Looking for historic and secluded places to visit this summer? Here in the UK, there are a whole heap of hidden castles and ruins to traverse and explore!
Filled with ancient history and enchanting legends, discover the secrets of Great British castles with our list of top hidden castles – the perfect summer holiday attraction for any history fans looking for a unique medieval day out.
1. Donnington Castle
Donnington, West Berkshire, RG14 2LE
Located just outside Newbury, Donnington Castle is a grand, two-storey high gatehouse built during the 14th Century. This splendid castle is famously thought to have hosted both Henry VII and Elizabeth I during their rule. Donnington Castle’s fascinating history also extends to the English Civil War, where the stronghold was attacked multiple times in an effort by Parliamentarian troops to seize the castle.
This English Heritage site is free to visit and explore, with only a £2 parking charge to non-English Heritage members.
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2. Berkhamsted Castle
White Hill, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LJ
In the quaint, historic market town of Berkhamsted, Buckinghamshire, you’ll find the immense remains of Berkhamsted Castle. This 11th-century motte-and-bailey castle was initially designed as a fierce fortress with an imposing stone curtain wall, a high motte and water-filled ditches to prevent intruders from tunnelling under the walls.
Over its century-long existence, the castle has slowly fallen into ruin. However, the remains still stand today as a fascinating reminder of a forgotten time. With wide, open green spaces and intriguing stories to discover, bring the kids and even the family dog for a fun exploration trip out.
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3. Moreton Corbet Castle
Moreton Corbet, Shawbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 4DW
Steeped in rich history, Moreton Corbet Castle is an impressive ruined castle located in rural Shropshire. Withstanding over 500 years of building, the original stone castle and gatehouse were constructed in the 13th century until the Corbet family remodelled the site with an ornate Elizabethan wing. The south wing, which still stands ruined today, survived multiple attacks during the English Civil War until its abandonment in the 18th century.
Step back in time to Moreton Corbet Castle, with a grand gatehouse, inner courtyard, and Elizabethan mansion ruin to explore.
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4. Pontefract Castle
The Lodge Castle Chain, Castle Garth, Pontefract WF8 1QH
Navigate the unique history of Pontefract Castle, located in the historic market town of Pontefract, West Yorkshire. The nearly one thousand-year-old castle has witnessed various historic moments since its construction.
From its immortalisation in the Shakespearean play Richard II to holding English Civil War prisoners, and hosting a royal Tudor affair, these Great British castle ruins hold stories that you must experience for yourself.
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5. Lauriston Castle
2 Cramond Rd S, Edinburgh EH4 6AD
Visiting Edinburgh but looking for somewhere a little less touristy than Edinburgh Castle? Check out Lauriston Castle. Located in the suburb of Cramond, northwest of Edinburgh and set amongst the tranquil Scottish coastline, Lauriston Castle overlooks the magnificent Firth of Forth estuary.
This perfect escape from the busy Edinburgh city centre offers a gorgeous woodland park, an award-winning Japanese garden and exciting tours of the hidden castle dating back to the 16th century.
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6. Wolvesey Castle
College Street, Winchester, Hampshire, S023 9NB
Described as one of the ‘greatest medieval castles in England’, Wolvesey Castle in Winchester was once the grand palace of the rich and powerful bishops of Winchester. With magnificent castle ruins remaining since the palace’s construction in the 12th century, the site still exudes the impressive and lavish lifestyles many bishops lived while in residence until its ultimate abandonment in the 1680s.
Discover Wolvesey Castle’s glamorous history, including its famous hosting of Queen Mary and Philip of Spain’s luxurious wedding banquet in 1554.
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