Not Windsor or Bamburgh – UK’s ‘best’ castle is 958 years old | UK | News

The UK is packed with many historic castles. Windsor Castle is one of the most famous in the world. Bamburgh Castle towers over the Northumberland coast. Lincoln and Dover are also firm favourites with visitors.

But none of them has been named the best in the country. According to TripAdvisor’s traveller favourites ranking, one medieval fortress has come out on top after more than 17,000 reviews. Windsor Castle ranked second, Bamburgh came seventh, Lincoln came eighth, and Dover came 10th.

But it is Warwick Castle that has been crowned the UK’s best castle, earning a rating of 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor.

Warwick Castle is 958 years old as a castle. The original motte-and-bailey structure was built by William the Conqueror in 1068.

The site itself goes back even further, with early fortifications dating to 914.

The stone castle visitors see today was largely rebuilt in the 13th and 14th centuries. It sits on a sandstone bluff overlooking the River Avon in Warwickshire and has served as a stronghold, a royal residence and later a grand country house.

Visitors can climb the towers and walk the ramparts, including Guy’s Tower and Caesar’s Tower.

The Great Hall and State Rooms are filled with armour, paintings and historic furniture. The Mound, the oldest part of the castle, offers wide views across the surrounding countryside.

There is also plenty happening throughout the day. The Falconer’s Quest is one of the UK’s largest birds of prey displays. A huge working trebuchet is also fired on selected days.

The Castle Dungeon offers a live actor experience with special effects, recommended for older children and adults.

Families can explore the Horrible Histories Maze or visit Zog Playland. There are also seasonal events and shows running at different times of the year.

For those wanting to stay longer, overnight options are available inside the grounds. The Warwick Castle Hotel offers themed medieval-style rooms.

The Knight’s Village has woodland lodges and seasonal glamping tents near the river. There are also Tower Suites located inside the 14th-century Caesar’s Tower.

The castle is located in Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6AU. It is around a one-mile walk from Warwick railway station and close to the M40.

According to the official website, booking online in advance is cheaper than paying at the gate.

Individual day tickets start from £22 to £26 when booked ahead. On-the-day tickets cost £39. Under twos go free but still require a ticket.

Family tickets start from £86 for four people. Entry to the Castle Dungeon costs extra. All tickets include a Rainy Day Promise, allowing visitors to return for free within 60 days if it rains for more than an hour during their visit.

And those who have visited have not held back in their praise.

One person said in a review on TripAdvisor: “This is a great day out, and it has a lot more to offer than just the castle. There are so many shows going on throughout the day, and interactive things for kids to do. Be sure to pick up a programme at the entrance which details all the times of shows.”

Another added: “We had a great day at Warwick Castle as a family. Even though it was busy there, the place is big enough that it never felt crowded. Definitely recommend the falconry show; this was really impressive. Also, the Dungeon experience was really worth it, scary but excellent acting and a huge talking point afterwards.”

A third wrote: “Warwick Castle is one of those places that genuinely exceeds expectations, and given how high those expectations were walking in, that is no small feat. A brilliant, immersive day out from start to finish. The castle itself is steeped in history at every turn.”

Someone else commented: “Fabulous experience. Such an interesting place to visit, and the friendliness of every member of staff made us feel very welcome. Be prepared for a lot of steps, but it is so worth it!”

For more information and tickets, click here.