Alnwick Castle in Northumberland is the second largest inhabited castle in England (after Windsor Castle), and has been the home of the Percys since 1309.

Yves de Vescy, Baron of Alnwick, erected the first parts of the castle in about 1096 to protect England’s northern border against invasion from Scotland.

The Castle was first restored, primarily as a fortress, by the 1st Lord Percy of Alnwick in the early 1300′s and portions of this restoration remain today, including the Abbot’s Tower, the Middle Gateway and the Constable’s Tower.

During the late 17th century the Castle fell into decay until the first Duke and Duchess of Northumberland (Elizabeth Seymour and Hugh Smithson), took up the challenge and turned it into a family residence with the help of architects such as Robert Adam and the landscape designer, Capability Brown.

The current Duke and his family live in the castle, but they only occupy part of it. The castle is open to the public throughout the summer, receiving up to 200,000 visitors every year and was the tenth most-visited stately home in England according to the Historic Houses Association.

The castle has been used to represent Hogwarts School, with both the interior and exterior of the castle being used for scenes in the popular Harry Potter films. The castle has also appeared in Becket, Blackadder and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves .

What to see and do

• Guided tours of the Castle and Grounds
• Hands on children’s activities with a medieval theme in Knight’s Quest
• Exhibition celebrating 700 years of Percy family history at Alnwick
• Archery lessons for the over 11′s (available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday)
• Birds of prey demonstrations
• Regular Harry Potter events throughout the year
• Capability Brown gardens

Location
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 1NQ

Opening hours
Alnwick Castle is open from 1st April to 31st October (closed on 22nd June 2011).

During normal opening time the Castle will be open 10am – 6pm, the State Rooms 11am – 5pm with last admissions 4.15pm.

Admission
See the Alnwick Castle website for latest admission charges.

William invaded England and defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings later that same year. He soon realised that he must lay siege and capture London in order to be  recosgnised as King.

Once William had captured London, he was crowned in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day, 1066, and construction began on several strongholds in the City. Oone of these strongholds was built in the south-east corner of the Roman city walls, on the site of the future Tower of London.

These early defences were replaced with a great stone tower (the White Tower) built from stone imported from Normandy. The tower was huge – measuring 36m x 32.5macross, and 27.5m tall. The Tower dominated the skyline for miles around.

The Tower was protected by Roman walls on two sides, ditches to the north and west and an earthwork topped by a wooden palisade and it remained as a fortress right up until the late 19th century.

For much of its existence, the castle has been used as a prison, and many famous figures have spent time incarcerated within its walls. These include Elizabeth 1 before she became Queen, Ann Boleyn, who was executed here, and Rudolph Hess, who was brought here after crash-landing his Messerschmidt 110 in Scotland during the second world war.

Despite its reputation for being a place of execution, only seven prisoners were put to death within the Tower before 1914, and eecutions were more commonly held at nearby Tower Hill to the north of the castle, with 112 occurring there over a 400-year period.

What to see and do

• The Crown Jewels
• The White Tower
• Yeoman Tours
• Lady Jane Grey graffiti
• Medieval Palace
• The ravens
• Prisoners exhibition

Location
The Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB

Opening hours
Summer opening times (01 March – 31 October)
Tuesday – Saturday: 09:00 – 17:30
Sunday – Monday: 10:00 – 17:30
Last admission: 17:00

Winter opening times (01 November – 28 February)
Tuesday – Saturday: 09:00 – 16:30
Sunday – Monday: 10:00 – 16:30
Last admission: 16:00

Admission
Ticket prices include access to the Tower, plus Yeoman Warder guided tour and talk, live historical re-enactments, White Tower tour, children’s activity trails, entry to the Fit for a King and Prisoners of the Tower exhibitions and much more! Individual rate ticket prices include a voluntary donation. See the Tower of London website for latest admission charges and opening hours.

The first castle at the site was built by the Normans in the early 12th century and siezed and rebuilt in stone by the Welsh prince Rhys ap Gruffydd of Deheubarth in 1170.

The castle was then destroyed by the Roundheads during the English Civil War and was not rebuilt again until 1819 at the bequest of Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh.

The castle was extended in the 1840s, and when Lloyd died the Castle passed onto Robert Bamford-Hesketh and his wife, Ellen, who then passed i ton to Winifred, Countess of Dundonald.

The castle remained the residence of the Dundonald family until Winifred’s death in 1924, when ownership of the castle passed to the Venerable Order of Saint John. The castle had been left to King George V in the Countesses will, but he declined the gift. In 1928, the Earl of Dundonald (Winifred’s husband) bought the castle back for £78,000, selling the contents to meet the cost.

During the Second World War, the castle was requisitioned by the Government and used to house 200 Jewish refugees, and following the war the castle opened to the public for the first time. Known as the Showpiece of Wales, the castle attracted many visitors and proved to be very popular.

