Portsmouth, Hampshire
From the weekend home of the British Royal Family to fully moated fairytale castles and battle scared ruins, there are over 50 castles to discover in South East England. The South Coast has historically always been vulnerable from foreign attack so more than 30 of these protected and defended the UK's shores.
It is no surprise therefore, that castles in Kent and castles in Sussex dominate our royal connections guide as Kings and Queens throughout the ages turned South East England into the fortress of Britain, by building some of the most impressive, imposing and famous castles in England. Built to last, the castles make fascinating places to visit and the South East has them in abundance. From winding staircases, secret tunnels, ramparts , ornate rooms, hideaways, knights, stories of Kings and Queens and more - dive into South East England's 185 million years of history.
The south coast has historically been Great Britain's first line of defence against attack and military invasion so there are many more to explore beyond out top ten guide.
The ruins of Odiham Castle date back to the signing of the Magna Carta while Southsea Castle was constructed under the reign of King Henry VIII. A more recent construction, Fort Nelson near Fareham is a superbly restored Victorian Fort with a display of more than 350 guns and daily gun salutes. Don't forget that the famous 'Great Hall' in Winchester is all that remains of Winchester Castle, one of the finest surviving aisled halls of the 13th century now containing the greatest symbol of medieval mythology, King Arthur’s Round Table.
Henry VIII's chain of coastal defences also includes Walmer Castle while the river Medway into London has been stoutly defended over the years by the turreted Upnor Castle and the great keep of Rochester Castle, one of the UK's best preserved examples of Norman architecture.
Whether you live in South East England or are visiting from elsewhere in the UK or abroad, find which castles are near you by using the 'map view' button below. Many of our featured castles double up as wedding venues, offer the chance for a night away and have a selection of seasonal events suitable for all the family, dispelling the myth that castles aren't fun places to visit for kids too!
Number of results: 24
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Castle / Fort
Tonbridge
Open all year, Mon-Sat 9am-4pm, Sun/BH 10.30am-4pm. Closed Christmas & New Year. Last tour one hour before closing time. Grounds open daily, free of charge, 8am-dusk. Adults £5.00, concessions £3.00, Family £13.50.
Castle / Fort
Christchurch
Highcliffe Castle is a Grade I listed mansion built in the romantic gothic style. It was built by Lord Stuart de Rothesay in the early 1830s and remained a family home until the 1950s. It is situated on the cliff top with beach access and…
Castle / Fort
Portchester
A Roman-Saxon shore fort with Norman additions. A near-perfect keep and Norman church within the walls.
Castle / Fort
Maidstone
Set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland, Leeds Castle is the perfect backdrop to your day out. The historic castle, glorious gardens, attractions and programme of events awaits visitors.
Castle / Fort
SHOREHAM-BY-SEA
Shoreham Fort built in 1857 is now the last of its kind and definitely worth a visit on event and open days
Historic Site
Fareham
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.
Castle / Fort
Deal
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.
Castle / Fort
Southsea, Portsmouth
Visit Henry VIII's Southsea Castle, right along the water's edge.
Castle / Fort
Hastings
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.
Castle / Fort
Banbury
Broughton Castle is essentially a family home lived in by Lord and Lady Saye and Sele and their family. The original
medieval manor house, of which much remains today, was built in about 1300 by Sir John de Broughton. It stands on an
island site…
Castle / Fort
Windsor
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, the family home of 39 British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years, and is today one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen.
Open to visitors throughout the…
Castle / Fort
Gravesend
An 18th-20thC fort with guns and emplacements overlooking the River Thames. The underground magazines have exhibitions on World War II and the aerial bombing of Gravesend.
Castle / Fort
Lewes
Climb the zig-zag steps of this 1000 year old Norman castle for stunning views of Sussex. in Barbican House Museum, explore the archeological history of Sussex and the changing exhibitions in the upper gallery.
Castle / Fort
Newport
Visit Carisbrooke Castle and enjoy over 800 years of history!
Castle / Fort
Rochester
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.
Historic House / Palace
Edenbridge
Childhood home of Anne Boleyn and later of Lord Astor.
Castle / Fort
Arundel
The towering stately home and fortified castle in the heart of Sussex by the Sea! Open April to October, Tuesdays to Sundays inclusive, Bank Holiday Mondays and August Mondays.
Countryside, Parks & Gardens
Arundel
Arundel captures the essence of heritage, urban chic and country pursuits, all within a stone’s throw of London. Experience our market town and you will discover more than you’d expect.
Garden
Hailsham
Herstmonceux is renowned for its magnificent moated castle, set in 550 acres of glorious parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens.
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