- united kingdom
- (1738)
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This is one of the most beautiful castles I have ever visited. It has an action-packed past. Look it up and try to work out how its past has impacted on the stones; it has barbicans that still inspire a closer look and inner baileys with mysterious buildings you can argue about for years. Even better it is rarely visited and overlooks the Tweed. Some of its more illustrious neighbours don't come close. Turner painted it, Scott gave it a verse in his poetry and Mons Meg helped to bring it down.
This is one of my favourite places. You will not be disappointed. Take a picnic. Not sure if English Heritage let people in anymore (they stopped employing people to spend hours twiddling their thumbs) but it's an open site, impossible to restrict - the Sheep Gate is closest to the car park. Just find your way through a gate - no one else will be there!
northumberland-cam.com/castles/norham-castle/index.htm
Google map: tinyurl.com/32xkmf8
A childhood favourite, Carreg Cennen Castle is unique in Wales as it is the only castle built by the Welsh, for the Welsh. The other castles you are likely to recognise and visit west of the border were instruments of subjugation, used by English (or, more accurately, Norman) rulers to keep the Welsh under control.
Carreg Cennen is all the more interesting because of its isolation and spectacular location, perched on a ridge in the remote west of the Brecon Beacons national park, its romantic setting has inspired generations of artists, including Turner.
Approached through a farmyard, you will need decent shoes for the steep path and, unusually, a torch. The latter is necessary to follow the tunnel which starts within the castle walls and descends deep into the cold, wet rock below - a spooky climax to the visit for children and grown-ups, where it is believed prisoners were held captive for months on end in the pitch black.
Once you step, blinking, back into the daylight, the downhill trek will return you to the farm and car park where lunch, snacks and cream teas can be bought.
Nearest village is Trapp. Nearest station is Ffairfach on the Swansea - Shrewsbury line. Llandeilo, Carmarthen and Swansea are all 20-45 minutes away.
01558 822291, carregcennencastle.com
Adults £3.70, children 5-16 £3.30
Google map: tinyurl.com/3yznou3
A beautiful, tidal island with a majestic castle on a rocky outcrop above the North Sea. The castle faces the imposing Bamburgh Castle, and has views of the farne islands. You can only cross at low tide, so make sure you check the timetable! Miles of sand, rockpools and rugged walks, it is amazing at dawn seeing the sun rise over the sea and castle. I love it so much I got married there.
Lindisfarne, Northumberland
lindisfarne.org.uk
Google map: tinyurl.com/397gw7s
Just north of Swanage, on the way to Wareham this castle is one of the most stunning in the Country. ON a hill in a gap of hills you can see why it was built where it was. Blown up by Oliver Cromwell the ruins dominate the town of Corfe Castle, and for me no visit to Dorset is complete without a visit here. The views from the top of the castle of the surrounding country side are amazing, and the history of the castle can be felt everywhere. Once a very important Anglo-Saxon castle most of the ruins that remain are from the time of Henry II. A castle not to be missed.
The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5EZ
nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-corfecastle
Adult £6.20, child £3.10
Google map: tinyurl.com/3ajajub
Liddesdale was described by George McDonald Fraser as the bloodiest valley in Britain. It was at the nexus of the murderous clan feuds which fed the Border Reiver conflicts, which rent this lonely, stunningly beautiful and largely untouched part of Britain for 400 years. The Hermitage stands as a lonely reminder of that bloody past: massive, sinister, brooding, a dark H-shaped monument to power, politics and cruelty. It was there that Sir Alexander Ramsay of Dalhousie was starved to death by Sir William Douglas in 1342. An earlier Lord, De Soulis, was boiled to death at the castle because he sold his soul to the devil. The Hermitage's history feels soaked into its cold stones. It has no roof and is effectively a ruin. There remains, however, a grim evocative beauty about the building and its wilderness setting. The landscape roundabout is beautiful and deserted, perfect for walking and silence. Few day-trippers, little by way of tourism. A truly special place where the the past feels very, very close. The Reivers bequeathed us the words 'bereave' and 'blackmail': Liddesdale still whispers those words today.
Liddesdale, 5.5miles north-east of Newcastleton off the B6399.
OS Ref: 74 NY 494 961.
