Oh, the UK – a land rich in history, filled with quirky traditions, and let’s face it, a somewhat bizarre sense of humour. One of its most mesmerising features is the castles that dot the countryside, standing tall like grumpy giants witness to centuries of drama, romance, and probably some very dodgy decisions. Grab a cuppa (preferably a good one, not that horrid brew I stumbled upon at a roadside shop—bleh!) and join me as I regale you with tales from a few stunning castles I’ve visited.
First up, let’s talk about Edinburgh Castle. Picture this: a fortress perched high on Castle Rock, looking down on the city like a grumpy old man expecting you to pay your rent. You can’t miss it. The views from the top? Absolutely breathtaking. And the history! Did you know it’s been a royal residence for centuries? The Crown Jewels of Scotland are also housed here, but what really tickled my fancy was the Stone of Destiny—sounds like something out of a fantasy novel, doesn’t it?
When I visited, I thought I’d try my luck at making a tartan, because, well, you have to do silly things in Scotland, right? Spoiler alert: I’ve got the skill of a three-legged dog trying to ice skate. I ended up with a great story to tell, though! If you fancy a wee chat with a local about the castle, pop by one of the nearby pubs for a pint. Just watch out for the haggis; I still can’t decide if it’s a miracle of flavour or an elaborate prank.
Fun Fact: Edinburgh Castle is said to be haunted. Keep an eye out for the ghost of a little dog named Greyfriars Bobby!
Heading south, we’ve got Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s fav places to hang out—besides the occasional state dinner and all that pomp. What can I say? It’s a right royal affair! The grandeur of it all is incredible, with the beautiful State Apartments that made me feel a bit like I should’ve been wearing a crown myself.
The gardens? Oh, let’s just say if you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in a Jane Austen novel, this is the place. I once tried to take a cheeky selfie with a statue of King Henry VIII, but a guard gave me the most disapproving look—note to self, royal guards are not keen on selfies!
You’ll also want to catch the Changing of the Guard. It’s a bit like a military flash mob—lots of precision marching, and honestly, it can be downright hypnotic. Just be prepared, it gets busy. Best to claim your spot early, perhaps while enjoying a pastry from one of the quaint nearby cafés. Try and avoid the one that serves the dry scones—I did not win ‘scone wars’ that day.
Local Buzz: Keep an eye out for events—Windsor often hosts seasonal fairs. They were having a pop-up gin festival when I visited. Two words: epic madness.
Now, if you fancy a bit of a trip into the heart of Wales, you’ve got to check out Caernarfon Castle. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and mate, it’s as impressive as it is imposing. This castle looks like it’s come straight out of a fairy tale, providing the perfect backdrop for countless Instagram posts.
Walking around the parapets is a bit like being transported back in time, and if you squint hard enough, you might just see a medieval knight waving at you. Although, I might just be losing my marbles! And if you’re hungry, fear not. There are some lovely little eateries nearby where you can devour a proper Welsh rarebit that actually tastes good, unlike the rubbery excuse I got in that earlier roadside stop (again with the tea – don’t even ask!).
Quirk to Note: There’s a fun little museum on the grounds where you can learn about the castle’s rather dramatic history, including scenes from the dispute over the English and Welsh rivalry. Perfect conversation starter at the pub!
Harry Potter fans, this one’s for you—Alnwick Castle! If you saw the first two films, then you’ve seen this majestic beauty. Wandering around, I half-expected to see Hermione flying by on a broomstick. They even have broomstick training sessions for kids (and slightly off-kilter adults like me), which is as entertaining as it sounds.
I vividly recall the day I visited—it had rained for three days straight, and I ended up looking like a soggy biscuit. My friend suggested we brave the elements and sit outside for lunch. By the end of it, I was convinced that the birds were planning to make me their next meal because they were eyeing my cheese sandwich like it was their ticket to freedom. Not my finest moment!
Insider Tip: Skip the overly-priced gift shop unless you want an overpriced fridge magnet. Instead, find a local artisan in the village to snag a proper souvenir.
Last but definitely not least, Bamburgh Castle. This spectacular structure overlooks the North Sea, making it the perfect spot for a breezy walk. You can almost feel the salty spray dance on your cheeks as you explore its sprawling grounds. The beach here is beautiful, too, and it was the backdrop for a rather embarrassing moment for me. Let’s say I was a tad overconfident with my windbreaker and it promptly turned into a makeshift parachute. You’d think I was auditioning for some awful slapstick comedy!
But before you dismiss this castle as just another pretty facade, it’s rich in history and the interiors are breathtaking. I was wowed by the extensive collection of artefacts, which made me feel like a novice historian joining a Hogwarts study group.
Exploring the most beautiful castles in the UK is like stepping into a fabulous history book, with a few side tangents of shenanigans along the way. From the grandeur of Edinburgh and Windsor to the charm of Caernarfon, Alnwick, and Bamburgh, each castle tells its own unique story. They’re not just places to visit; they’re experiences waiting to unfold.
So, pack your bags, grab a decent cuppa (trust me, the good stuff is worth it) and get out there. Challenge yourself to find the quirkiest little corners in these castles. Maybe you’ll find a hidden garden, a suspiciously grumpy statue, or even get lost in a gift shop while trying to escape a particularly persistent seller of dubious fridge magnets.
Have you visited any of these castles? What was your experience? Did you have a mishap worthy of a good laugh? Share your tales below!
