Best English Castle Tours
Our pick of the best English castle tours. From working royal residences at Windsor Castle to moated castles at Leeds Castle and medieval fortresses at Warwick Castle see the best of England’s heritage! Many of these tours operate daily from London, whilst some are only available on selected dates. We also offer private English castle tours, visiting lesser-known gems such as Arundel Castle and Hever Castle.
Windsor Castle Tour from London
This day tour from London takes you to the best of England’s royal highlights! Windsor Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the world that is one of the King’s official residences. You’ll see the spectacular state apartments, palatial rooms, castle grounds and St George’s Chapel. The castle is rich in English history, built-in 11th Century after the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror.
Choose a half-day tour that spends the morning at Windsor Castle, or visit the castle as part of a full-day tour which combines a visit with other nearby English sites, including the town of Bath or the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge. During the summer, there is also a tour that includes a visit to the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace. The rooms are used for receiving guests and for official functions. Highlights include the Throne Room, Grand Staircase and extraordinary works of fine art.
Availability: Daily
More info: See all Windsor Castle tours
Leeds Castle Tour from London
Also includes a visit to Canterbury & White Cliffs of Dover
Leeds Castle dates back over 900 years and is one of the most beautiful castles in the world! It features in the Doomsday Book and whilst it might look like an ancient castle, much of it is only 200 years old. King Henry VIII was one notable resident who turned it into a home for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Highlights include the interior rooms and spectacular gardens, including a maze garden. After touring the English castle, you’ll also visit Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Finally, take in the view of the White Cliffs of Dover on England’s south coast.
Availability: Every Day
More info: See here
Warwick Castle Tour from London
Also includes a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford
Warwick Castle dates back over 1,100 years and is one of the great English medieval castles. A castle first appeared here two years after William the Conqueror invaded England in order to consolidate his power. Visitors can see the dungeon, armoury and the worlds biggest siege machine. The castle is particularly geared towards families, with lots of activities for kids. The tour also includes a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon which is the hometown of William Shakespeare, as well as a visit to the university town of Oxford.
Availability: Every day
More info: See here
Dover Castle Tour from London
Also includes a visit to Canterbury, Rochester & Kent as well
Dover Castle has played an important part in English heritage and is perhaps the most iconic English fortress that sits on the southern coast. The castle has been the site of battles spanning from the 11th Century to WWII and highlights of a visit include the tower, walls and command posts. Known as the ‘key to England’ Dover Castle has played an important role in defending the country for over nine centuries! This English castle tour also includes a visit to Canterbury Cathedral and the towns and villages of Kent.
Availability: Tuesdays and Fridays from April to October
More info: See here
Windsor Castle & Hampton Court Tour from London
Available every Monday, Wednesday & Saturday from May to September
Combine a visit to Windsor Castle with a tour of Hampton Court Palace. See the spectacular English castle at Windsor, one of the most famous royal castles in the world and an important part of British history. The afternoon is spent at Hampton Court Palace which was built in the Tudor and Baroque styles. King George II was the last monarch to reside in the Palace, and highlights include the Royal Gardens and Maze, as well as State Rooms and Apartments.
English Castle Private Tours from London
Visit some of the more off-the-beaten-track English castles on a day tour from London. Arundel Castle dates back to the 11th Century and has been in the ownership of the family of the Duke of Norfolk for over 400 years. Another stunning English castle is found at Hever Castle. This double moated 13th Century castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII. Also visit Scotney Castle, a 14th Century moated castle located in a wooded estate.
All our private tours include pickup and dropoff from your hotel in London and the services of a driver/guide for the day. You can choose from a variety of different vehicle sizes and specifications.
More info: See here
Overnight English Castle Tours
Take an overnight English castle tour from London to discover some of the fantastic medieval fortresses in the region. The private tour includes a 1-night stay in Amberley Castle, a unique opportunity to stay the night in a 900-year old English castle! The tour includes a visit to two of England’s most historic castles, Hever Castle & Windsor Castle. You will also visit Hampton Court Palace, as well as Chartwell, the private home of Winston Churchill.
This private overnight English Castle tour includes a tour guide, entrance fees and accommodation. It is available throughout the year, led by a tour guide who is an expert in English history. Guides are available in a number of different languages.
More details: Contact Us
About English Castles
English Castles began to appear after the invasion of William the Conqueror in 1066 and were used as a means by the Normans to consolidate control over the country. Early English Castles tended to be built in the motte-and-bailey form, whilst a few important castles were built in stone. Up until the 13th Century, lots of castles continued to be built, until the decline of feudalism. In the later medieval period, the role of castles as fortresses declined, and instead, they increasingly became used as residencies.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is one of the most popular sites to visit in England. It is associated with the English and later British Royal family and was the preferred weekend home of Queen Elizabeth II. The original castle was built after the invasion of William the Conqueror, and since King Henry I has been the longest-occupied castle in Europe. Windsor Castle underwent moderations and extensions under the reign of many different English kings and queens and survived conflicts, especially the English civil war. Major styles that are found in the castle include Baroque, Rococo and Gothic. In 2018, millions of people worldwide tuned in to watch the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that took place at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
Dover Castle
Dover Castle is one of the most iconic English fortresses. The castle sits at the shortest sea crossing point between England and the European continent. This has made it of great strategic importance over the years. The building of the current castle first began way back in the 12th Century by King Henry II and has since undergone many changes. The defences at Dover Castle were continually upgraded to meet the ever-changing threats, including a network of tunnels dug in response to the threat of invasion by Napoleonic France. During WWII, these tunnels were used as the command centre that controlled naval operation in the English channel.
