What are your favourite lesser-known castles in the UK?
Posted by history_roadtrips@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 300 comments
As a good Welshperson, I love visiting castles, it's my ultimate favourite day-off activity. But I'm starting to feel like I've seen it all here in South Wales. I'm appealing to reddit now to try and find some new castles I've never been to before.
Doesn't have to be castles - I love standing stones, prehistoric monuments, national trust/english heritage type places, anywhere with a bit of history.
And can be anywhere in the uk, for weekend purposes I'd prefer wales or the south west, but I'm looking for places further afield too :)
Thanks in advance ❤️
LengthinessAgitated9@reddit
Hermitage…… it’s a sinister lump
TrigWaker@reddit
Dunstanburgh
LengthinessAgitated9@reddit
1000000 %…….the walk out there is a joy
takenawaythrowaway@reddit
Would not put this as a lesser known. It's probably one of the top ten most famous castles in England.
doctorgibson@reddit
I would also recommend visiting the highly obscure Windsor Castle
sirdougie@reddit
I took a colleague visiting from Nepal to Dunstanburgh once. It was the first time he had seen the sea! What a place to see it - he went for a paddle as well
No_Doughnut3257@reddit
How is Durstanburgh lesser-known?
AsdaEssentialsWater@reddit
Bit random, but I remember learning about this castle when I was studying Edward IV's reign.
Slartitartfast@reddit
Yes, and my grandparents got engaged there!
beatsshootsandleaves@reddit
Absolutely beautiful place. The beach walk there from Low Newton-by-the-Sea is amazing and the pub at the same place if you do a there-and-back walk is a perfect end to the experience as well.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Sounds perfect :)
Cheap_Doughnut7887@reddit
Looks like it would have been pretty formidable on its glory days!
MySparePersona@reddit
Cowdray Castle
OverDoseTheComatosed@reddit
Priory Castle in tynemouth. Grew up a bike ride away from it. Outer wall is still in place, mostly ruins inside, so it’s more like castle grounds rather than a castle proper but it’s still a great place to have a mooch on a warm summers day
KindAd840@reddit
Walked up Castell Dinas Brân this week. It rained a bit, but was well worth it when we got to the top.
garybolty@reddit
Mow cop castle on the boarder of Cheshire and staffordshire
EffyDoodle@reddit
The answer i was searching for!
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Looks like some amazing views from there!
GarwayHFDS@reddit
Have you been to Castell y Bere, Mid Wales. This isn't a great photo of the castle but gives an idea of the location, Cadair Idris in the distance.
Vaxtez@reddit
Might have to look into how feasible this one is from Aberystwyth on public transport. Looks stunning
GarwayHFDS@reddit
It's not accessible from Aberystwyth on Public transport. There are a few coastal castles you can get to by train, Harlech and Criccieth to name two.
Vaxtez@reddit
Yeah, looks like the best option (If I were to do it) would be to nab the Trawscymru T2 & walk from Minffordd Hotel & across, so about a 5hr walk all in. Not impossible mind you; just a pain.
King-ofthe-CookieJar@reddit
Not many places are feasible on public transport from Aber, unless things have changed drastically from my student days!
Vaxtez@reddit
I've managed to get to Chester, Llandudno, Wrexham & Conwy via buses from Aber funnily enough (albeit with changes). It's just absurdly long to get anywhere; partially why i'm probably just going to head to Cardiff for university next year.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
This one is lovely isn't it, the surroundings are just beautiful. Thanks for suggesting it! :)
barrybreslau@reddit
Stokesay castle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stokesay_Castle
Portland Castle (not the Nothe Fort) https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/portland-castle/
Goodrich https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/goodrich-castle/
stiperstone@reddit
Stokesay is my all time favourite. The Gatehouse is like something from an opera.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
All great suggestions, thank you!
barrybreslau@reddit
Raglan is worth a visit if you go past on the way to Goodrich. Also the remains of Bridgenorth castle are pretty impressive. They blew it up in the Civil War and it's at 45° now.
whiskeejo@reddit
Pilsbury Castle between Hartington and Longnor in the Peak District built around 11th century
stiperstone@reddit
Well secret this.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Ooh that's a very ruined one! The atmosphere looks fantastic 👌
Southern-Bandicoot@reddit
No doughboys to be found?
whiskeejo@reddit
Pilsbury Castle between Hartington and Longnor in the Peak District built around 11th century
richiewilliams79@reddit
I think it’s not so much the castle in pennard, more the landscape and where it’s positioned. Such a beautiful place, I love sitting next to the castle walls in sun
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Yes absolutely. It's the ambience. When I visited, the sun was setting as we walked across the golf course and made for the most beautiful golden light when we got to the ruins. Stunning! :)
richiewilliams79@reddit
In bishopston valley there are ruins of Stone Age settlements and a fortification. Gower itself is steeped with natural history
user-74656@reddit
Sinclair Girnigoe in Caithness. Perched on a sea stack with enough remains that it's easy to imagine how it looked in it's heyday. It's no longer safe to go inside, but still worth visiting for the location.
