11 most beautiful castles in the UK

The UK is said to be home to over 5,467 castles, scattered throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Many of the most famous still stand today and will allow you to peek into medieval times. So how about a Motorhome holiday exploring the beautiful buildings and ruins? From famous filming locations in England to majestic fortifications and magical ruins in Scotland and Wales – We’ve collected the 11 most beautiful castles in the UK for you to discover, including campsites nearby!

1. Alnwick Castle

📍 Location: Northumberland, England

Let’s not waste any time and get right into it! Our first castle, located close to the Scottish border, is the second-largest inhabited castle in England and has acted as a filming location for dozens of famous movies: Alnwick Castle. It is probably most famous for being part of the first and second Harry Potter movies, acting as Hogwarts. The Outer Bailey of Alnwick Castle can be seen in the Philosopher’s stone, where Harry takes his first flying lesson with Madame Hooch. In the second movie “Harry Potter and the chamber of secrets”, Harry and Ron crash-land the flying Weasley car in the courtyard. Besides Harry Potter, Alnwick Castle also appeared in the Christmas specials of Downtown Abbey as Brancaster Castle and in Transformers: The last knight.

Opening times of Alnwick Castle

• Open from 25th March.

• Castle Grounds and Museum Tower daily between 10 am and 5.30 pm.

• The Artisan’s courtyard and armory daily between 10 am and 4.30 pm.

• State Rooms between 10.30 am and 4.30 pm.

• The stable fryery between 11 am and 3.30 pm.

Admission

• Adults £18.50.

• Children and young adults between 5 – 16 £9.75.

• Kids under four are free.

• Family ticket with 2 adults and up to 4 kids £50.50.

Campsite near Alnwick Castle and Bamburgh Castle

The Dunstan Hill Camping and Caravanning Club Site is located just a mile from the Northumberland Heritage Coast and is a restful base from which to explore the famous “castle coast“.

• Grass and hardstanding pitches, including an electric hook-up

• Pets are welcome

• Designated dog walk

• Children’s play area

• Motorhome service point

• Distance to Alnwick castle: 8,3 miles

• Distance to Bamburgh Castle: 10,8 miles

2. The most beautiful castles in the UK – Caernarfon Castle

📍 Location: Gwynedd, North-West Wales

This medieval fortress is one of the most architecturally impressive castles in the country and therefore, Caernarfon Castle definitely takes its rightful place in our list of most beautiful castles in the UK. The massive structure with its intimidating ten-sides eagle towers has been created by King Edward I and probably looks the most beautiful during sunset when the last light of the day is glistening in the River Seiont.

Opening times at Caernarfon Castle

• From March 1st to June 30th daily between 9.30 am and 5 pm.

• Between July 1st and August 31st daily between 9.30 am and 6 pm.

• September 1st to October 31st daily between 9.30 am and 5 pm.

• From November 1st to February 28th daily between 10 am and 4 pm.

• Closed during Christmas and on New Years Day.

Admission

• Until March 31st: adults £9.90and children as well as young adults from 5 to 17 £6.90.

• Between April 1st and September 30th: adults £11.10 and children £7.80.

Campsite near Caernarfon Castle

The Llanystumdwy campsite is located on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales between the mountains and the sea. Caernarfon is accessible by bus, train, or car from the campsite.

• Grass and hardstanding pitches, including an electric hook-up

• Pets are welcome

• Designated dog walk

• On-site shop

• Distance to Caernarfon Castle: 16,4 miles

3. Bamburgh Castle

📍 Location: Northumberland, England

On the north coast of England, near the village of Bamburgh, you will find Bamburgh Castle perched on an outcrop overlooking the coast. It has started as an Anglo-Saxon citadel and has a rich and varied history, acting as a royal palace for numerous kings. Today it is the family home to the Armstrong family who has returned it to its former glory. Bamburgh Castle also acted as a filming location for numerous movies such as King Arthur with Keira Knightley and Clive Owen and will appear in the fifth Indiana Jones movie which is set to be released in 2023.

Opening times of Bamburgh Castle

• Daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

Admission

• Adults £14.10.

• Kids and young adults between 5 and 16 £6.95.

• Children between 0 and 4 are free.

4. Craigievar Castle

📍 Location: Aberdeenshire, Scotland

As far as magical castles go, Craigievar Castle is the place to be. It is located 6 miles north of Alford near the Cairngorms National Park and has served as the model for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. The fairytale-like pink facade, the carefully crafted stonework and romantic towers with pitched roofs turn this castle into a sight to see. Additionally, Craigievar Castle is surrounded by picturesque countryside and lovely woodlands. It has been completed in 1626 and with little changes to its exterior, you’ll be transported into the enchanting times of princesses and princes.

