Days Out at Castles in England

Framlingham Castle in autumn

Enjoy a great family day out exploring our mighty and mythical castles across England this spring. Discover the medieval Great Tower at Dover Castle, visit the scene of a royal love story at Kenilworth Castle or visit Carlisle Castle, one of Cumbria's best loved landmarks, which has a brand new exhibition for 2012.

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Castles to visit in England

  • Dover Castle, Kent: explore the Great Tower and wartime tunnels 
  • Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire:  discover a 17th century fantasy mansion
  • Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire: one of Britain's largest and most impressive castle ruins
  • Tintagel Castle,Cornwall: birthplace of the legend of King Arthur

Our favourites

There are so many castles to choose from but here are some of our favourites:

Places to visit

Dover Castle
Dover Castle

Kent | South East

For a great family day out visit Dover Castle! New: Operation Dynamo: Rescue from Dunkirk. Explore the Secret Wartime Tunnels deep beneath the castle to see, hear and feel - as never before!

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Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden
Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden

Warwickshire | West Midlands

Robert Dudley created this ornate palace to impress his beloved Queen in 1575. The newly re-created Elizabethan Garden, lost for 400 years, is now open to visitors. Vast grounds perfect for exploring.

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Tintagel Castle
Tintagel Castle

Cornwall | South West

Tintagel Castle is a magical day with its wonderful location, set high on the rugged North Cornwall coast. It offers dramatic views, fascinating ruins and a stunning beach café.

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Carlisle Castle
Carlisle Castle

Cumbria | North West

Carlisle Castle was a constantly updated working fortress until well within living memory. Now its rich and varied visitor attractions reflect its long and eventful history.

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Framlingham Castle
Framlingham Castle

Suffolk | East of England

Framlingham Castle is a magnificent 12th century fortress with a long and colourful past which makes a fascinating family day out in Suffolk.

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Bolsover Castle
Bolsover Castle

Derbyshire | East Midlands

'By an unlikely miracle, the keep at Bolsover has survived into this century as an almost untouched expression in stone of the lost world of Elizabethan chivalry and romance.'

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Events

Fashion From the Past: Costume Display
Fashion From the Past: Costume Display
Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland
Date: Mon 21 - Fri 25 May 2012

Tudor costume fit for a King and Queen on display. A variety of replica costumes for Tudor noble men and women, plus hands-on activity for children.
A Grand Medieval Joust
A Grand Medieval Joust
Venue: Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Date: Sat 26 & Sun 27 May 2012

A magnificent medieval joust where fighting knights do battle in a live action show. Revel in the drama of clashing knights on horseback and cheer on your favourite. Be entertained by the court jester for plenty of laughs too. Let the battle commence!
Fashion From the Past: Costume Presentations
Fashion From the Past: Costume Presentations
Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland
Date: Sat 26 & Sun 27 May 2012

A weekend of fashion from the past, taking a look at fashion with rations from the 1940’s contrasting with displays of Regency dress for dandies and ladies. Plus sumptuous Tudor costume on static display.
Helmsley Archaeology Store Tour
Helmsley Archaeology Store Tour
Venue: Helmsley Castle, North Yorkshire
Date: Tue 29 May 2012

Free guided tour lead by English Heritage Collections Curators. View the archaeology collection from English Heritage properties and find out the amazing stories behind it.
World War II Weekend
World War II Weekend
Venue: Dover Castle, Kent
Date: Sat 2 - Mon 4 Jun 2012

Throughout the day experience living history encampments and witness skirmishes. Practice your drill and learn how to apply a dressing with help of a WWII nurse.
Tudor Times: An Audience with Bloody Mary!
Tudor Times: An Audience with Bloody Mary!
Venue: Framlingham Castle, Suffolk
Date: Sat 2 - Tue 5 Jun 2012

To celebrate this Jubilee weekend, we invite visitors to meet one of the most fearsome monarchs linked with the castle, Bloody Mary, and learn how she got her terrifying nickname!
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