Explore the Castles

Mighty Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Wales' castles. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest, and to this day, still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intention of its builder Edward I. After all these years Caernarfon's immense strength remains unchanged. In 1969, the castle gained worldwide fame as the setting for the Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales.

Once the centre of Anglo-Norman power in Ulster, Carrickfergus is a remarkably complete and well-preserved early medieval castle that has survived intact despite 750 years of military occupation. From its strategic position on a rocky promontory the castle commanded Belfast Lough and the land approaches into the walled town of Belfast.

The castle is the traditional home of the Dukes of Atholl. The present Duke remains head of the famous Atholl Highlanders, Britain's only private army. The castle itself stands in impressive scenery and was restyled as a Georgian mansion in the middle of the eighteenth century. In 1868 the architect Sir David Bryce carried out further work when he remodeled the castle to reinstate its earlier appearance.

Warwick Castle is over a 1000 years old and has been well maintained with magnificent towers and ramparts. There are many attractions at Warwick Castle from dungeons to the Great Hall, State Rooms and the Royal Weekend Party of 1898. Visitors can climb some of the towers and visit the well laid out exhibitions, many have wax figures. Many forms of medieval entertainment are staged at the castle throughout the year.

Some 900 years ago Windsor Castle, originally made of wood, was built for William the Conqueror to guard the approach to London. The site is above the River Thames, on the edge of a Saxon hunting ground and one day's march from the Tower of London. Since this time it has been a Royal Palace.