Ultimate Castles of England Road Trip Itinerary
If you’ve ever dreamed of living out your fairytale fantasies, there’s no better way than a road trip through England’s most spectacular castles. From romantic moated fortresses to dramatic coastal strongholds, this route takes you on a grand tour of England’s history – all in one unforgettable trip.
We’ve put together the ultimate castles road trip, starting and ending in London, so it’s perfect for Americans flying into Heathrow or Gatwick. It’s the ideal way to combine England’s countryside, coastlines, and history, with plenty of pubs and tearooms along the way.
And we’ve included a one-click Google Map of England’s castles so you can get on the road right away.
👉 Open the England Castles Road Trip Map
Stop 1: Windsor Castle
Kick off your trip with the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Windsor Castle has been a royal residence for over 900 years and is still a favourite weekend home of King Charles III. Don’t miss St George’s Chapel (where Harry & Meghan were married) and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Stop 2: Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)
Just 50 minutes away is Highclere Castle, made famous by Downton Abbey. Fans of the series will love walking through the grand rooms used in filming, and even if you’ve never seen the show, it’s a stunning stately home set in glorious parkland. Check opening times in advance, as the castle has a limited season.
Stop 3: Arundel Castle
Head south to West Sussex to visit Arundel Castle, one of the most complete medieval castles in England. Its dramatic setting overlooking the River Arun is breathtaking, and the gardens are a real highlight in spring and summer.
Stop 4: Thornbury Castle
Continue west to Thornbury Castle, a Tudor castle turned luxury hotel. You can actually stay overnight here — sleep in four-poster beds, dine by roaring fires, and pretend you’re royalty. It’s a unique road trip stop you’ll remember forever.
Stop 5: Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is one of England’s most popular castles, and for good reason — it’s a full experience, not just a historic ruin. Expect jousting shows, falconry displays, dungeons, and interactive exhibits that bring medieval England to life.
Stop 6: Kenilworth Castle
Just a short hop away is Kenilworth Castle, famous for its Elizabethan Gardens created for Queen Elizabeth I by her favourite courtier, Robert Dudley. It’s one of the most romantic castle ruins in the country.
Stop 7: Bolsover Castle
Heading north into Derbyshire, you’ll find Bolsover Castle perched on a ridge with sweeping countryside views. Its “Little Castle” is beautifully preserved and gives a glimpse into Cavalier life in the 17th century.
Stop 8: Alnwick Castle
Time to head north into Northumberland for a real showstopper: Alnwick Castle. Known to many as Hogwarts from the Harry Potter films, Alnwick offers broomstick training sessions, impressive state rooms, and sprawling grounds.
Stop 9: Bamburgh Castle
Just up the coast lies Bamburgh Castle, one of the most dramatic castles in England. Sitting on a rocky outcrop above the beach, it’s a photographer’s dream and steeped in Anglo-Saxon history.
Stop 10: Lindisfarne Castle
Next, visit the mystical Holy Island of Lindisfarne (check the tide times — it’s cut off twice a day!). The castle is small but atmospheric, with beautiful views over the island and North Sea.
Stop 11: Durham Castle
Heading back south, stop in the beautiful city of Durham, where the castle and cathedral are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Take a guided tour of the castle, which is part of Durham University, and explore the cobbled streets.
Stop 12: Bodiam Castle
Drive down to East Sussex to see Bodiam Castle, a 14th-century moated castle that looks exactly how you imagine a fairytale fortress should. You can walk the ramparts and imagine defending the kingdom.
Stop 13: Leeds Castle
Finish your road trip at Leeds Castle in Kent, famously called “the loveliest castle in the world.” Its island setting is enchanting, and there’s plenty to do here — gardens, a maze, falconry displays, and punting on the moat.
Your One-Click Castle Road Trip Map
👉 Open the Breathtaking England Castles Road Trip Map
Tips for Your Castle Road Trip
- Allow at least 7–10 days. This route covers much of England, and you’ll want time to enjoy each stop.
- Check opening times. Some castles have seasonal closures or limited hours, so plan ahead.
- Get a membership. An English Heritage or Historic Houses membership can save you money if you plan to visit several castles.
- Mix in overnight stays. Thornbury Castle is a unique splurge, but Northumberland (near Alnwick) and Kent also make great overnight bases.
- Pack for all weathers. This is England – sunny mornings can turn into rainy afternoons!
Castles tour of England
- 🏰 Windsor Castle
- 🏰 Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey!)
- 🏰 Arundel Castle
- 🏰 Thornbury Castle
- 🏰 Warwick Castle
- 🏰 Kenilworth Castle
- 🏰 Bolsover Castle
- 🏰 Alnwick Castle
- 🏰 Bamburgh Castle
- 🏰 Lindisfarne Castle
- 🏰 Durham Castle
- 🏰 Bodiam Castle
- 🏰 Leeds Castle
Why This Trip Is Perfect for Americans
This itinerary is a fantastic introduction to England: you’ll get a mix of countryside, coast, cities, and centuries of history all in one go. You’ll drive through quaint villages, discover local pubs, and learn about England’s royal past while standing in the very rooms where history was made.
It’s a trip that feels like stepping into a storybook — and a perfect way to see England beyond London.
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