Medieval castles were fortified homes built by the nobility or royalty and by military orders in order to control the surrounding land. In this section you will find a list including some of the best medieval castles of England. Quick jump to:
East Midlands – East of England – Greater London – North East England – North West England – South East England – South West England – West Midlands – Yorkshire and the Humber
Other locations:
The East Midlands is rich in medieval history, with castles that were central to the region’s defense and power struggles. Nottingham Castle, perched on a sandstone hill, was a royal fortress and played a pivotal role in the English Civil War. Belvoir Castle, while heavily reconstructed, still reflects its Norman origins and offers stunning views of the countryside. These castles reflect the area’s deep connections to both royalty and rebellion.
Kirby Castle is a ruined fortified manor house in Leicestershire built by Lord Hastings in 1480.
Ashby de la Zouch Castle is a ruined fortification built by William, Lord Hastings, after 1473.
Lincoln Castle is a Norman castle built by William the Conqueror in the late 11th century.
In the East of England, castles were often built to protect the coastlines and control trade routes. Framlingham Castle in Suffolk is one of the most famous, known for its role in the power struggle between Mary I and Lady Jane Grey. Colchester Castle, built on the ruins of a Roman temple, is the largest Norman keep ever constructed and remains a testament to the region’s strategic importance during the Norman Conquest.
Framlingham Castle has no central keep but a curtain wall with 13 towers.
Norwich Castle is a motte and bailey medieval royal fortification built around 1066.
Berkhamsted Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey castle built in the 11th century.
Though London is better known for palaces, it is also home to one of England’s most famous castles: the Tower of London. Originally built by William the Conqueror, the Tower has served as a royal residence, prison, and fortress. Eltham Palace, though now more of a palace than a fortress, started as a medieval royal residence and offers insights into the evolution of London’s royal estates.
North East England is renowned for its formidable castles, built to defend against Scottish invasions. Alnwick Castle, one of the largest inhabited castles in England, has been the seat of the Percy family for centuries and is famous for its role in films like Harry Potter. Bamburgh Castle, sitting on the coast, offers stunning views and has a history dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the country.
Berwick-upon-Tweed Castle is a 12th Century ruined castle in Northumberland.
Barnard Castle is a 12th-century fortress passed to the hands of Richard III.
Durham Castle is a Norman castle built in 1072 under the orders of William the Conqueror.
The North West is home to both coastal and inland fortifications, many of which were built to defend against invaders from Scotland and Ireland. Lancaster Castle has stood for nearly a thousand years, serving as a royal fortress, prison, and court. Carlisle Castle, located near the Scottish border, played a key role during the Wars of Scottish Independence and is rich in military history.
Chester Castle is sited at the southwest extremity of the area and bounded by the city walls.
The South East boasts some of England’s most iconic and well-preserved castles. Dover Castle, known as the “Key to England,” has been a strategic stronghold since Roman times, protecting the coast closest to continental Europe. Leeds Castle, with its picturesque setting on an island in a lake, has been home to medieval queens and later evolved into a royal palace. These castles reflect the region’s importance as a gateway to Europe.
Dover Castle was built in the 11th century and is the largest castle in England.
Bodiam Castle was built in 1385 to defend the area during the Hundred Years’ War.
Hedingham Castle, built in 1100, is arguably the best preserved Norman keep in England.
Leeds Castle has existed on the site since 1119 and for 300 years it was a royal residence.
The South West is dotted with medieval castles that defended against coastal invasions. Tintagel Castle, perched on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is steeped in Arthurian legend and offers breathtaking views. Berkeley Castle, still owned by the same family that built it in the 12th century, has witnessed significant historical events, including the imprisonment of King Edward II. These castles reflect the region’s blend of myth and history.
Tintagel Castle is a medieval fortification that has long been associated with King Arthur.
In the West Midlands, castles were built to control the central lands of England. Warwick Castle, one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture, has been the site of battles, power struggles, and royal intrigue for centuries. Kenilworth Castle, a sprawling ruin today, played a key role during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and the English Civil War. The region’s castles often served as both fortresses and grand residences.
Acton Burnell Castle is a 13th-century fortified manor house in Shropshire, England.
Warwick Castle is a medieval castle originally built by William the Conqueror during 1068.
Yorkshire and the Humber is rich in medieval heritage, with some of the country’s most imposing castles. York Castle, once a mighty fortress, was pivotal in controlling northern England. Skipton Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England, played a key role during the English Civil War. Bolton Castle also stands as a reminder of the region’s strategic importance during centuries of conflict between England and Scotland.
