A remarkable trademark of Western Europe is its wide variety of castles. While Scotland and Germany have the bulk of these, I believe that England has some of the most fantastical ones. From Middle Ages fortresses to Victorian Era palaces and everything in between, this country has all the enchantment you could possibly find on your trip. My many trips to London and York have given me my favorite memories of these castles; as such, here are my top seven castles in the London and York area.
1: Windsor Castle
While it may seem like a overhyped option, Windsor Castle is most deserving of that excitement. As the residence of the royal residence for hundreds of years, it has a storied history. It is also the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world! There are many exhibits showing off the different stages of its history. My favorite of these is Queen Mary’s dollhouse. This fully functional mini house was gifted to Queen Mary in 1924, and it was the dollhouse of my dreams as a girl. Even so, the historian in me also loves all of the royal tombs, towers, and art collections from centuries prior.
After looking through the vast grounds, I would take some time to explore the town of Windsor, which is beautiful. Some of the best meals I’ve had in the UK have also been here!
2: Bolton Castle
Built in the late 14th century by Richard Scrope, Bolton Castle was built during a rare time of peace in England’s long history. Despite this peaceful origin, the residence of King Richard III was used as a stronghold during the English Civil War and as a prison for Mary, Queen of Scots. I found this castle to be very scenic, and falconry lessons in the foggy weather are to die for!
The castle is also open as a venue for weddings and other events. It is truly a perfect break from the city, and it shows the finest of the English countryside.
3: Hever Castle and Gardens
Tudor Era fans would easily recognize this place as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, and it is just as colorful as the late Queen was. Today’s castle has an Edwardian extension to the old manor, and I’m sure that Anne would have loved to see her old orchards alongside these new works of art. This moat castle with gardens is the royal residence of my dreams! I never get tired of seeing all of the flowers and exhibits. On my last visit, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that King Henry VIII gave Hever Castle to his 4th wife, Anne of Cleves, as a gift during their amicable divorce, and I must say that it is quite possibly the best thing he ever did for one of his wives.
4: Helmsley Castle
Helmsley Castle is the only one on this list that is mostly ruins. After the English Civil War, it was ordered that the castle be partially demolished, which adds a bit of flare and intrigue to such an old place. Many artifacts from Helmsley’s long history can be found in the exhibit in the Tudor mansion range, which I love! What fascinates me the most about this castle is the land surrounding it. The North York Moors National Park has the largest amount of heather moorlands in England, and the vegetation turns the ground to a vibrant shade of purple in the late summer!
Like many other ruins, Helmsley has rumors of ghosts roaming the area, which adds the appeal for me during this time of year.
5: Kensington Palace
As the birthplace of Queen Victoria, Kensington Palace is surprisingly more subdued than other palaces of the 17th and 18th centuries. It was originally built from red brick rather than monumental stone, which gives the outside of it its unique look. Since its humble origins, monarchs have ordered many expansions upon it to turn the palace into the grand villa it is today. A fact that I really enjoyed about this was the garden, which host many memorials. The most recent of these is that of Diana, Princess of Wales, which was so cool to finally see in person! I felt a great sense of personal connection as I wandered through these gardens as well as the State Rooms, and I could not help but see a rare sense of intimacy from the royal family when looking through all of the stories within the palace walls.
6: Castle Howard
These majestic grounds have been the filming sites of many shows like Bridgerton and Victoria, and it’s easy to see why. Each part of this palace is a true work of art. Castle Howard even has its own dome, and as someone who absolutely loved seeing all of the domes in Venice, this was a special treat. It’s not too elaborate, but it still has so much care to it and it’s almost calming to look up at.
When I come back to England, this will most definitely be a top stop for me, as I just figured out that Castle Howard had its very own Christmas celebrations! These change every year, and there are many shows and beautiful lights all around the palace halls. It’s truly magical!
7: Severndroog Castle and Tea Room
Resting on the highest point in South London, Severndroog is not actually a castle; rather, it is something called a folly. In an architectural context, a folly is a small structure made only for decoration. This one in particular is a place for relaxation within London that offers 360 degree views of England’s capital and beyond. Towards the bottom of the tower, you can relax in a quiet tea room, which was most enjoyable for me and my mother. My favorite dishes were Focaccia with prosciutto and an almond croissant, while my mother was much more steadfast towards the coffees. While I am much more partial to tea, my mother says that the cappuccino was absolutely sublime. Sublime is a word that I would also use to sum up my entire experience at Sevendroog, and I think that this is one of London’s best hidden gems!
Conclusion
The English monarchy is possibly the most recognizable in the world, both by their name and by their residences. Whether they be modest manors or large fortresses, I find these castles to be some of the most enchanting in the world. Upon talking about this subject with my father, I was shocked to learn that even he, a man jaded by seeing all the same buildings in Europe, could not help but rave of the beauty of the English royal estates. I hope that you too shall find such wonder on your travels to England’s castles as well.
