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 to attack 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 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 Redoubt Fortress in Eastbourne is a unique Georgian fortress built to keep Napoleon's armies out of Britain and was in operation during both world wars in the 20th Century. The fully moated, story book Bodiam Castle in 1066 Country offers some of the best views over Sussex from the top of its towers.
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.
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: 23
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
Hook
Known locally as ‘King John’s Castle’, Odiham Castle is located within a tranquil site adjacent to the Basingstoke Canal.
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.
Historic House / Palace
Edenbridge
Childhood home of Anne Boleyn and later of Lord Astor.
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
Castle / Fort
Guildford
Guildford Castle features 2 model displays, and a viewing platform offering panoramic views of Guildford.
Castle / Fort
Portchester
A Roman-Saxon shore fort with Norman additions. A near-perfect keep and Norman church within the walls.
Castle / Fort
Deal
Deal Castle is one of the finest artillery works in England; this fortress once carried 119 guns. Now in the care of English Heritage, this castle offers exciting battlements, dark passages and a huge basement to explore.
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
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.
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
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
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.
Garden
Hailsham
Herstmonceux is renowned for its magnificent moated castle, set in 550 acres of glorious parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens.
Garden
Lamberhurst
Not one but two houses! Victorian country house and ruined 14th century moated castle set in one of England's most romantic 'picturesque' style gardens.
Castle / Fort
Dover
Discover 2000 years of history at Dover Castle! Step inside the Great Tower and immerse yourself in the medieval world and royal court of King Henry ll. Travel deep inside the White Cliffs and tour the Underground Hospital.
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
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.
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