The UK has a lot of history and if you are looking to soak in some of it and find out more over the summer whilst you are on holiday and visiting new places then something that is always worth a visit is a castle. There are lots of them around the UK and all of them are different – here are some great castles to visit whilst you are travelling around on your holidays…
In Scotland, one of the most iconic landmarks of course is Edinburgh castle. High up overlooking the city, the castle is a favourite visitor attraction and has played a big part in the history of Scotland. Inside, as well as exploring the beautiful building, you can also see the Scottish crown jewels, the honours of Scotland!
Wales is renowned for its many stunning castles – if you are off to North Wales on holiday at somewhere like this luxury hotel Llandudno based place https://stgeorgeswales.co.uk/ then Conwy castle is a must visit. Still standing after being built in the 13th Century, it has survived very well and is a fascinating place to visit.
If you want to find out more about the Royal family and their history, then Windsor castle is a great place to go and visit. It is still an official residence of the monarch and is the oldest occupied castle in the world. As well as the castle itself, you can also have a walk around the beautiful grounds.
Castles and more on a Scottish trip
Scotland is one of the best places in the UK for castle lovers. Edinburgh Castle dominates the capital’s skyline, and Eilean Donan, on its island in the western Highlands, is one of the most photographed castles in the country.
History is everywhere you look. In Edinburgh it seems stamped into every cobble, and at Glenfinnan, at the head of Loch Shiel, a monument marks Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1745 Jacobite rising.
A castle tour can easily be combined with other experiences. Highland Games are unique to Scotland, and the scenery ranges from green fields to snow capped mountains, with deer and eagles among the wildlife you may spot. If you visit in winter, Burns Night on 25 January and the Hogmanay celebrations offer another side of Scottish culture.
Edinburgh Castle and the city around it
Edinburgh Castle is one of the largest intact castles in Britain and is still registered as a military base. Alongside that role it serves as a memorial and museum to the many regiments and brigades Scotland has produced, which makes it as much a history lesson as a building to admire.
The castle sits at one end of the Royal Mile, the historic street that runs down to Holyrood. It is busy with visitors, but the old architecture and shops along the way make it a pleasant walk once you have finished at the castle.
If you have time to spare, the National Museum of Scotland is close by and covers the country’s culture and history under one roof. Its collection ranges from the Lewis Chessmen to the Tyrrell 003 that Jackie Stewart drove to the 1971 Formula One world title. Visit during the Fringe and the city fills with comedy and theatre, some of it running into the small hours.