England has an endless number of castles to explore. TNT selects some of the best.
Bamburgh Castle
You’d be hard pressed to find a more dramatic setting for a castle. Sitting astride a basalt crag, overlooking a vast sandy beach, Bamburgh still seems to guard the Northumberland coast from invasion. Originally built by the Normans in the 11th century, the fortress was home to kings and queens for centuries, only to be all but destroyed in 1464 during the War of the Roses. Lord Armstrong fixed it up in the late 19th century and his family has resided there ever since.
Wander through the Armoury, King’s Hall and Faire Chamber, taking in the decorative furniture, suits of armour and paintings by the likes of JMW Turner.
Getting there Trains run from London Kings Cross to Berwick-Upon-Tweed (4 hrs). From here take the 411 or 510 bus. See www.bamburghcastle.com.
While you’re there Stroll along the beach to the cute tea room in Bamburgh village. If you like playing king of the castle, the Northumberland coast is the place. Head south to Warworth and Alnwick Castles or north to Lindisfarne on Holy Island.
Tintagel
If you’ve always believed you could’ve pulled the sword Excalibur from the stone, then a visit to Tintagel (pronounced tin-tajill) is a must.
Set on the dramatic, windswept north-west coast of Cornwall, the castle is the birthplace of Arthurian legend. Thought by some to be King Arthur’s fabled castle Camelot, this magical edifice from the Dark Ages now lies in ruins. Still, it’s the stark beauty of the setting that wins visitors over.
There aren’t any guided tours on offer, but a wander over the cliffs and into the quaint church allows you to enjoy the place’s haunting beauty. After a short trek down to the sea, swim alongside Elephant Rock or explore Merlin’s Cave, apparently the haunt of Arthur’s legendary guru. If you’re quiet enough you may even hear the magician whisper across the ages.
Getting there Trains from London Paddington run to the West Country (4 hrs). Coaches run to Tintagel from Bude and Bodmin Parkway station. Castle opening times depend on the weather, so it’s best to call ahead in winter. See www.english-heritage.org.uk/tintagel.
While you’re there Be enchanted by the old Post Office, enjoy shopping in gorgeous little stores and feast on a Cornish cream tea of scones and clotted cream.
Warwick Castle
First built by William the Conqueror in 1068, this medieval castle looms over Warwick town.
There are archery, falconry and knights-in-armour battle displays, but the real highlight is the castle itself: it’s big, old and impressive as hell.
Descend into the dungeon or climb the narrow spiral staircases to the castle’s parapets. If you gaze over the trees, you can almost imagine an army preparing to lay siege.
Indoors, the baronial Great Hall is loaded with armour and weapons, while the state rooms have been recreated in all the opulence of the castle’s heyday.
Explore the 24 hectares of parkland, especially if you’ve packed a picnic on a sunny day.
Getting there There are trains from London Marylebone to Warwick (1hr 30 mins). From the station, it’s a five-minute walk to the castle. See www.warwick-castle.co.uk.
While you’re there Check out the Tudor tombs at the Church of St Mary in Warwick town.
Leeds Castle
Peacocks roam the grounds, masses of wild flowers are in bloom and in sight is a castle floating on two islands. What sounds like a scene from a fairytale is, in fact, Leeds Castle.
The castle (in Kent, not Leeds) dates from the 12th century and has seen its fair share of royalty through its gate, including King Henry VIII.
The last private owner was an eccentric heiress, who spent most of her life (and fortune) turning the castle into what it is today.
Inside you’ll find Norman cellars, rooms fit for medieval queens and banqueting halls used to entertain celebs and politicians.
Outside there are black swans in the Duckery, exotic parrots in the aviary and a live falconry display. And no fairytale castle would be complete without its own maze.
Getting there National Express offers a combined castle admission and coach fare. Trains leave from London Victoria to Bearsted station (about 1 hr) and from there a shuttle runs to the castle. See www.leeds-castle.com.
While you’re there You’ll need a whole day to explore Leeds Castle, especially if you want to stroll through its vineyard, play a round of golf on its parkland course or take a trip in a hot air balloon.