One of the official residences of the Queen of England, Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. In the 26-acre castle, visitors will see State Apartments, which houses paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto and Gainsborough; George IV's private apartments; St George's Chapel, where the tombs of 10 sovereigns, including the tomb of Henry VIII, are found; and Queen Mary's Dolls' House. You can also take a guided tour of the castle's kitchen, which takes visitors to areas usually not open to the public.
The castle is open daily and admission is based on whether the State Apartments are open or closed. Admission fees are for adults, adults over 60 and student, children under the age of 17, and families with two adults and three children under 17. Kids under five are free.
Windsor Castle
West of London
Via Windsor/Eton Rail
Windsor, UK
+44-020-7766-7304
royalcollection.org.uk
Chillingham Castle was a 12th-century stronghold for the 1298 conquering attack on William Wallace by King Edward I. Open to the public it offers tours and is available for private functions such as weddings. Attractions are the castle and the grounds; the Great Hall where you can see tapestries, armor, weapons and the antlers of deer and wild cattle; the room of Edward I; state rooms; torture chambers; an Italian garden; woodland walks.
It also offers wild cattle tours and ghost tours. Guided tours are available year round with admission fees for adults and children.
Chillingham Castle
Chillingham, Alnwick
Northumberland, UK
NE66 5NJ
+44-016-6821-5359
chillingham-castle.com
Leeds Castle is a medieval castle built in 1119 located in Kent, England. The castle, which passed into royal hands in 1278, sits on 500 acres. It is open to visitors all year-round and attractions include tours of the park and gardens, an aviary, the Knights Realm adventure playground, the castle craft center and a grotto and turf maze, a golf course, a dog collar museum and a vineyard. The castle also hosts special events such as Easter celebrations, a tulip show, free-flying bird displays and medieval activity and entertainment.
Admission fees are based on adults, senior citizens over 60 years old, students and visitors with disabilities and children age four to 15. The park is closed on the 3rd of July, the 6th and 7th of November and on Christmas Day.
Leeds Castle
Broomfield Road
Maidstone, Kent
ME17 1PL, UK
+44-016-2276-5400
leeds-castle.com
