If you’re planning a road trip across Great Britain, this guide is a good start for smart travel planning and strong travel inspiration. During my road trip, these were the key stops and travel stops I made in England, Scotland, and Wales, based on my time in England, time in Scotland, and time in Wales. I explored castles and palaces across each country, focusing on a list of castles and a list of palaces that are easy to check out even with limited visits. The joy came from seeing different settings, scenic settings, and beautiful castles alongside beautiful palaces, while learning about history, historic sites, and deep-rooted history spread all over Britain.
There are hundreds of castles, scattered throughout Britain, in all shapes and sizes, so there’s truly no lack of options for an enthused traveler focused on real traveler exploration. I’ve toured countries end to end, and while this is a select few rather than an extensive castle tour or full castle tour, it helps you find the castle or desired castle that fits your route. With a little research and travel research, you can hit up the best castles, including historic castles, England castles, Scotland castles, and Wales castles, using a handy map or travel map to plan out visits, castle visits, and palace visits. If you’re in planning mode, this list of the most historic and magnificent castles gives you a clear path through Britain without feeling overwhelmed.
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Arundel Castle is my all time favorite castle in Britain, and easily a favorite castle for anyone who loves history. It is one of the largest, among the largest castles, best kept, and well preserved, making it one of the most intriguing and truly intriguing castles—you’ll feel awestruck on arrival. This powerful fortress was built at the end of the 11th century (11th century) by Roger de Montgomery, the Earl of Arundel, and it has long been home to the ancient Howard family. The Howard family served as stewards of the throne to the royal family, playing a major historic role in English history, from the Wars of the Roses through the Tudor period (also known as the Tutor period) under the English monarchy.
The castle is located in the small village of Arundel, overlooking the River Arun, just 45 miles south of London, making easy access by car, train, or bus. Plan to spend a couple hours, or at least a couple hours, because it’s a long visit and you’ll not want to leave—it’s a memorable travel experience and a standout castle visit for sightseeing among top England castles and Britain castles. While the family still occupy the house and you are not permitted to explore the entire castle, the large majority is open to the public, including the castle gardens and castle grounds with full public access. With a personal travel guide, often called the Guidester Difference, you’ll also find incredible gems in and around Arundel so you don’t miss out—did you know how important their important role really was?
The Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh is truly a gem of Edinburgh, dramatically perched on volcanic rock along an old volcanic ridge, making it a powerful historic site and the iconic site of Edinburgh Castle that dominates the entire city. With evidence of human habitation dating back to the 9th century B.C. (also known as the ninth century BC), this ancient settlement evolved into a royal castle during the reign of David I in the 12th century (the twelfth century) when David I transformed it into a key royal residence. Over formidable years, the castle served many roles—after the Union of the Crowns under James I in 1603, it symbolized the Scottish crown, later becoming a near impregnable fortress, a prison, and part of the growing empire.
By the 19th century (the nineteenth century), it stood as a historical monument of immense historical importance, with its modern appearance shaped by centuries of conflict that shaped the castle we see today. Walking through this extremely big and large castle feels like exploring a small village or even a village inside, where highlights include St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building on the site, massive siege weapons with weapons displayed and occasionally fired, and the priceless Scottish Crown Jewels or crown jewels. Did you know it also functioned as a military garrison and once held POWs or prisoners of war, including American soldiers imprisoned during the American Revolution? Today, this mighty fortress stands as a living symbol of Scottish history, castle history, royal history, and military history, making it one of the most unforgettable Britain castles and the ultimate Scotland castle to experience.
The Tower of London, officially known as Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, is one of the most powerful historic sites in London, set on the north bank of the River Thames. This iconic fortress and former castle dates back to the Norman Conquest of the 11th century, when it was built by William the Conqueror in 1078, with the famous central white tower, also called the White Tower, giving the tower building its lasting fortress name.
From its inception, the site doubled as both a royal residence and state prison, taking on a different role centuries ago as a feared stronghold. Today, it stands as one of Britain’s most famous and most visited tourist attractions, known for its dark prison history, notorious figures like Anne Boleyn, and rich royal history and military history. The grounds feature museums, exhibits, and priceless artifacts from British history, with the center piece being the legendary crown jewels, making it a must-see among top England castles and Britain castles.