Opening times at Craigievar Castle

• From April 1st to May 31st from Friday to Monday between 10.30 am and 4 pm.

• Between June 1st and August 31st daily from 10.30 am to 4 pm.

• September 1st to September 26h Friday to Monday between 10.30 am and 4 pm.

• Castle grounds daily from dawn till dusk.

• Closed from September 27th to March 31st.

Admission

• Adults £14.50.

• Children £1.

Campsite near Craigievar Castle

The Tarland by Deeside campsite is located just outside the Cairngorms National Park and is surrounded by tranquil beauty and lots of rich history.

• Grass and hardstanding pitches, including an electric hook-up

• Pets are welcome

• Designated dog walk

• Motorhome service point

• Well-sheltered

• Distance to Craigievar Castle: 8,7 miles

5. The most beautiful castles in the UK – Eilean Donan Castle

📍 Location: Highlands, Scotland

Our 5th place of the most beautiful castles in the UK takes us to a small tidal island situated at the confluence of three sea lochs in the Western Highlands. Eilean Donan Castle is probably one of the most famous castles in Scotland and has also served as a filming location for big blockbuster movies. In the 1986 fantasy-action film Highlander, Eilean Donan Castle can be seen as home to the MacLeod clan and in the 1999 James Bond movie “The world is not enough” it acts as the MI6 location headquarters. The castle even shows up as a backdrop in the Bollywood movie “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”!

Opening times at Eilean Donan Castle

• March 2nd to March 26th between 10 am and 4 pm.

• Between March 27th and June 30th from 10 am to 6 pm.

• July 1st to August 31st between 9 am and 6 pm.

• From September 1st to September 30th, 9.30 am to 6 pm.

Admission

• Adults £10.

• Kids over five £6.

• Kinds under five are free.

Campsite near Eilean Donan Castle

The 8 Ashaig is a certified Camping and Caravanning Club Site on the Isle of Skye, between Kyle of Lochalsh and Bradford.

• Grass and hardstanding pitches, including an electric hook-up

• Pets are welcome

• Designated dog walk

• Distance to Eilean Donan Castle: 26,8 miles

6. Conwy Castle

📍 Location: Conwy, North Wales

This magnificent fortress still towers over the town of Conwy after 700 years and comes in 6th place of our most beautiful castles in the UK! Conwy Castle was built by King Edward I and with the castle’s grandeur, its huge towers and exceptional architecture, it is one of the finest examples of medieval fortification in the UK. The interior features an outer ward containing a great hall, chambers as well as a kitchen. Besides the outer ward, there is an additional inner ward with a royal chapel and more private chambers to explore.

Opening times at Conwy Castle

• March 1st to June 30th, daily between 9.30 am and 5 pm.

• From July 1st to August 31st, daily between 9.30 am and 6 pm.

• September 1st to October 31st, daily between 9.30 am and 5 pm.

• Between November 1st and February 28th, daily from 10 am to 4 pm.

Admission

• Adults £9.90 and children between 5 – 17 £6.90 until March 31st, 2022.

• Adults £11.10 and children £7.80 from April 1st until March 31st, 2023.

Campsite near Conwy Castle

The Cefn Cae campsite is also a certified Camping and Caravanning Club Site in the beautiful village of Rowen near Conwy.

• Grass and hardstanding pitches, including an electric hook-up

• Pets are welcome

• Designated dog walk

• On-site shop

• Well-sheltered

• Distance to Conwy Castle: 4,6 miles

7. The most beautiful castles in the UK – Arundel Castle

📍 Location: West Sussex, England

We’re back in England and our next stop is the medieval Arundel Castle, located in West Sussex. It has been established on Christmas Day in 1067, was damaged during the English Civil War and was most recently restored back to its former glory in the 19th century. Arundel Castle is now home to the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk and has also served as a filming location for Wonder Woman in 2017. The famous scene of Diana Prince entering the ballroom, carrying a sword between her shoulder blades, has been shot at Arundel Castle.

Opening times at Arundel Castle

• Castle and Gardens are open from April 1st.

• Gardens daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

• The Keep daily from 10 am to 4.30 pm.

• Castle rooms daily from 12 pm to 5 pm.

Admission

• Adults £13-25.

• Kids £6-10.

Campsite near Arundel Castle

The Slindon campsite offers beautiful views across the coastal plain of West Sussex, which is home to a variety of birds and wildlife.

