London is known all over the world for its rich history, culture and heritage. The country has been home to royals since the golden year and still has people coming from all over the world to experience and witness all things royal that the country still offers. It has the longest reigning monarch in the history of the country- Queen Elizabeth II. The queen who is celebrating her platinum jubilee this year. This year marks 70 years of her service to the throne.
History and heritage oozes from every nook and corner of London and many other areas of England. This country is a treat for lovers of history. It offers the most valuable collections in museums and galleries, which are mostly free to explore and visit. Apart from that the country has maintained massive castles, most of those are open for the public to view. If you are a history buff and want to explore the stories and sights of yester years then you must explore the most famous castles of the United Kingdom. Though London is the main city and a lot of important buildings are in the city including some castles, still to get a view of all the castles you might have to travel outside of London too. To do this, you can book yourself in a lovely hotel near Paddington station. This grand station will allow easy commuting in and outside of London while you chase the castles. It offers a great train network that takes you to places outside of London, and the underground service too that helps you travel swiftly within London. The amazing Heathrow Express train also stops here, making your commute to the airport quick and convenient.
Here’s a list of castles that you must explore for learning a lot more about the history of England and the world and to enjoy their sheer magnificence.
Windsor Castle
Windsor castle is one of the most popular castles outside London as it is the second home of Queen Elizabeth and is also known as the world’s biggest occupied castle. Only a couple of hours away from the big smoke, in this castle you will experience the history of the castle as well as its present. Located in a quaint historic English town with cobbled streets, old fashioned pubs and some classy British boutiques, this castle is a marvel. The castle offers tours to see it from inside, so book it soon. If travelling with family and kids you can enjoy long walks for beautiful country walks or have a picnic in one the gardens.
If travelling with kids you can book yourself a twin room in a London hotel.
Highclere Castle
You can reach this castle by taking a train from Paddington station in only 40 minutes. To live close to central station you can book a stay at one of the Hyde Park corner hotels. A popular castle for all Downton Abbey fans, as the series was shot here. It’s historically significant for the time it got turned into a hospital during World War I. You can choose a self guided tour or buy tickets to see the gardens and galleries of the castle too.
Warwick Castle
A train from Marylebone station takes you to this castle in less than 2 hours. One of the most famous mediaeval castles located on the banks of River Avon, was built by William the conqueror. It was first built out of wood and later rebuilt with stone. The castle offers a great history of many wars (including the imprisonment of King Edward IV) that you can witness via tours and activities that take place in the castle. You can easily access the Marylebone Station by booking a hotel in Bayswater London, UK.
Other great castles you can access in a couple of hours from London to make a day trip are Hever Castle, Blenheim Castle, Dover Castle and Leeds Castle.
