10 Best Castles In England You’ve Never Heard About

Want to do something fun this weekend but aren’t sure of where to go or what to do? Perhaps your weekends have slowly become a predictable routine: either fixating on Netflix from morning to dusk, or running errands and completing chores, almost on autopilot. This weekend, why not treat yourself to something different?

England’s rich medieval history is seeped in a variety of grand castles dotting this country. A visit to an English castle could be an enriching and fascinating way to spend your weekend! Besides learning about the torrid tales of the days gone by, you can also enjoy unique experiences like a castle-stay. Some of the best castles in England even offer live history displays which instantly makes you feel like you’ve been whisked back in time.

Indeed, a visit to the best castles in England teems with educational and entertainment value. You’re certainly missing out on what could be the time of your life if you haven’t visited at least one of the best castles in England!

Keen on visiting an English castle but not sure what the best castles in England are? Fret not. We have identified 10 of the best castles in England for you. Read on and you just might have your plans for the weekend settled!

Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Dubbed the “loveliest castle in the world”, it’s easy to see why Leeds Castle is so widely praised. Leeds Castle exudes both charm and grace from every corner of its rustic interior. Fans of architecture will also marvel at its stunning design. Besides its stunning architecture, Leeds Castle also claims its rightful spot in our list of best castles in England thanks to its lush greenery. With over 500 acres of gardens, visitors to Leeds Castle are enveloped by tranquility. Leeds Castle offers a much-needed respite away from the frenetic pace of everyday life, hence making it one of the best castles in England in my opinion.

Interested to visit this lovely castle? Check out our comprehensive guide on Leeds Castle to help you plan your trip!

Rating: 9/10

Photo by Wikimedia Commons

If we’re talking about the best castles in England, we definitely can’t miss out Hever Castle. With roots tracing back to 1271, every brick of Hever Castle is saturated with history. History buffs will rejoice at the chance to get a peek at the more personal side of the Tudor period. Hever Castle also offers some unconventional attractions such as the Water Maze. Visitors from all walks of life are sure to be entertained and refreshed by this attraction, especially more so on a sweltering day! Furthermore, you can also enjoy a peaceful boat ride at the lake within the castle. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Hever Castle is one of the best castles in England that’ll make you wanna go back repeatedly!

To know all about Hever Castle’s opening hours, ticket prices and dining options, check out our comprehensive guide on Hever Castle.

Rating: 10/10

Photo by Wikimedia Commons

The proud home of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for a jaw-dropping 850 years, it would not be an exaggeration to claim that Arundel Castle teems with rich historical value. Furthermore, if you appreciate nature, Arundel Castle will probably be one of the best castles in England for you. At their various gardens, visitors are treated to a resplendent visual feast of vibrant flowers and lush greenery. Besides nature, Arundel Castle is also one of the best castles in England to appreciate the intricacies of Victorian architecture.

Ready to immerse yourself in the charms of this quaint castle? Read our comprehensive guide on Arundel Castle for helpful information about its opening hours, ticket prices, directions and more.

Rating: 9/10

Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Warwick Castle’s famous live jousting and archery shows instantly award it a spot in our list of best castles in England. Visitors are sure to be captivated by these energetic live history displays. Furthermore, for those who have a penchant for dark tales, Warwick Castle will be even more attractive. At the castle dungeons, visitors can view graffiti left behind by prisoners centuries ago, a chilling reminder of the past horrors that took place within those very walls.

Can’t wait to be spooked? Before you visit the notorious dungeons of Warwick Castle, read our comprehensive guide on Warwick Castle for everything you need to know about one of the best castles in England.

Rating: 10/10

Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Many vestiges of the devastating and heart-wrenching World War 2 still remain today. Notably, Dover Castle stands stoically as one of the best castles in England that serve as a grim reminder of this part of history. Check out the secret wartime tunnels through which 338,000 soldiers were evacuated in the now notorious Operation Dynamo. In addition, visitors can also visit the underground hospital that has been painstakingly designed to replicate the authentic hospital of the Second World War.