In the early 1950s, Gwrych Castle was used as the training venue for English World Middleweight boxing champion Randy Turpin. A decade later, it became an occasional venue for the famous Motorcycle Dragon Rally and in the 1970s was used as a centre for medieval re-enactments, attracting tourists with such events as jousting and mock banquets until closing to the public in 1985.

In 1996, the now by now derelict  castle was used as a the backdrop for Prince Valiant, a movie starring Katherine Heigl, Joanna Lumley and Edward Fox.

There have been numerous attempts to renovate and redevelop the castle, with large amounts of money spent on clearing the site and preparing it for redevelopment. At the moment, the castle is in the hands of a Preservation Trust who work hard to maintain and conserve the building.

Location

Grwych Castle, Llanddulas, Conwy LL22

Further details

See the Grwych Castle Preservation Trust website for latest information.

Located in magnificent grounds overlooking the River Arun in West Sussex, the castle has served as a hereditary stately home to several families, and is currently the principal seat of the Duke of Norfolk and his family.During the Civil War of 1642-45, the Castle was badly damaged when it besieged firstly by the Royalists and then Cromwell’s Parliamentarian force led by William Waller. The castle remained in a poor condition until about 1718 when Thomas, the 8th Duke of Norfolk undertook some repairs.

The castle was further restored by Charles Howard, the 11th Duke (known as the ‘Drunken Duke’).

Today, the castle is a popular West Sussex tourist attraction with numerous events planned throughout the spring and summer season.

What to see and do

• The Collector Earl’s Gardens
• Heraldry
• Art collection
• Medieval Tournaments
• Special events throughout the year
• Arundel Festival

Location
Arundel Castle, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9AB

Opening hours
Arundel Castle is open from Friday 1 April to Sunday 30 October 2011. (Tuesday to Sundays inclusive, and August Mondays and Bank Holiday Mondays).

Fitzalan Chapel, Gardens & Grounds: 10:00 to 17:00
Restaurant: 10:30 to 16:30
Gift Shop: 10:30 to 17:00
Castle Keep: 11:00 to 16:30
Castle Rooms: 12:00 to 17:00
Last admission: 16:00

Admission
See the Arundel Castle website for latest admission charges and opening hours.

The castle has had an interesting history, belonging to the Earl of Warwick from 1088 and serving as a symbol of his power. The castle was taken in 1153 by Henry of Anjou, (later to become Henry II), and it was used to hold prisoners from the Battle of Poitiers in the 14th century.

In the 15th century Warwick Castle was used to imprison the English king, Edward IV.

Since being built in the 11th century, the castle has undergone many structural changes, the most significant of which was being rebuilt in stone in the 12th century.

Warwick Castle was purchased by The Tussauds Group in 1978 and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the MIdlands.

What to see and do

• Birds of prey
• Merlin the dragon tower
• Garden parties and concerts
• Castle dungeons
• Highwayman’s supper
• Medieval banquets

Location

Warwick Castle, Warwick, Warwickshire CV34 4QU

Admission

See the Warwick Castle website for latest admission charges and opening hours.

Leeds Castle is situated five miles southeast of Maidstone, Kent, England, and was built in 1119 by by Robert de Crevecoeur. The castle and grounds lie to the east of the village of Leeds, Kent, and is a popular visitor attraction throughout the year.

The gatehouse looks much as it would have in the 13th century and  would have accommodated servants and horses, as well as providing essential fortification against attack.

The castle you see today is the result of over 900 years of alterations and changes. It has Norman foundations, a mediaeval gatehouse, a Gloriette built by Edward I and updated during the reign of Henry VIII, a Tudor tower and a 19th century country house – all of which were substantially refurbished in the 20th century.

What to see and do

• Park & Gardens
• The Aviary – including World of Wings Shows
• Knights Realm Playground
• Hot Air Balloon Rides
• Maze, Grotto & Turf Maze
• Dog Collar Museum
• Pay & Play Golf Course
• Ride a Segway
• Go Ape at Leeds Castle
• Activities for Children

Location
Leeds Castle, Leeds, Kent ME17 1PB

Admission

• Adults: £17.50
• Senior Citizens (over 60yrs): £15.00
• Students & Visitors with Disabilities: £15.00
• Children (4-15yrs): £10.00

Opening times
See Leeds Castle website for latest opening times.

Dunstanburgh Castle is the largest fortress in Northumberland and stands on a remote headland on the spectacular coastline and despite its ruinous state, it presents a formidable and imposing sight from a distance.

The Earl of Lancaster began construction of the fortress in 1313, when relations between himself and King Edward II, his cousin,  had become openly hostile. The earl failed to reach Dunstanburgh when his rebellion was defeated, and was taken and executed in 1322. Thereafter the castle passed eventually to John of Gaunt, who strengthened it against the Scots by converting the great twin towered gatehouse into a keep.

