A Devon youngster and a Suffolk man have just been crowned national sandcastle champions after taking part in our Ultimate Sandcastle Competition. All summer long, we've been challenging you to recreate your favourite English Heritage castle out of sand - and my goodness were we impressed with the results! But in the end there could only be two winners…
Daniel Toll, aged 8 years old, was crowned the winner of the junior category after submitting a photograph of his spectacular sandy replica of Housesteads Roman Fort and Hadrian's Wall. Inspired to take part in the competition whilst on the beach with his family in Cornwall, Daniel initially gained enough votes to win one of the weekly prizes on offer, before being propelled to the lofty heights of sandcastle champion by an English Heritage appointed expert last week.
Daniel has won a fantastic party for himself and eleven friends at Tintagel Castle, complete with refreshments and party bags for everyone that he invites. This, combined with the spectacular coastal views of the offered by the dramatic ruins, promises to make for a truly unforgettable experience.
In the adult category, the title of overall sandcastle champion was awarded to Lee Acaster, who decided to craft Scarborough Caste out of sand for the competition. His entry, which was submitted after a family holiday to France in July, not only impressed expert judge Jamie Wardley (professional sand sculptor and Artistic Director of Sand In Your Eye), but also the public, who voted for him to win one of the competition's regular weekly prizes as well.
For his grand prize, Lee has chosen to attend one of our very special Castle Sleepovers, which offer members of the public the unique opportunity to spend the night at some of the country's most iconic castles. Lee will be attending an exclusive adult sleepover at Dover Castle, where he will live like royalty in King Henry II's medieval Great Tower. A hearty supper, guided tour and warming cooked breakfast in the morning will only add to the royal treatment Lee receives during his stay!
The winning entries weren't the only impressive creations submitted to the competition. To see some of the best sandcastles around, visit our Facebook page.
There are nearly 100 castles within our care which are free to enter for English Heritage members. From cliff-top fortresses to fairytale towers, find a castle to visit here, or find out about English Heritage membership.
