Location: Northumberland
Founded: Site used since the 6th century
Why it’s one of the best:
Dramatically perched on cliffs above the North Sea, Bamburgh Castle combines epic scenery with ancient roots. It was once a seat of Anglo-Saxon kings and has been beautifully restored in modern times.

Highlights:

• Seaside views and sweeping beaches

• Armor displays and historical artifacts

• Atmospheric grandeur of the Great Hal

Bodiam Castle – A Picture-Perfect Moated Fortress

Location: East Sussex
Founded: 1385
Why it’s one of the best:
Built during the Hundred Years’ War, Bodiam Castle is one of the most picturesque castles in England. With its symmetrical towers and surrounding moat, it looks like a fairy tale fortress—even though its military use was limited.

Highlights:

• Walkable battlements

• Reflections in the still waters of the moat

• A favorite among artists and photographer

Corfe Castle – Ruins Full of Intrigue

Location: Dorset
Founded: 11th century
Why it’s one of the best:
Though now a ruin, Corfe Castle’s history is rich with drama. It was a royal stronghold, a prison, and a key site during the English Civil War, when it was besieged and partially destroyed by Parliamentary forces.

Highlights:

• Dramatic hilltop views

• Civil War history

• Legends of treachery and secret tunnel

Conclusion: Castles as Time Machines

England's castles are more than stone and mortar—they are time machines that transport us into the heart of the nation’s history. Each castle on this list tells its own story of war and peace, royalty and rebellion, grandeur and ruin. Whether fully intact or standing as haunting ruins, these nine castles are windows into England's dramatic past—and make unforgettable destinations for history lovers and travelers alike shutdown123