Without a question, Dover Castle is definitely one of the best castles in England for an enriching history lesson. Be sure to drop by for an eye-opening experience when you’re in Kent! Check out our comprehensive guide on Dover Castle for information on ticket price, opening hours, must-see attractions and more.

Rating: 10/10

Photo by Tony Hisgett on Wikimedia Commons

Built in 1835, Bodiam Castle falls nothing short of a beautiful painting. Be prepared to have your breath whisked away the moment you step foot into its charming castle grounds. Indeed, just for its beautiful architecture alone, Bodiam Castle deserves its title as one of the best castles in England. For those who can’t sit still, you’ll love Bodiam Castle. At one of their many archery sessions, you will have a whale of a time with this medieval sport!

Archery isn’t the only fun thing to do at Bodiam Castle. Read our comprehensive guide on Bodiam Castle for more on what one of the best castles in England has to offer!

Rating: 9/10

Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Art connoisseurs, rejoice! Home to a vast collection of art by world-renowned artists, Belvoir Castle is undoubtedly one of the best castles in England for an enriching day of art-viewing. Besides their wonderful curation of artworks, Belvoir Castle is also widely praised by experts as one of the finest examples of Regency architecture. There is really no better castle to enjoy the elegance of fine workmanship than Belvoir Castle.

If art isn’t really your cup of tea, don’t walk away just yet. Besides art, Belvoir Castle also offers a host of other various attractions. Check out our comprehensive guide on Belvoir Castle for its other offerings. You might just find something that interests you!

Rating: 9/10

Photo by Immanuel Giel on Wikimedia Commons

Bolsover may be a quiet town but a visit to its historical Bolsover Castle can still pack quite a punch! For starters, you can spend a good part of the day wandering in the beautiful Fountain Garden: This garden houses an astounding 5000 plants and flowers! Besides its immaculate gardens, Bolsover Castle is also one of the best castles in England for an instantaneous transportation back in time. Much of the castle’s rooms have been preserved and restored, allowing visitors to experience for themselves a taste of the glorious days gone by.

A trip to Derbyshire isn’t really complete until you visit Bolsover Castle. Read our comprehensive guide on Bolsover Castle for more detailed information on its opening hours, ticket prices and more.

Rating: 10/10

Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Medieval England is one of the most fascinating parts of England’s long history. Kenilworth Castle is one of the best castles in England to visit if you’re looking to quench your curiosity regarding England’s interesting past. This grand castle has borne witness to various historical events, such as the War of the Roses.

Keen on embarking on an eye-opening trip to this historical castle? Check out our comprehensive guide on Kenilworth Castle for everything you need to know before planning your trip.

Rating: 9/10

Photo by Patrick Gruban

Last on our list of best castles in England, but definitely not the least: Sudeley Castle. Sudeley Castle, located in the heart of Cotswold, has roots tracing back to the 15th century. At this historical castle, visitors can be enthralled by tales of its sordid past. In addition, the Queen’s Garden is an attraction that’s not to be missed when you visit Sudeley Castle. Home to over 80 varieties of roses, this beautiful garden is sure to be a visual delight. In addition, Sudeley Castle is also home to one of the largest collections of endangered pheasants. I don’t know about you, but this interesting nugget easily makes me agree that Sudeley Castle is indeed one of the best castles in England that I’ve got to check out!

Before you pack your bags to visit the Sudeley Castle’s Pheasantry, check out our comprehensive guide for more information to help you plan a seamless outing!

Rating: 9/10

Final Thoughts on The Best Castles in England

Castles are one of the best ways to discover more about England’s medieval history. Besides historical value, many of the best castles in England also offers various interactive programs. There’s bound to be something for everyone!

Have you visited any of the castles on our list of Best Castles in England? Leave us a comment to tell us more about your trip!