What’s your favourite UK castle to visit?

[Littledidsheknow]

I love a castle (and a cathedral, but that’s another thread 😀) and since I’ll be holidaying more in the UK now I’d like to hear about your favourite castles.

Mine is Conwy! It’s big, has ramparts, walkways and towers and gorgeous views. 🏰

OTOH, Despite its dramatic presence, Edinburgh castle doesn’t do much for me.

Bamburgh obviously… I can pretend that Uhtred is about to roll up and be very manly 😆

I really enjoy Beaumaris castle, doesn't look as grand from the outside so much to see inside.

Chirk castle is good too, good dungeons!

Alnwick is also pretty good. Lovely gardens and it’s near to Barter Books.

Alnwick, Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh in the north. Hever and Arundel down south. Big castle fan, I also love abbey ruins.

Edited to add Bodiam Castle.

So many! I would have to say Caerphilly is up there, I also love Old Wardbour, Goodrich, Kenilworth and Raglan just can't pick a best one!

Bodiam is nice but feels more of a view and much less to see inside. Dunstanburgh and Framlingham are amazing too!

Saving this thread for good ideas of castles to visit.

I personally loved Corfe Castle and Warwick.

One rather likes Windsor. Buckingham is rather cold and draughty despite you lot spending millions of pounds on it. Sandringham - not a palace per se - but a splendid location for a simple shooting weekend.
And The Castle in Tooting is a splendid place for music. 🎼

Middleham is ny favourite, due to the link with Richard III, and for it's setting.
I'm fortunate to live quite near to Sizergh Castle, and it's definitely worth a visit.

As a child I loved visiting nearby Culzean Castle in Ayrshire but really it's more of a stately home.

So I would pick Manorbier in Pembrokeshire. Stunning beach too.

There used to be a TV advert with a cartoon Henry VIII. "Visit Hever Castle! Bring your wives!"

😁

This thread is making me want to do a castle tour of Britain.

I’m doing up my caravan in preparation for such a tour!

Castell y Bere near Abergynolwyn in Wales. Looks totally unprepossessing from outside. Inside ohhhhh.... beautiful.

Castell Carreg Cennen near Llandeilo in West Wales.

Castell Dinefwr near Llandeilo.

All three are Welsh built castles.

Not convinced by it's recent makeover (or it's Victorian cladding!), but must put a word in for Norwich. Many a rainy Saturday spent there for just 5p.
Beaumaris is so beautiful and fun to explore.
Lincoln is such is wonderful counterpoint to the Cathedral. A nice museum and the Magna carte!
Urquart for the view.
Richmond for pretending to be in Monty Python

I used to live at Drogo as part of my job .

You can buy a yearly family membership for Cornwall Heritage. It was around £30 a couple of years ago. That gives you entrance to all 5 Cornish castles and few other places.

My parents are staying at Carisbrooke Castle at the moment , they grew up in Newport so know it well but being able to visit the donkeys and wander around the grounds at night was the biggest draw .

Doesn't everyone have a local childhood castle? Mine is Rochester. I used to walk past it every day on my way to Grammar school, have fond memories of being the castle grounds as a young child too.
I love the history of the place and it's rebuilt
'modern' tower.
The Cornish castles are interesting and well worth a visit.

Was coming on to say Doune is my favourite and the best audio guide with Terry Jones

How lovely!
They're having great weather for their stay.

Walmer Castle is my favourite .

Just trying to imagine asking my DH, who grew up in an inner city (with no castle!) what his local childhood castle was. Our childhoods were very different so he would take this as further proof that I am from a different planet. 🤣

I did happen to have a local childhood castle though... Old Sarum.

Another recommendation for Bolsover Castle. I love Lucy Worsley and she started her career as curator there.

Visited Brough castle over the summer - really beautiful. I also love Middleham castle.

Bolton. For the history.

Tintagel is my favourite for its atmosphere and connection to King Arthur.
If you want to visit a Castle and a Cathedral go to Lincoln. Both are stunning.