Stokesay Castle is more like a perfect medieval fortified manor house, and it is unforgettably picturesque and interesting. Many of the interiors are original and little changed since being built in the 13th century by a wealthy wool merchant, including original timbers. The solar has original 17th century panelling. A wonderful timber-framed gatehouse was added
The site of Hardknott Roman Fort (Mediobogdum) is one of the most spectacular in England. The fort was built in the 2nd century AD, probably by men of the 4th Cohort of Dalmatia, to protect the trade route across the fells to/from the vital port of Ravenglass (Glennaventa). The ruins, which consist of well-marked layouts
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The castle at Newark upon Trent occupies a strategic position in the English Midlands, where the Roman Fosse Way meets the Great North Road at the River Trent. Developed from an original timber episcopal fortress, the impressive ruins of 12th century Newark Castle sit on the bank of the river, the interior now home to
Cardigan Castle (Castell Aberteifi) began as an earth and timber Norman fortress in the early 12th century. It was captured by The Lord Rhys ap Gruffydd in 1171 and rebuilt in stone – the first stone castle built by a Welshman. To mark the achievement, he held the first national Eisteddfod there in 1176. The
Perched on castle rock above the old town, Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s iconic images and a must-see if you’re visiting the city. Your problem will be time – the place is huge and there is a lot to see and take in. The castle was at the centre of the wars with the
Conwy Castle, one of King Edward I’s great fortifications built to subdue the Welsh, dominates the approach to the town across the Conwy Estuary. It is, along with Beaumaris, Caernarfon, and Harlech Castles, and their town walls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bamburgh Castle, once home to the Anglian Kings of Northumbria, is perched on a mighty crag next to the North Sea and a wonderful beach. It is one of Northumberland’s most iconic images. The present building was heavily restored by William Armstrong, builder of Cragside, whose family still live there.
Fort George was built in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden (1746), to help control any future Jacobite rebellions in the Highlands. In the event, no threat materialised and Fort George became a base for the British Army – and remains so to this day. It welcomes visitors, however, and there is much to see – from historic barracks to the chapel – and walking round the ramparts. It’s a massive and literally awesome place, built on a point extending into the Moray Firth, where it is possible to see dolphins at play.
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The evocative ruins of Clun Castle are set in magnificent countryside on the edge of the tiny town of Clun, whilst kites soar overhead. It is a dominating position on natural high ground in a loop in the river, built to help dominate the border between Wales and England.
Pendragon Castle is a beguiling place, in a remote location by a small road, surrounded by places with names out of a fantasy novel. Despite being a ruin, it has an atmosphere all of its own. According to legend, it was the fortress of Uther Pendragon, father of King Arthur, who battled the Saxons here in the mists of the Dark ages. Sadly, that is unlikely to be true – the current ruins date from the 12th century, long after Arthur is said to have lived – but they do have their own stories to tell.
The ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, perched on the cliffs and possibly looming out of the mists, are one of the most iconic sites on Northumberland’s coast. Only accessible by foot, a visit is well worth the short walk from either Craster or Embleton.
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Warkworth Castle, once the residence of the powerful Percy family, overlooks the River Coquet and reflects its historical significance despite its ruins. It witnessed major historical events and even appears in Shakespeare’s works. The nearby Hermitage chapel adds to interest and the village is lovely.
