3 Great English Castles You Should Visit
Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
Anne Schrader, Certified Travel Counselor & Certified Luxury Cruise Specialist
I really like castles but as Anne says, some are just a pile of rocks with nothing much to see and I agree—some ruins are just a pile of rocks.
Don’t let these words deter you, since many have transformed from stark and stout defensive structures into grand properties property’s with stunning interiors that have a lot to see during your visit.
There are many wonderful castles in England and many have published list of great structures to visit but our task is not to rank castles; we only want to show you 3 great ones we have visited and leave ranking the castles to others.
So, let’s explore together and learn about 3 wonderful castles in England we feel are worthy of a visit during a trip to England.
The Tower of London
The Tower of London is the most historic castle, palace and prison in England.
Located on the Thames River, this 18-acre complex first started with the construction of the White Tower in 1087 by William I (you probably know him best as William the Conqueror from the battle of Hastings that resulted in Norman rule of Britain in 1066).
Other famous sites include the Traitor’s Gate, the White Tower Museum, the Execution Site, the display of the Crown Jewels, and the Royal Chapel.
Don’t miss a chance to talk with the Beefeaters (their proper title is the Yeoman Warders), who in principal are responsible for looking after any prisoners in the Tower and safeguarding the Crown Jewels, but in practice they act as tour guides and are an attraction themselves.
A view from the Thames River of the Tower of London
Model Display of the Tower of London
Here is what the Tower of London looks like as visitors approach from the shore.
A sign that tells visitors of the beheadings of famous killed on this spot. Only the high ranking were executed here; others were killed outside the tower’s walls.
The White Tower museum entrance.
Traitor’s Gate entrance from the Thames River.
Another view of Traitor’s Gate
Beefeaters at the Tower of London
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the official home of the Royal Family of England for over 900 years and is stilled used today by the royal family.
This large castle complex is an easy day trip from London. Touring the state apartments is fascinating (usually there are 24 rooms on the tour)—the scale and beauty of these 24 rooms is indescribable (sadly no pictures are allowed)! The castle complex has 951 rooms, if you count stairways and corridors, of which 225 are bedrooms. St. George’s Hall is used for State Banquets and can seat 160 guests.
Starting with the grand staircase and vestibule, with its excellent collection of armor and weapons, it seems each room get more grand and impressive. There are bedrooms, drawing rooms, dining rooms, and halls adorned with paintings, the finest of furniture and reminders of English power and wealth and victories against rival nations. It is almost overwhelming in its grandeur and beauty.
Inside Windsor Castle
Statue of King Charles II beneath the round tower. Charles II was responsible for the many opulent redecoration of Windsor Castle—he desired it to rival the French palace of Versailles.
The Round Tower, Windsor Castle
Changing of the Guard, Private Apartments, Windsor Castle
The Norman Tower and gardens.
Outer Walls, Windsor Castle
Warwick Castle
Originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068, the castle was an expansion of William’s control of England in the Midlands of England, as he advanced north in England in efforts to consolidate his control of England.
In the late 1100’s, the original wooden structure was replaced with stone fortifications. From 1330 to 1360, the castle began to take shape in its’ present from with important upgrades in defensive structures such as a gatehouse, a barbican (a fortified gateway) and 2 towers.
With the decline of defensive castles due to more modern weapons, the castle alternated between an excellent residence to an estate badly need of repairs. It eventually was sold to a tourist company. At present there are 12 rooms open to the public.
The theme park atmosphere is a little corny but it still is an impressive site. There are some unique demonstrations on the 64 acre grounds. These include a Trebuchet (a siege machine) fired twice a day (it is seasonal); Flight of Eagles—a birds of prey demonstration; Warwick Warriors—a show about the combat weapons used by figures in Warwick’s history and a Seasonal Jousting show.
Kids of all ages will probably love this castle and the theme park atmosphere.
Outside walls of Warwick Castle. On the left is the barbican and on the right Guy’s Tower.
Inside the Great Hall.
Warwick Castle has the second best display of arms at English castles—only the Tower of London’s is better.
Armored Knights
Entrance way display
Nicely landscaped grounds inside the castle
Chapel
Bedroom
The large Trebuchet siege machine. We watched it hurl a huge stone quite a distance.
Our Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed this report.
We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise specialists, and Europe destination experts. We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe. We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you. We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations.
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Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you! We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel. Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com. We want to help you: Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!
ANNE has earned a degree from the University of Houston in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Serving as the President of Visit Dream Destinations, LLC, since 2016, she is uniquely experienced professional travel advisor with over 26 years’ experience in the travel industry. Among her numerous certifications, she is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) by the Travel Institute, considered the gold standard in travel agent certification and she is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), as well Luxury Cruise Specialist also from CLIA. Having traveled often to Europe since 1989, she has expanded on her certification as a Destination Specialist in Western Europe (DS) with extensive first-hand experience in luxury vacations. She holds numerous other specialty designations from individual vendors. An expert photographer, she delights in capturing the true essence of destinations to share with all.
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 50 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