Wee_Potatoes@reddit
Old Sarum.
Geek-Of-Nature@reddit
I learned this week of Moreton Corbet Castle, only 20 or so minutes from me. Checked it out only yesterday as it happens. I'm enthralled by ruins: that they've just been left there and not demolished for a housing estate, that at some point someone inhabited/used the place one final time, that the decay has been happening steadily over time as nature fights to reclaim the land.
And the serenity of such areas is incomparable.
IllCalendar5468@reddit
Castell Dinas Bran
Geek-Of-Nature@reddit
I hiked a local route, ending up at Dinas Bran, last year. Really stunning area and the castle ruins are fascinating.
No_Doughnut3257@reddit
There’s also the lesser-known Castell Dinas in Powys.
dawguk@reddit
I went to high School at Ysgol Dinas Bran. I can tell you, it doesn't look very nice when you have to run around it during cross country in the winter. 90s teachers were made different.
OrganizationOk5418@reddit
I want to go there.
Total-Combination-47@reddit
It overlooks Llangollen and is a great view from it. I live about 15mins away.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Thank you! Looks very atmospheric :)
YogusMaximus@reddit
Orford Castle, Suffolk
Huxtopher@reddit
Castell Dinas Brân
mogrim@reddit
Maiden Castle and Corfe Castle are fairly close to each other - hardly unknown but worth a visit if you haven't been.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Ooh thank you :)
JonnyredsFalcons@reddit
You could drive to Swanage & catch the steam train to Corfe, or you've also got the chain ferry over to Sandbanks to fill out the day (does get very busy in the summer though)
King-ofthe-CookieJar@reddit
Corfe castle is an absolute beauty! Walked there from a campsite locally, and it was like going back in time about 300 years!
daveb_33@reddit
I was going to say Corfe. Really lovely.
Ok_Contest3903@reddit
Dublin Castle in Camden.
Phil198603@reddit
Im a German that used to live down in Oxwich, Gower for a couple years and I loved everything around three cliffs
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
It's a beautiful area :)
Phil198603@reddit
Yes. Im now living back home in southwest Germany at the Rhine River. If you fancy castles than you should visit this area. Going from Mainz along the river to Cologne you find so so many old castles even one in the middle of a tiny island on the Rhine.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Thank you, gosh yes i haven't even touched on european castles. In fact I've never been to Germany so will have to visit some day :)
Bigluce@reddit
I have 2 I would like to submit for consideration.
Colchester Castle, now a fab museum. Built on a roman temple as its foundations!
Hedingham Castle, built on a hill amongst some impressive earthworks.
Both are available to visit. Hedingham quite often do theme days and events there. The grounds are nice too.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Great suggestions! Thank you. I was looking at Colchester last night actually - the museum looks fantastic. Our Roman capital!
isurvived_sorryeric@reddit
Not a castle but the priory at Tynemouth Newcastle , it’s a ruin but allot of it is still there
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Ooh thank you, yes priories and abbeys are welcome too :)
Loquis@reddit
Chillingham castle in Northumberland, owner has it more like it would have been, bits in disrepair, cold, damp. Absolutely fascinating.
StonedJesus98@reddit
They used to put on the most amazing firework displays, not sure if they still do though
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Is it open to the public?
Strong_Access_8179@reddit
Yes, I was there a couple of weeks ago, along with almost no one else. Only I don't think it would be everyone's cup of tea; the rooms are like some kind of weird antique shop with all manner of, well, largely crap, but some of it quite interesting crap. I loved it.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
That's I think one of the things I love about visiting historic places. You could be tiptoeing around a magnificent stately home one day, and sifting through someone's eccentric collection the next. Have you ever been to Snowshill?
doihavetousethis@reddit
Castle Coombe
Longjumping-Party186@reddit
Peveril Castle. It's for all intents and purposes a ruin but the view is spectacular and I like going to Castleton.
Southern-Bandicoot@reddit
Ardvreck Castle. Mandatory stop on the way to Achmelvich Beach.
BeetrootBoy@reddit
If you're visiting Achmelvich, then there's Hermit's Castle, which is fabulous.