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertyoverview.htm?PropID=PL_149
Google map: tinyurl.com/3xzw5zq
It is open from April-September, 7 days from 9.30am-6.30pm. During October and November it is open from 9.30am-4.30pm and closed on Thursday afternoons, all day Friday and Saturday mornings.
An outstanding looking castle of fairy tale grandeur. It's free to get in the grounds and roam about them, free to park and only £10 to get into the castle itself. On our day, there was a wizard in the castle in full costume, which added to the fairy tale atmosphere. Just down the road from Lulworth Cove as well. Perfect day out!
East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset
www.lulworth.com
+44 1929 400 352
Google map: tinyurl.com/34yzjh8
Why travel all the way to southern France to see one of Europe's finest medieval castles? While not on the scale of Carcasonne, Caernarfon has plenty of excitement of its own to offer.
It retains an angular, massive, military and almost industrial character (the closest comparison I can think of are 1940s flak towers I once saw in Vienna). As its purpose was to help subjugate the last area of strong Welsh resistance to the invading Anglo-Normans and symbolise royal authority, this isn't surprising. Come to think of it, Prince Charles' investiture as Prince of Wales in the castle doesn't seem too surprising either.
Though dominating the town, the castle really comes into its own when you (literally) get inside the walls. These are thick enough to contain a labyrinthine maze of passages linking the multi-layered, multi-levelled towers. You can easily become disoriented and enjoyably lost: I'd say it's the kind of place you could scamper round for hours with the kids, but to be honest I had hours of entertainment scampering round it with Richard Hammond-esque glee as a supposedly responsible adult.
Add beautiful views across the Menai Straits and Snowdonia from the ramparts and the relatively unspoilt walled town (there's also a particularly good curry restaurant in one of the side streets yards from the castle) and you have a near-perfect day out.
www.caernarfon-castle.co.uk
Gpoogle map: tinyurl.com/36f89ys
Perched on top of - and carved out of - a huge lump of rock, Carreg Cennen is one of the most surprising castles there is. From the fantasy medieval walls down the passage cut in the edge of the crag into the cave below, it's like something out of a wild fantasy story. Kids will love attacking the walls and being repulsed by evil parent defenders and we can all lose ourselves in the darkness below. Spooky!
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp?id=6&PlaceID=17
Google map: tinyurl.com/39vuc98
OS map 159: SN 668191
A majestic ruin of a once splendid castle just inside Wales. From a distance it looks surprisingly small but on closer inspection, Raglan offers a good hour's worth of exploring. There are nooks and crannys aplenty for both the kids and brave adults to seek out; a water filled moat adds to the splendour helping you put yourself in the 15th century when the local gentry spent their days walking the long gallery or enjoying the fountain in the one of the two courtyards … until it was raized to the ground during the English Civil War. And for a final spectacular, climb the steps to the top of the tallest tower to admire the views and see the castle in all its beauty. Re-enactors patrol the grounds, giving demonstrations of musket loading and firing.
Raglan, Abergavenny
+44 1443 336 000 www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp?id=6&PlaceID=113
Google map: tinyurl.com/34t65wn
This castle can easily be seen emerging from the trees on a hillside beside the M4 (junction 32). It has a fairytale appearance even when passing at speed, but entering the castle takes this feeling of enchantment further. Unlike most castles this one is relatively modern (although built on ancient foundations) and is the result of money and Victorian imagination taken to the extreme. It was built as an elaborate holiday retreat for the 3rd marquess of Bute at the end of the 19th century. Its walls are beautifully decorated with intricate paintings of many things, including Aesop's Fables in one room. The furniture and decor is wonderfully over the top and bizarre. There is also Caerphilly Castle 5 minuites drive away, with all the splendor of a decayed ancient castle but Castell Coch brings history to life in a fantastically refreshing way to adults and children alike. It is reasonably priced and also has a lovely, if small, tea room.
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk, www.castlewales.com/coch.html
02920 810101
Google map: tinyurl.com/38v9hjf
Follow signs from junction 32 of the M4
This is a largely unknown gem, just 7 miles north of Cardiff. As well as being one of the best examples of medieval castle architecture, it's the second largest castle in the UK (after Windsor), with a leaning tower which out-leans Pisa, and the most amazing water defences – so much more than a moat, trust me. Small children will love it, and boys especially will adore the life-size working replica medieval siege engines which get fired on special days in the summer. Buy some of the famous cheese in the town after your visit, the place has seen better days and could sorely do with your custom.
