Dive into England's history with a visit to a famous castle, see what life was like and how they protected the UK's shores. Walk the historic walls, enjoy the drama of the medieval joust, the grace and beauty of the birds of prey and the mystic and magic of the historic stories. From the weekend home of the British Royal Family to fully moated fairy tale 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 foreign attack so more than 30 of the region's castles 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. 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. Explore the winding staircases, secret tunnels, ramparts, ornate rooms, castle keeps, and discover the stories of Kings and Queens - 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.
Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are littered with castles that once defended the UK shores, including Yarmouth Castle, the first Arrow Head castle in Britain, Southsea Castle which is free to visit from April to October, Porchester Castle a Roman fortress, a Norman stronghold, with its own castle keep that was used as a prisoner of war camp during the Napoleonic Wars. Like many of the castles in South East England, Carisbrook Castle has had a varied life and today brings its history to life with its legendary jousts, ghost tours, birds of prey shows and added value story-telling and trails over the school holidays. 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.
Follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror with a visit to Battle of Hasting's Abbey and Battlefield and Pevensey Castle. Explore the eight acres of award-winning gardens at Walmer Castle, which was built during Henry VIII reign, a great all-weather day out. The iconic Dover Castle allows you to dive into over 2000 years of history, with Operation Dynamo a new immersive exhibition in the secret wartime tunnels, the chance to experience the royal court of King Henry II and explore the atmospheric Underground Hospital.
Don't forget you can grab those walking boots and head out along all or part of the 31-mile 1066 country walk which is marked by 10 bespoke sculptures along the way and includes other castles along the way.
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
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.
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…
Garden
Hailsham
Herstmonceux is renowned for its magnificent moated castle, set in 550 acres of glorious parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens.
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.
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
Southsea, Portsmouth
Visit Henry VIII's Southsea Castle, right along the water's edge.
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
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
Newport
Visit Carisbrooke Castle and enjoy over 800 years of history!
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
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
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
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
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
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…
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.
Castle / Fort
Portchester
A Roman-Saxon shore fort with Norman additions. A near-perfect keep and Norman church within the walls.
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
Bodiam, Robertsbridge
One of the most famous and evocative castles in Britain