MelmanCourt@reddit
Just drove past last week. Achingly beautiful spot.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Wow, very atmospheric. Google maps tells me it would be an 11 hour drive! Lol. I'll add that to my scotland wishlist 😅
RianJohnsonIsAFool@reddit
Doune Castle.
Helpful_Librarian_87@reddit
Run away, run away!!!
RfnWilliams@reddit
It's only a model
Tom30290861@reddit
Beeston Castle is my favourite
_XtalDave_@reddit
Love this one. The views over Cheshire on a clear day are amazing.
Fickle-Public1972@reddit
Rait Castle outside Nairn
douggieball1312@reddit
Kidwelly is awesome to explore. And I'm not sure if it counts as 'unknown' but my favourite castle to visit of all was Stirling. So much more interesting than Edinburgh.
TeikaDunmora@reddit
I love the story of the Warwolf - Edward I was sieging the castle and built the biggest trebuchet ever but the Scots surrendered before it was finished. Edward decided to use it anyway, just for fun. Not cool, Eddie!
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Love Kidwelly! And Stirling I haven't seen but will add to the Scotland list :) thank you!
fenaith@reddit
Conwy, Tintagel, Restormel, Odiham, Haughley.
fenaith@reddit
Conwy, Tintagel, Restormel, Odiham, Haughley.
Leucurus@reddit
Dunottar
Forever-Hopeful-2021@reddit
I was scrolling to see this one. The crown jewels were hidden there for a time because it's so difficult to gain access to it.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
What a fantastic location!
Gold_Information9677@reddit
Castle Tioram
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Wow! Dramatic :)
Maleficent_Owl_7001@reddit
Tintagel. I have been going for decades and decades.
Men an tol or the merry maidens.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
It's beautiful. I'm definitely up for a revisit :)
cari-strat@reddit
Peel Castle, on the Isle of Man.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Gorgeous pic! Thanks for the suggestion :)
Jack_202@reddit
Dunluce Castle.
chalkybone@reddit
Castle coch
SHEEPYSMUM@reddit
Sandel Castle in Wakefield. Fab walk around, and view from top is wonderful.
0rangesAndLemons@reddit
Im not sure if its lesser-known but Dunrobin(?) castle north of Inverness
Greglebowski74@reddit
Roy Castle.
SapientHomo@reddit
Eynsford Castle in Eynsford, near Sevenoaks Kent. Beautiful ruins.
Other-Wonder-633@reddit
Llansteffan Castle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llansteffan_Castle
Soz for shouty above. Copy/paste.
Smart-Delay-7237@reddit
The castle Skipton is fabulous to walk round very well known however plenty of hidden places around the grounds so you can imagine you are a knight 😀
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Ooh lovely. I haven't made it to Yorkshire yet, I'll definitely put that on the list!
Enough-Ad3818@reddit
Not far from Skipton is Bolton Castle, a wonderful day out.
AsdaEssentialsWater@reddit
Bodiam castle in Kent, such a great castle but doesn't get recognised as much due to the near by famous castles such as Leeds Castle and Dover Castle
Nervous_Week_684@reddit
It’s in Sussex, juuuust over the border.
Kent has loads of castles, but check out the little gems like Scotney Castle that is achingly pretty, especially in May/June with all the flowers and foliage, and Hever Castle that was the home of Anne Boleyn. Both aren’t all that far from Bodiam either!
No_Psychology_2108@reddit
Hermitage Castle just over the Scottish border. Its imposing
BuggerFace@reddit
That absolute brick of a castle is apparently linked to my ancestors. I love how plain and...there...it is haha
CattyKatKat@reddit
The laird that was boiled in the cauldron by his own serfs?
The photo doesn't do justice to how foreboding Hermitage Castle is. I mean it was called “the guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain". It's best visited (IMO) on a dreary day for full effect.
TrafficWank@reddit
Visited about ten years ago. Lovely part of the world. Ancestral home as well, allegedly.
It was quite dreary when we went.
Djave_Bikinus@reddit
Hermitage has such an eerie feel to it. Really stark and foreboding.
Strong_Access_8179@reddit
And if anyone out there is especially interested in creepy castles, Finlarig Castle up by Loch Tay also has a weird, eerie vibe to it.
elnovino23@reddit
saved me searching a photo
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Great suggestion! Thank you :)
dannywalk@reddit
Dundrum Castle in County Down - In the town I grew up in! I’ve been to many others but this one is special for me.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Thank you! I've only had one other Northern Irish suggestion so far so will add that to the NI list :) thank you!
dannywalk@reddit
The top of the old keep will give you great views of Dundrum Bay and the mountains of mourne. On a good day it’s pretty spectacular!
