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Castles in Southern England

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Type
Name

Forts & Castles

Of the 100 or so castles in England, over 30 are in the South East due to the fact that historically, the region has always been vulnerable to attack from foreign shores.

Kings and queens throughout the ages turned South East England into the fortress of Britain, by building some of the most impressive and imposing castles in England.

Built to last, the castles in England make fascinating places to visit and the South East has them in abundance. Arundel Castle in Sussex looms high on a hill overlooking the town, Leeds Castle in Kent is a serene fairytale castle surrounded by a moat, Guildford Castle in Surrey has a Norman keep that is almost intact, and one of the most famous castles in England – Windsor Castle – is still inhabited by the monarch of the realm. 

Other castles in England that are in the South East include Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex and Hever Castle in Kent, both sit peacefully amongst tranquil and picturesque gardens.

Finally Dover Castle in Kent sits proudly atop the White Cliffs of Dover and boasts one of the best views on offer from any of the castles in England.

45 products

Showing records 1 to 20.

  1. Windsor Castle

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    Photographer Mark Fiennes. Royal Collection Trust © 2012 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

    Location

    Windsor and Maidenhead

    Type

    Castle / Fort

    The oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and The Queen's favourite weekend home.

  2. Hever Castle and Gardens

    Location

    Sevenoaks

    Type

    Historic House / Palace

    Romantic 13th century moated castle, once Anne Boleyn's childhood home. Magnificently furnished interiors, spectacular award winning gardens.
    Miniature Model House Exhibition, Yew Maze, unique Splashing Water Maze, adventure play area with Henry VIII Tower Maze. Special events throughout the...

  3. Farnham Castle

    Location

    Waverley

    Type

    Castle / Fort

    The former residence of the Bishops of Winchester and Guildford, Farnham Castle dates from Norman times. It has a chapel, great hall, Tudor brick tower and Gibbons carvings.

  4. Arundel Castle from the air

    Location

    Arun

    Type

    Castle / Fort

    Arundel Castle will be closing for three days from Friday 11, Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 May for a private event. We will be open again as usual from Tuesday 15 May. We very much apologise for any inconvenience caused.

  5. Photo of Upnor Castle

    Location

    Medway Towns

    Type

    Castle / Fort

    This attractive, turreted castle is set in a picturesque village area that is backed by rolling, wooded hills. The castle is fronted by a water bastion jutting out into the River Medway.

  6. Rochester Castle

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    Photo of children in castle moat

    Location

    Medway Towns

    Type

    Castle / Fort

    One of the finest keeps in England. Also the tallest, partly built on the Roman city wall. Good views from the battlements over the River Medway.

  7. Walmer Castle and Gardens

    Location

    Dover

    Type

    Castle / Fort

    This castle was built in 1540 as part of Henry Vlll's chain of coastal defences. See the Duke of Wellington's room, the reception rooms and magnificent commemorative gardens of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

  8. None

    Location

    West Wight

    Type

    Castle / Fort

    A Tudor Castle in a beautiful seaside town.

  9. Southsea Castle

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    Southsea Castle & The Solent

    Location

    Portsmouth

    Type

    Castle / Fort

    Built in 1544, the Castle was part of a series of fortifications constructed by Henry VIII around England's coasts to protect the country from invaders. FREE ENTRY.

  10. Redoubt Fortress & Military Museum

    Location

    Eastbourne

    Type

    Museum

    An impressive Napoleonic circular brick fortress which provides the perfect home for the largest military museum in the South East. New for 2010 come and enjoy a new exhibition of prints from the ever popular Eric Ravilious.

  11. Richborough Roman Fort

    Location

    Dover

    Type

    Castle / Fort

    The ruins of a Roman fort and the landing place of the invasion of AD43. Fortified in the 3rdC by triple defences around a triumphal arch and then improved by the Saxons.

  12. Royal Armouries - Fort Nelson

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    Image of Fort Nelson

    Location

    Fareham

    Type

    Castle / Fort

    Fort Nelson is a superbly restored Victorian fort overlooking Portsmouth Harbour. It is home to the Royal Armouries national artillery collection with over 350 historic guns on display.

  13. Close up of the arch at Hastings castle

    Location

    Hastings

    Type

    Castle / Fort

    Fragmentary remains of Norman Castle built on West Hill after William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings. 1066 Story interpretation centre in siege tent.

  14. Leeds Castle

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    Leeds Castle

    Location

    Maidstone

    Type

    Castle / Fort

    Just 4 miles south of Maidstone, Leeds Castle is one of the best preserved historic castles in South East England, as well as one of the most iconic.

  15. Lewes Castle & Barbican House Museum

    Location

    Lewes

    Type

    Castle / Fort

    "You can see Lewes lying like a box of toys under a great amphitheatre of chalky hills." So wrote William Morris, one of the many to comment on the idyllic setting of this historic town.

  16. Highclere Castle and Gardens

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    Highclere Castle and Gardens

    Location

    Basingstoke and Deane

    Type

    Castle / Fort

    Highclere Castle has been home to the Carnarvon family since 1679. Built on an ancient site, the original house was recorded in the Domesday Book.
    The present day Castle was designed in 1842 by Sir Charles Barry, the architect also responsible for building the Houses of Parliament in Westminster...

  17. None

    Location

    West Wight

    Type

    Castle / Fort

    Exceptional Solent viewpoint with added visitor attractions make Fort Victoria Country Park an ideal day out.

  18. None

    Location

    Newport

    Type

    Castle / Fort

    Visit Carisbrooke Castle and enjoy over 800 years of history!

  19. Bodiam Castle

    Location

    Rother

    Type

    Castle / Fort

    Built in 1385, by Sir Edward Dallyngrigge, Bodiam Castle is set in open parkland and approached through a series of medieval water features, including a picturesque spring- filled moat.
    Appearing almost complete from outside, inside the extent of the damage incurred over the years becomes evident....

  20. Chiddingstone Castle

    Location

    Sevenoaks

    Type

    Historic House / Palace

    Home of the collections of Denys Eyre Bower: Japanese, Egyptian, Stuart and Buddhist art and antiquities, set in a stunning Gothic Revival Castle and grounds. Family activities and cafe/tea room also available.