Cardiff Castle is known for having the most beautiful interior, and its beautiful interior and rich interior design are the real reason to visit. Located in the capital of Wales, Cardiff, Wales, the castle exterior and plain exterior are honestly nothing to write home about, so when planning a tour or doing tour planning, you should come to see the inside with a clear interior focus.
The vision came from the former owner, the 3rd Marquess of Bute, John Crichton-Stuart, who with architect William Burges transformed the castle through a full transformation into a true masterpiece. Inside, you’ll find colorfully themed rooms, elegant themed rooms, intricate woodwork, detailed woodwork, and beautiful stained glass windows with glowing stained glass, creating rich decorative interiors that feel the opposite of stuffy castles, clearly not stuffy like many old castles. I arrived with low expectations, but it turned into a surprised visit, a truly memorable experience, and I was genuinely glad I went, thanks to the unforgettable interior highlights that make it a standout among Wales castles and Britain castles.
Location: Cardiff, Wales
Opened: 55 AD
Function: Castle
Architectural Style: Gothic, Victorian, Medieval
Tintern Abbey is not technically a palace and not technically a castle, but it absolutely earns a place in this roundup. I visited on a misty morning, a soft misty morning visit that added to the effect of the ghostly Gothic abbey ruins and dramatic Gothic architecture rising from the abbey ruins.
Once a thriving monastery, the monastery fell into ruin—a lasting ruin—after Henry VIII disbanded monasteries and convents during his rule; the rule reshaped what remains. What remains has been captured by painters and poets, becoming artistic inspiration and literary inspiration for centuries, and it’s still a beautiful site of quiet beauty that sparks a deep emotional response. As a historic ruin tied to Wales history and wider Britain heritage, it delivers a moving travel experience that feels timeless.
In London, Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous castles and famous castles you’ll find at your fingertips, and it’s also the largest palace where the monarch resides in this iconic palace and royal residence. I’ve toured the palace on a full palace tour and watched the Changing of the Guard, including the full Changing of the Guard ceremony, which is a popular thing to do and something I always recommended experiencing at least once—it’s truly special to say you’ve been where the King or Queen and King/Queen lives, offering a glimpse into royal life and long-held royal tradition.
While it can feel touristy as a major tourist attraction, and I often avoid it, I did swing by on my last visit to pay respects after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II—RIP—a moment tied deeply to the British monarchy. As a landmark for classic sightseeing and a meaningful travel experience, it remains a key stop among England palaces and Britain palaces.
Kensington Palace is full of quiet stories, starting with the did you know interesting tidbit that it was the monarch’s primary residence—the true primary residence—before Queen Victoria ascended the throne and made Buckingham Palace the monarch’s new home.
My favorite thing here is the Sunken Garden, a peaceful garden space surrounded by elegant gardens and beautiful gardens that I make time for every time I visit London—they’re simply beautiful. The new statue of Diana, also known as the statue of Diana honoring Princess Diana, is now a true must-see, adding depth to the royal history of the British monarchy. As a relaxed palace visit, it offers a reflective travel experience and stands out among classic England palaces and Britain palaces.
Visit Kew Palace.
Visit Windsor Castle.
Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Visit Balmoral Castle.
Visit Buckingham Palace.
Visit the Tower of London.
Visit Hampton Court Palace.
Visit Kensington Palace.
You could easily spend a full week or more in Scotland exploring castles in Scotland and still barely scratch the surface, thanks to the area’s deep history and rich heritage.
The largest castle to visit in the UK is Windsor Castle, known as the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, with 1,000 years of rich royal history. From personal experience, what makes it special is that it’s still alive as a royal home and remains open to visitors throughout the year, making it one of the most rewarding historic stops in the UK.
Many consider Edinburgh Castle in Scotland the best castle in the world, thanks to its iconic setting atop Castle Rock, its dramatic skyline views, and its rich medieval history.
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