Five miles north of junction 32 on the M4, in the town of Caerphilly.
www.caerphillycastle.com
Google map: tinyurl.com/34p84su
Caged between the free flowing river Mersey and an idling pleasant suburbia on the Wirral Peninsula, Eastham's Country Park offers a haunting shaded respite being the overgrown pleasure gardens of the Victorian era, Asia's' rhododendrons rampage as Autumn approaches. Visit the mossy stoned vacant bear pit or imbibe at either of two pubs hanging above the river at Eastham Ferry's medieval crossing point; from here dream down-river to the Liver Buildings, to Jung's pool of life or likewise observe and imagine the destinations of aeroplanes departing from John Lennon airport directly opposite. You can dream here and for that it is a strange and remote place indeed.
Green Lane
Wirral, Merseyside CH62 0BH
0151 327 1007
Google map: tinyurl.com/3xfac2s
There are not many family friendly attractions in the UK that allow pet dogs within their grounds, but Beeston Castle in Tarporley, Cheshire is one exception.
As a tight knit family unit, we love (to try) and incorporate our canine family member into any planned days out, but alas most things which include an entrance fee normally exclude dogs ( for good reason of course in many cases).
So it's a delight to find one which welcomes dogs (on a lead).
Beeston castle is a picturesque attraction with a real family friendly feeling.
It's super to explore on a fine day and picnics are welcome, a great addition to any family day out, and of course so much cheaper than paying to dine out.
The pretty sloping grounds often host reenactments and interactive demonstrations for the children. Along side this there are woodlands and bat caves to discover and explore.
The walk up to the castle summit is wonderful, but very steep in part, however the buggy pushers did not seem to falter!
At the top of this "Castle of Rock", the views are incredible and on a clear day no less that eight counties can be seen, from the Pennines to the Welsh mountains.
As a budding photographer, my husband was in his element and the children loved tearing around while the adults marvelled at the view.
The admission price is reasonable enough when you consider the price of some family outings, around £16 for a family of four. It's also worth noting that if you sign up to become an English Heritage member for a year, not only are many places free of charge thereafter to enter, but they will also refund the cost of the entrance fee paid on the day.
Beeston Castle, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 9TX
Located 11 miles SE from Chester
Local Tourist Information Tel. 01829 260464,
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Adults £5.30, children £2.70
Google map: tinyurl.com/3xczead
A 15th century castle shaped like a ship on the shore of the Firth of Forth. Steep and scary ruins, rugged and rocky, perfect for clambering around with small children (really!). A small jetty projects into the river and there are fantastic views to the Forth Bridges.
Four miles northeast of Linlithgow
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Google map: tinyurl.com/2vv5xmv
I fully endorse Amy Jenkins recommendation of Cadbury Hill (Travel, 14/08/2010) but take a tip from a local: good food and drink is available at the bottom of the hill in South Cadbury at The Camelot (01963 440448, thecamelotpub.com), where a permanent display by Somerset County Council gives visitors a glimpse of artefacts from the hill and insight into its occupation from 4000BC to AD1000. You’ll see reconstruction drawings and paintings of the ancient landscape by Jane Brayne (Meet The Ancestors) and the original designs for the film “Arthur”. It’s a pub which gives a friendly welcome to locals and visitors alike at reasonable cost.
www.southcadbury.org.uk
01963 440448
www.thecamelotpub.com
Chapel Road, South Cadbury, Somerset, BA22 7EX
Google map: tinyurl.com/3annp42
There are not many family friendly attractions in the UK that allow pet dogs within their grounds, but Beeston Castle in Tarporley, Cheshire is one exception.
As a tight knit family unit, we love (to try) and incorporate our canine family member into any planned days out, but alas most things which include an entrance fee normally exclude dogs ( for good reason of course in many cases).
So it's a delight to find one which welcomes dogs (on a lead).
Beeston castle is a picturesque attraction with a real family friendly feeling.
It's super to explore on a fine day and picnics are welcome, a great addition to any family day out, and of course so much cheaper than paying to dine out.
