10 Great English Castles

CORFE

This 12th Century Dorset castle has a 70ft-high limestone keep, which one owner defended by throwing hot coals from her chamber.

FRAMLINGTON

Visitors love to walk the walls of this Suffolk beauty, which has 13 towers and changed hands several times in the Tudor period.

BAMBURGH

Another Northumberland beauty, often photographed because of its stunning location and a magnet for moviemakers.

BODIAM

Looking like something out of a fairytale, this commanding 14th Century marvel in East Sussex is a great Medieval fortress.

DOVER

Probably the most iconic of all English fortresses, it played a vital defensive role for the nation for nine centuries.

ALNWICK

Northumberland home to the Percy family for 700 years and was used as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies.

ARUNDEL

The seat of the Duke of Norfolk has been in the family for more than 850 years, and is one of the best continually-inhabited castles.

WARWICK

Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, it has been dominating that stretch of the glorious River Avon ever since.

WINDSOR

One of the official residences of the Queen, the earliest surviving parts of this most famous of castles date back to Henry II’s time.

BOLSOVER

Visitors love the jousting spectacles as well as the wonderful views over Derbyshire from this Stuart mansion.