5 Amazing Castles To Visit In The United Kingdom
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A A AHundreds of years ago and across the pond, an English man's home was his castle, literally. There were enough royals, bishops and conquerors in the United Kingdom once that the country is now dotted with lavish castle estates and expansive gardens. It's the stuff of fairy tales.
Deciding which castles to visit can be an overwhelming task. The country boasts well over 3000 castles, ranging from historic ruins to medieval strongholds to Victorian beauties.
We've highlighted five noteworthy castles spread across Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. A visit to any of these will leave tourists with a good sense of what it was like to live in a more romantic, if less sanitary (bubonic plague anyone?), time.
Amberley Castle
For travelers who want more than to simply tour castle grounds and view relics behind glass, a hotel castle is the way to go. Tucked in the stunning West Sussex countryside, Amberley Castle is among the most impressive.
What started off as a hunting lodge built by Bishop Ralph Luffa of Chichester in 1103 is now an expansive luxury hotel. The castle is stationed in a fort complete with a 60-foot curtain wall and a 2-ton portcullis that is still lowered at midnight and raised at dawn, as in old times. In its 900-year history, the castle has been leased to the Crown and served as a home to bishops. Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, visited the castle in 1945.
The castle's romantic setting makes it a popular wedding venue. Rose-covered arches, koi-filled ponds and medieval stonework dress the gardens. Most of the 19 guest rooms have four-poster beds where visitors can easily imagine a royal retreating to in the 1700s. There are modern-day luxuries as well: Every room is outfitted with a Jacuzzi. An 18-hole putting course was added to the estate in celebration of its 900th anniversary in 2003.
For an unforgettable dinner, book the Mistletoe Lodge. The more exclusive of the two restaurants on site, this one is in a treehouse cozily set up for two. A rope bridge leads into the intimate dining room, nestled atop an oak tree near the castle's main entrance.
Where to stay: Right here, for about $370.
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THIS IS A HUGE BUILDING COMPLEX CONSIDERING WHEN IT WAS BUILT. WARWICK WAS INDEED THE KINGMAKER. OH, WHAT A TIME IN HISTORY.
CURIOUSLY, ONE MUST VISIT THE ORIGINAL " BATHROOM FACILITY" , ......IF YOU COULD CALL IT THAT. BE CAREFUL NOW........
I was stationed in England, at RAF Upper Heyford 72-74 and visited Warwick many times. It was a cool castle.
July 14 2011 at 3:11 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyThe plague reached Europe in 1347 and England in 1348. Not 1345
July 13 2011 at 3:15 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyOne should visit Stewart Castle in Scotland. My daughter and son-in-law and granddaugher have friends in Scotland,a nd were priviledged tobe there on las New Year's Eve. It is wonderful, and the hospitality of the people is incredible. Don't miss ANYTHING about Scotland.
July 13 2011 at 2:15 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyperfect place for tribes and vikings to escape to
July 12 2011 at 12:24 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI think Castle Howard is the most beautiful, baroque castle ...it is still lived in by members of the Howard decendents and although they had a horrible fire many years ago, it has been restored to absolute splendor. It is also a working farm selling their own beef raised there plus wonderful vegetables. The art work, antique funiture, statuary are incredible. It resides on many acres near a meandering river. The caslle was built starting in 1699 and took 100 years to complete. It is an eye opener and very majestic.
July 11 2011 at 4:10 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyAlthough not named as a castle i think St Michaels Mount in cornwall should be on the List
July 07 2011 at 7:47 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyBeen Here,done this,Incredible
July 06 2011 at 9:09 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyDOES ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW OF A CASTLE THAT WAS MADE INTO A SCHOOL IN THE 1870'S IN ENGLAND? IT WAS A BOY AND GIRL SCHOOL BUT WITH THE BOYS ON ONE FLOOR AND THE GIRLS ON THE OTHER.
July 06 2011 at 7:30 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI went to a "Hen Party" at this Castle. What a beautiful place for any occasion! We had an unforgettable High Tea.
July 06 2011 at 6:35 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHot 5 Deals
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