Throughout the United Kingdom you’ll find a large number of truly magnificent castles which stir the imagination and transport the visitor to another time in history. Some of these awe-inspiring structures have fallen into ruin; others have been lovingly maintained or restored and are currently residences, museums or hotels. These are among the most picturesque.
* Blarney Castle, County Cork, Ireland – One of Ireland’s greatest treasures, Blarney Castle has a magical, fairy tale quality. It is home to the legendary Blarney Stone, “The Stone of Eloquence”. Millions of people have flocked to the castle over the years to kiss the Blarney Stone so that they may never be at a loss for words. The current castle is actually the third on the site, built in 1446, with walls that slope inwards, making it appear taller than it actually is. The castle sits amid lush gardens, arboretums and waterways, with stunning views that change with the seasons.
* Leeds Castle, Kent, England – Considered by many to be the “loveliest castle in the world”, Leeds Castle sits on two islands in the middle of a beautiful lake, amid five hundred acres of landscaped parkland. This magnificent castle, originally a Norman Keep, became a royal palace in 1278 and was home to six medieval queens, including one of Henry VIII wives, Catherine of Aragon. One of the castle’s many attractions is its famous maze, at the center of which, you’ll find a secret grotto.
* Castell Coch (the Red Castle), Cardiff, Wales – Rising from a dark, wooded glade, the spires and towers of Castell Coch give it a fanciful, enchanted appearance. Reconstructed in the late 1800’s from the ruins of a medieval castle, this highly imaginative gothic fantasy features a fully operational drawbridge and a lavish interior. The interior walls and ceiling are covered with exquisite wood carvings and intricate paintings depicting figures from Greek mythology.
* Dunluce Castle, County Antrim, Ireland – The stark hulk of this once glorious castle, is perched on a rocky outcrop, rising thirty meters above the pounding waves of the Irish Sea and separated from the mainland by a chasm. Located not far from the famous Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce is believed to have been the inspiration for the castle in C. S. Lewis’ book, “The Chronicles of Narnia”. Dating back to the 12th Century, Dunluce sports magnificent ocean views; on a clear day you can see all the way to Donegal and the Isle of Islay.
* Amberley Castle, West Sussex, England – A haven of peace and tranquility, the Amberley Castle is a magnificent nine hundred year old medieval castle that has been converted into a five-star luxury hotel. This storybook retreat is surrounded by a high curtain wall, which guests enter through a portcullis flanked by twin battlement towers. Inside the walls, you can take a step back in time, strolling through the beautifully landscaped gardens.
* Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Duich, Scotland – Located on an island that sits at the juncture of three sea lochs, the Eilean Donan Castle is surrounded by stunning views of the Scottish Highlands. The original castle on this site was built in the 13th Century, and lay in ruins for almost two centuries before it was restored to its former glory. Featured in several movies, Eilean Donan has become an iconic image of Scotland, recognized the world over.
All of these picturesque castles are steeped in history and set in beautiful surroundings. Whether you are a history buff or just want to soak up the ambience of a gorgeous location, they are all well worth a visit.
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