Best Castles in the UK: From Windsor to Hogwarts to The Traitors

The United Kingdom is home to more castles than any other country in Europe. From royal residences still in use today to dramatic medieval ruins made famous by film and television, UK castles combine history, architecture and pop culture in a way few destinations can match.

If you are planning a UK trip in 2026, especially with The Traitors UK currently on air and driving renewed interest in Scottish castles, these are the best castles to visit in the UK, ranked by popularity, cultural significance and screen appearances.

📍 Berkshire, England

Windsor Castle is the most famous castle in the UK and the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has served as a royal residence for nearly 1,000 years and remains one of the official homes of the British monarchy.

Visitors can tour the grand State Apartments, explore St George’s Chapel, and experience a working royal residence that blends history with modern ceremonial life. Windsor Castle regularly features in royal broadcasts, documentaries and historical television programmes, making it instantly recognisable worldwide.

Why visit Windsor Castle

• Oldest inhabited castle in the world
• Active royal residence
• Historic royal weddings and ceremonies

Fun fact: Windsor Castle covers over 13 acres and has survived fires, wars and centuries of political change.

📍 Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle is the most visited castle in Scotland and one of the top tourist attractions in the UK. Sitting high above the city on Castle Rock, an extinct volcano, it has played a central role in Scotland’s military and royal history.

Inside the castle, visitors can see the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the Great Hall. Its dramatic setting has made it a staple of travel programmes, historical documentaries and international tourism campaigns.

Why visit Edinburgh Castle

• Iconic city views
• Scottish Crown Jewels
• Central location in Edinburgh

Fun fact: The One O’Clock Gun has been fired almost every day since 1861 to help ships set their clocks accurately.

📍 Northumberland, England

Alnwick Castle is best known as the real-life filming location for Hogwarts in the early Harry Potter films. Its medieval courtyards and stone architecture featured prominently in flying lesson scenes, instantly making it one of the most recognisable castles in the UK.

Beyond its film fame, Alnwick Castle has a history spanning more than 700 years and is still home to the Duke of Northumberland. Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences, historical tours and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Why visit Alnwick Castle

• Harry Potter filming location
• Family-friendly experiences
• Historic English stronghold

Fun fact: Alnwick Castle has also appeared in Downton Abbey and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

📍 Stirlingshire, Scotland

Doune Castle is one of the most recognisable filming locations in Scotland. It appeared as Castle Leoch in Outlander, Castle Anthrax in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and even featured in the original Game of Thrones pilot as Winterfell.

Built in the late 14th century, Doune Castle is remarkably well preserved and offers visitors an authentic medieval atmosphere. Its pop culture connections make it especially popular with fans of TV and film.

Why visit Doune Castle

• Multiple famous TV and film appearances
• Well-preserved medieval interiors
• Compact and easy to explore

Fun fact: Monty Python fans can take a special audio tour narrated by Terry Jones.

📍 Scottish Highlands

Ardross Castle has become one of the most talked-about castles in the UK thanks to its role as the filming location for The Traitors UK. While the castle itself is a private estate and not open to public tours, its dramatic Gothic architecture and Highland setting have made it instantly recognisable.

Visitors can still explore the surrounding Highlands, which are filled with scenic routes, historic villages and nearby castles, making it a popular stop for fans wanting to experience the atmosphere of the show.

Why Ardross Castle is famous

• Filming location for The Traitors UK
• Dramatic Highland setting
• Striking Gothic design

Fun fact: The castle’s interiors play a major role in the tension and psychological drama of the series.

📍 Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Craigievar Castle is one of the most visually distinctive castles in the UK. With its pink exterior, turrets and towers, it is widely believed to have inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle.

Built in the early 17th century, Craigievar Castle is one of the best-preserved Scottish tower houses. Visitors can explore richly decorated rooms, hidden staircases and learn about Highland life through the centuries.

Why visit Craigievar Castle

• Unique pink fairytale appearance
• Exceptionally well preserved
• Strong Disney connection

Fun fact: Queen Victoria famously admired Craigievar Castle after spotting it during a Highland visit.

📍 North Yorkshire, England

Ripley Castle is a quieter alternative to the UK’s larger attractions but offers a deeply authentic experience. It has been home to the same family for over 700 years and has featured in British television series including The Flaxton Boys and historical dramas such as Anne Boleyn.

The castle’s interiors, gardens and surrounding estate make it ideal for visitors looking to escape the crowds while still enjoying rich history and screen heritage.

Why visit Ripley Castle

• Longest family occupancy in England
• British TV filming location
• Peaceful countryside setting

Fun fact: Ripley Castle is still lived in by the Ingilby family today.

• Book tickets in advance for popular castles
• Check opening times, especially in winter
• Wear comfortable footwear for stone floors and towers
• Look for film and TV themed tours for more exclusive access & more detailed experiences

Travelling between castles often means navigating rural areas, historic towns and remote Highland landscapes. Reliable mobile data is essential for maps, bookings, translations and sharing your journey.

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Why choose a UK eSIM from Sim Local

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