The pretty sloping grounds often host reenactments and interactive demonstrations for the children. Along side this there are woodlands and bat caves to discover and explore.
The walk up to the castle summit is wonderful, but very steep in part, however the buggy pushers did not seem to falter!
At the top of this "Castle of Rock", the views are incredible and on a clear day no less that eight counties can be seen, from the Pennines to the Welsh mountains.
As a budding photographer, my husband was in his element and the children loved tearing around while the adults marvelled at the view.
The admission price is reasonable enough when you consider the price of some family outings, around £16 for a family of four. It's also worth noting that if you sign up to become an English Heritage member for a year, not only are many places free of charge thereafter to enter, but they will also refund the cost of the entrance fee paid on the day.
Beeston Castle, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 9TX
Located 11 miles SE from Chester
Local Tourist Information Tel. 01829 260464,
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Google map: tinyurl.com/2uqmtjq
A tiny, cheap campsite right on the beach with its own boat launch. The views are out of this world.
Fegla Fach Farm, Arthog, Gwynedd, LL39 1BZ, 01341 250442
Google map: tinyurl.com/36gqjmu
Snax Café is a real find. In an increasingly gentrified Leith, it’s brilliant to find such an unpretentious cafe serving simple, fresh and well-prepared food at attractive prices. My (all-day) veggie breakfast - fried egg, hash browns, tattie scone, beans, fried tomato and a buttered roll, all for £2.70 – was delicious. For lunch recently, I had a tasty granary roll generously over-stuffed with lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, jalapeno peppers and grated cheddar. Everything was crisp and fresh, and it cost £1.70, which included a free can of soda or bottle of water. You can sit in (there are around 24 seats) or take your food away, and they’re open really early. The food is fresh and not greasy, and everyone working there is bright and friendly.
8 Portland Place, Edinburgh, EH6 6LA
Tel: 01315 542000
Three other branches in Edinburgh and Leith.
Google map: tinyurl.com/387c9wj
A summer only day trip starting with a ferry from John O'Groat's to Orkney, followed by a coach tour of Orkney including stops at Skara Brae, the Italian Chapel and Kirkwall. Fantastic value at £42 for the basic trip. On the way back whales were spotted and the ferry stopped so that passengers could get a good look.
www.jogferry.co.uk
John O’ Groats Ferries Limited,
The Ferry Office,
John O’ Groats,
Caithness, Scotland,
KW1 4YR
+44 1955 611353
Google map: tinyurl.com/39v93s7
I'm a huge fan of Stonehenge, but much prefer Avebury for a day out as you are still allowed to touch the stones. Although it was all but destroyed in the 17th century by local farmers encouraged by the church, Alexander Keiller the marmalade magnate, used much of his money to resurrect many of the stones during the 1930s. He also left an interesting museum, just outside the stone circle, which is well situated as a starting point for an informed day out. Various skeletons maintain enough interest for the ghoulishly inclined, particularly the one of a mediaeval barber, replete with scissors, who must have been crushed by a falling stone. Avebury village lies at the centre of the site so after a mystical hour or two spent walking and touching stones, it's possible to buy sandwiches and snacks from Avebury Village Post Office if you forgot your packed lunch, or there are several places to purchase an indoor meal. The Red Lion is at the heart of the village and is reported to be the most haunted pub in England according to Wikipedia, largely due to the well in the middle where several murders are alleged to have taken place. People in fine walking fettle may also like to venture further afield to climb the nearby Silbury Hill (at 130ft it's the largest man-made hill in Europe) or walk to West Kennett Long Barrow where it is now possible to access the chambers. The entire area is National Trust owned. This trip provides an energetic day's walking, historical interest as well as food for the imagination.
The clearest route to Avebury is by car. It is easily accessible from the M4 motorway, located along the A4 (Bath Road) at the junction of the A4361 and B4003, about 6 miles west of Marlborough. There is local signposting to a tourist car park situated just off the A4361 a little south of the circle. It is worth accepting the tourist car park as the parking which is available in the village has restrictions for non-residents.
The nearest train stations are 10 miles away in Pewsey or in Swindon which is 11 miles away. Avebury is on many bus routes going out of Swindon the number 5 Wilts and Dorset and the number 6 Salisbury-Swindon, amongst others.
Google map: bit.ly/b3dSnA
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