• 40 pitches

• Grass pitches, including an electric hook-up

• Pets are welcome

• Designated dog walk

• On-site shop

• Well-sheltered

• Distance to Arundel Castle: 4,9 miles

8. Edinburgh Castle

📍 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Of course, Edinburgh Castle has to be a part of our 11 most beautiful castles in the UK. It sits atop Castle Rock and dominates the skyline of Edinburgh, offering a magnificent view of the old and new town. Edinburgh Castle was built in the 11th century by King David I and has an important place in Scottish history as a military stronghold and a royal residence.

Opening times at Edinburgh Castle

• January 5th to March 31st, daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm.

• Between April 1st and September 30th, daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm.

• October 1st to December 24th, daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm.

• Between December 27th and January 4th, daily from 10 am to 4 pm.

Admission

• Adults between 16 and 64 £15.50.

• Children and young adults between 5 – 15 £9.30.

• Kids under the age of 5 are free.

Campsite near Edinburgh Castle

The Slatebarns Caravan Park is a peaceful family-run campsite on the edge of Roslin Glen, which is listed with the Camping and Caravanning Club.

• Grass and hardstanding pitches, including an electric hook-up

• Pets are welcome

• Designated dog walk

• Motorhome service point

• Well-sheltered

• Distance to Edinburgh Castle: 7,9 miles

9. Bodiam Castle

📍 Location: East Sussex, England

This 14th-century moated castle is located near Robertsbridge and the structure offers visitors a peep into the medieval splendour of its time. A quaint bridge leads to the Bodiam Castle entrance, which is marked by looming towers. There are picnic areas surrounding the castle grounds which are the perfect place to relax and simply enjoy the grand view of the castle floating atop the water.

Opening times at Bodiam Castle

• Daily between 10 am and 4 pm.

Admission

• Adults £11.

• Children £5.50.

Campsite near Bodiam Castle

The Eagles Garth campsite near Northiam is a certified Camping and Caravanning Club Site.

• Grass and hardstanding pitches, including an electric hook-up

• Pets are welcome

• Designated dog walk

• On-site shop

• Well-sheltered

• Distance to Bodiam Castle: 6,5 miles

10. The most beautiful castles in the UK – Urquhart Castle

📍 Location: Highlands, Scotland

Urquhart Castle is a ruin that sits beside Loch Ness and offers a spectacular view both up and down the loch. History is spanning around 1,000 years at Urquhart Castle, which has once been a medieval fortress. The last soldiers left here in 1692 blowing up the castle and leaving the ruin behind that you can visit today. It is a mystical place surrounded by stories from the past and maybe you will even see Nessie, the famous monster of the loch, swim by and say hello.

Opening times at Urquhart Castle

• January 5th to March 31st, daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.

• Between April 1st and September 30th, daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm.

• October 1st to 31st, daily between 9.30 am and 5 pm.

• From November 1st to December 24th, daily between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm

• December 27th to January 4th, daily from 10 am to 4 pm.

Admission

• Booking a ticket online prior to your visit is needed.

• Adults £9.60.

• Children and young adults between 5 and 15 £5.80.

Campsite near Urquhart Castle

The Loch Ness Shores campsite offers direct access to the shoreline of the loch and is an eco-campsite using green technologies.

• Grass and hardstanding pitches, including an electric hook-up

• Pets are welcome

• Designated dog walk

• On-site shop

• Children’s play area

• Well-sheltered

• Urquhart Castle is just across the Loch Ness

11. Warwick Castle

📍 Location: Warwickshire, England

Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, Warwick Castle sits on the banks of the River Anon. It survived an attack in 1264, a besiegement in 1692 and a fire in 1871 and yet still remains one of the most well-preserved examples of medieval castles in the UK. Owned by the Earl of Warwick, the family enjoyed a lavish lifestyle which is still evident through the sophisticated 17th-century great hall and state rooms, which hold the castle’s most prized possessions.

Opening times at Warwick Castle

• Daily between 10 am and 4 pm.

Admission

• One-day tickets between £18 – 29.

Campsite near Warwick Castle

The Oaklands Farm campsite is as well a certified Camping and Caravanning Club Site in Warwick.

• Grass and hardstanding pitches, including an electric hook-up

• Pets are welcome

• Well-sheltered

• Distance to Warwick Castle: 2,3 miles

And that’s it – our 11 most beautiful castles in the UK! Spending your holidays “at home” can be so beautiful and, above all, magical. If you’re now inspired to explore the UK and its castles, the only thing missing is the right Campervan for your adventure, which – of course – you can rent with us