The focus of fierce fighting during the Wars of the Roses, it was twice besieged and captured by Yorkist forces, but subsequently fell into decay.

What to see and do

• Well-lit residential chambers furnished with fireplaces may be found in the Lilburn and Constable towers
• The massive gatehouse-keep
• The magnificent views from the remote headline
• Gift shop

Toilets
The only toilets available are in the car park.

Dogs
Welcome on leads in ground only.

Location
Craster, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 3TT
Telephone: 01665 576231

Admission

• Adults: £3.80 (£4.00 from 1 Apr)
• Children: £1.90 (£2.40 from 1 Apr)
• Concessions: £3.20 (£3.60 from 1 Apr)
• EH Member Cost: Free

Opening times
See English Heritage website for latest opening times

Nearby castles

• Lindisfarne Castle

The clover-leaf shaped St Mawes Castle was originally surrounded by octagonal outer defences, and was designed to mount heavy ‘ship-sinking’ guns. The castle’s fine state of preservation is due to the fact that it was little developed after its completion.

After falling to Civil War Parliamentarian forces in 1646, the castle remained neglected until being partially re-armed during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

What to see and do

• The ‘gunners’ at rest in the gun room
• Souvenir shop
• Audio tour
• Authentic Civil War cannonball

Location

Castle Drive, St Mawes, Nr Truro, Cornwall – TR2 5DE

Admission

• Adults: £4.20 (£4.30 from 1 Apr)
• Children: £2.10 (5-15 years) (£2.60 from 1 Apr)
• Concessions: £3.60 (£3.90 from 1 Apr)
• EH Member Cost: Free

Opening times

See English Heritage website for latest opening times

Pendennis Castle is one of Henry VIII’s Device Forts, or Henrician castles, built to guard the entrance to the River Fal on its west bank, near Falmouth, Cornwall.

St Mawes Castle is its opposite number on the east bank and they were built to defend Carrick Roads from the French and Spanish .

The castle comprises a simple round tower and gate enclosed by a lower curtain wall and played a role in the English Civil War when it withstood a five-month siege in 1646 from Parliamentarian forces before surrendering.

Crab Quay lies below Pendennis Castle on the northeast face of the headland and a battery was built here in the late 17th or early 18th century and was briefly rearmed in 1942 with two 3-pounder QF guns while the twin 6-pounder battery at Middle Point was being constructed.

What to see and do

• Tudor gun deck.
• Discover Centre
• Interactive exhibitions.
• Butterworth wartime cartoons.
• Medieval jousting (at certain times of the year).
• Noon gun firing (July and August).

Location

Castle Close, Falmouth, Cornwall – TR11 4LP

Admission

• Adults: £6.00 (£6.30 from 1 Apr)
• Children: £3.00 (5-15 years) (£3.80 from 1 Apr)
• Concessions: £5.10 (£5.70 from 1 Apr)
• EH Member Cost: Free
• Family Ticket: £15.00 (£16.40 from 1 Apr)

Opening times

See English Heritage website for latest opening times

Built during the reign of King Henry VIII, Walmer Castle was originally designed as part of a chain of coastal artillery defences before evolving into the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. The Duke of Wellington held the post for 23 years and before her death, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was a regular visitor to the castle.

Walmer Castle is Grade II on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest and has gone through many changes until it’s current layout was established first by William Pitt the Younger and later by Earl Granville who were Lord Warden’s of the Castle.

The most recent addition to the grounds came in 1997 when a new garden was presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, to commemorate her tenure as Lord Warden and to celebrate her 95th birthday. It was designed by Penelope Hobhouse, and was built within the 19th century walled garden.

At the centre of Walmer Castle is a circular keep, surrounded by an open courtyard and protected by a concentric wall, from which four, semi-circular bastions project. The northern bastion forms the gatehouse and would have had a gun on its roof; the other bastions would have had guns mounted inside them and on the roof. The central keep would also have had guns mounted on its roof giving the castle the capacity to mount 39 guns. A gallery running around the castle at basement level has 32 loops for hand-guns covering the moat.

What to see and do

• The armchair in which Wellington died.
• An original pair of ‘Wellington boots’.
• Bird watching.
• Explore the working kitchen garden and woods.
• Cycle path along the coast to Deal Castle.
• Lord Warden’s Tea Room.

Location
Kingsdown Road, Deal, Kent CT14 7LJ

Admission

• Adults: £7.00 (£7.30 from 1 Apr)
• Children: £3.50 (£4.40 from 1 Apr)
• Concessions: £6.00 (£6.60 from 1 Apr)
• EH Member Cost: Free
• Family Ticket: £17.50 (£19.00

Opening times
See English Heritage website for latest opening times.