5 Immersive Castles for Your Next Visit to England

Visiting England feels like slipping into a fairy tale: rolling green hills, hidden gardens, and castles that whisper the stories of kings, queens, battles, and intrigue. If you’re planning your next trip to England and hoping to have a castle-centric itinerary, we've got you covered - castle anything is one of our favorite kinds of trips! These five castles still combine history, drama, and immersive traveler experiences.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the crown jewel of royal residences and the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the world. Just outside of the London boroughs, Windsor is not just historically rich - it’s alive. You can walk the same corridors still used by the Royal Family, take in the splendor of the State Apartments, and marvel at masterpieces by Rembrandt and Rubens. Within the grounds is St George’s Chapel, a hauntingly beautiful medieval architecture that holds preserved history, including the resting place of many monarchs such as Queen Elizabeth II. A unique aspect of visiting Windsor is witnessing the Changing of the Guard - a ceremony that immerses you into the long-lasting culture of royals. Depending on the time of year, there may be a seasonal event or private behind-the-scenes tours that reveal rarely seen corners of the castle. Afterward, take time to wander Windsor Great Park or enjoy a lunch at the Undercroft Cafe, one of the oldest surviving spaces in the 1,000-year-old Windsor Castle. Windsor is also a charming town below the castle walls, so enjoy a scenic riverside walk if you want to spend more time in the area.

Tower of London

The Tower of London offers a completely different vibe with a little bit of edge and intrigue in its lore. This isn't just a castle; it’s a former prison, fortress, royal palace, and treasury wrapped in one. The Beefeaters, or Yeoman Warders, lead some of the most colorful tours in England, weaving stories of executions, royal betrayal, and haunted towers with sharp wit. Seeing the Crown Jewels in person is a surreal moment, sparkling under glass, and alive with centuries of power. Climb the medieval towers and walk the ancient ramparts - both with stunning views of the grounds and a real sense of the castle's past. Sightsee for the ravens that reside there, and learn why they're so important even today. There's so much to discover here including a dark past of beheadings, historic prisons, towers of torture, and life-size animal sculptures commemorating the Tower's menagerie. The more time you spend here, the more you'll get out of it! If you’re feeling brave, the nighttime ghost tours bring an entirely new atmosphere - eerie, theatrical, and unforgettable.

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle is a full-sensory medieval experience in the heart of England. This one is for those who want castles with a bit of flair and fire - literally. With jousting tournaments, falconry shows, and massive trebuchets hurling fireballs over the lawns, this castle experience is more than a walk through - it's an interactive and immersive experience that's great for families. Sure, you can walk the state rooms and explore the grounds, but you can also take a tour through a medieval castle preparing for battle, guided by a knight - or experience high Victorian society as they prepare for a house party. Explore the towers and walls built for battle, relax in the peacock gardens, or visit the lavish Great Hall. Recently, a medieval-themed hotel opened on the grounds, allowing you to sleep like a knight or noble under timbered ceilings and tapestries. During the summer, torch-lit nighttime events and reenactments turn the castle into a stage, while quieter months offer a peaceful stroll through the towers and landscaped grounds for hauntings or holidays.

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle in Kent is elegant and peaceful. Built on two islands in the middle of a serene lake, this castle is often called “the loveliest castle in the world” - and it's not hard to see why. Swans drift across the water, manicured gardens stretch out in every direction, and the castle itself feels like a film set. Inside, the rooms are richly furnished and often themed around the women who once lived there, from queens to heiresses - making this castle famously nicknamed "Her Castle." Outside, get delightfully lost in the hedge maze, take a leisurely boat ride, or even zip across the estate on a segway. In the early mornings or golden hours of the evening, you'll feel like you’re in a dream - especially if you’re able to book a hot-air balloon ride over the estate.

Hever Castle

Hever Castle, also in Kent, is perhaps the most romantic of them all. Once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, this Tudor-era treasure feels personal, intimate, and steeped in historic drama. The interiors are filled with Anne’s prayer books, Tudor portraits, and ornate wooden paneling. But it’s the gardens that truly enchant - from the Italian Garden with its statues and water features to the peaceful lake walks and rose gardens that burst into bloom in summer. Stay overnight in the incredibly royal-feeling rooms in their very own 5-star bed and breakfast for the complete experience. During the warmer months, the castle hosts open-air theater performances on the lawn, and special events like Tudor banquets, and candlelit evening tours that transport you straight into the 16th century. There’s even a moat you can row around - yes, really - and a charming miniature model village that feels like something out of a storybook.

If you’re thinking of building an itinerary around these immersive castle experiences, we're happy to begin planning with you! Click below to schedule a consultation:

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