55 acres of woodland and enjoy breakfast made with eggs, honey, and jam all sourced from the estate.
Langley Castle
Langley Castle was built in the 14th century in Northumberland. It is one of the only medieval castle hotels in England, and features saunas, spas, and a beautiful drawing room with Gothic-style stained glass windows.
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