MrGrazam@reddit
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yVbsv9aidW8vkMWbA?g_st=ac Old wardour castle ruins Wiltshire Also take a look at new wardour castle and the estate building.
Hairy_Cartoonist_506@reddit
Hermitage castle in the Scottish borders
LazyFiiish@reddit
Maiden Castle. It's local and whenever I'm up there, I always think about how it was built with the tools of the time.
supomice@reddit
The ruins of Dunskey castle near portpatrick are in the most beautiful location
maxscarletto@reddit
I always liked Roy.
Spireites1866-CFC@reddit
Peveril Castle, Castleton, Derbyshire.
dawguk@reddit
Bit of a steep walk, but hell of a view when you get there.
Leicsbob@reddit
I grew up on Corby and used to visit Rockingham castle often. It's small but well preserved and still lived in.
PhilOakeysFringe@reddit
Farleigh Hungerford Castle near Bath
KatVanWall@reddit
Warkworth!
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
That's a new one for me! Thank you :)
Arbdew@reddit
About 25 mins drive from Warkworth is Edlingham Castle. Free to visit, complete ruin, brilliant.
Not a religious person, but the church where you can park to visit the casrle is lovely.
Puzzleheaded_Ad9110@reddit
Fatlips
TangerineOld8429@reddit
Tantallon, Just outside North Berwick. Glorious location and must have been amazing in its day.
Commercial_Level_615@reddit
Aberlleiniog castle near Beaumaris. Not much left of it but it's a lovely walk up there
LilacRose32@reddit
Beaumaris for a welsh castle or Skipton for a longer trip
Upbeat_Vegetable_846@reddit
I second that, and Caernarfon castle is awesome, even if it’s across the Menai.
Basically, everything about angelsey is amazing; it would be rude not to visit one day!! I will retire there, I will die there, history and beauty. It is absolutely lovely
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
I'm desperate to visit Anglesey... 🥰
Upbeat_Vegetable_846@reddit
Do, and the red squirrels are cute as hell! Anglesey is idyllic, quaint, the loveliest place, and climate change is making it even better.
If you want a random treat, stone science is ace…imagine someone spending an entire life gathering cool rocks and making a museum; it’s ace. They have VHS videos, it’s all dated as hell, absolutely loved it : )
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
You're selling this well! 😅 thank you :)
LilacRose32@reddit
My grandparents retired there; so we visited a lot when I was a child
Seaside83@reddit
Muness Castle. It's the most northerly castle in the UK, and where I got engaged to my wife 8 years ago.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
What a wonderful location for a proposal! Your wife's a lucky lady :)
GiantSpicyHorses@reddit
Bolton Castle in Yorkshire. There's a stunning walk to it from Aysgsrth Falls and the castle is really interesting. It is still owned by the family that built it and has some incredible original features. They also have frequent falconry displays.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Wonderful. I love birds of prey, sounds like the perfect day out.
AbbreviationsOk6561@reddit
Windsor
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Who could forget Windsor! Very close to my aunt's home but I still haven't been 🤦♀️
Tay74@reddit
Recently went to Slains Castle in Aberdeenshire and had a great time! Gorgeous setting on the cliffs, beautiful set of ruins, and I was the only one there at the time so I had the time of my life exploring them
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Sounds perfect 👌
IrishRover52@reddit
Weoley Castle. Lots of pretty flags to remind you what country you're in
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Oh Weoley! The first time i thought it was a typo. We have a Weobley in Wales too 😅 thanks I'll check it out :)
Wenlocke@reddit
Derbyshire has a few. Peveril Castle is one of my locals. Come from the random Norman castle, stay for the mountains around it.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Gorgeous pic
isthatnormalpooing@reddit
Finlaggan Castle on Islay, a truly beautiful spot. Mostly ruins and my wife and I had the entire place to ourselves. There was some guy in the visitor centre who was so excited to show us the VR headset they'd got and we spent a solid hour talking to him about the history of the place and mucking about with VR.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Oh wow that sounds ideal. I'm hoping to get up to the islands at some point. I'd love to see Islay.
arch_fiasco@reddit
I used to go to the re-enactments at Bolsover Castle near Chesterfield all the time as a kid. Such a brilliant place.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
I'd love to see some re-enactments 😍
smithismund@reddit
Berkeley Castle. Just over the border in Gloucestershire. Beautiful building, fantastic history and you get the Jenner museum in the village as well.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Oh that sounds great. I love a two-for-one. Thank you!
GrandDukeOfNowhere@reddit
Carew Castle looks like a children's picturebook version of a castle, and there's an old tidal mill right next door to visit too
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Yes Carew and the tidal mill make a great day out. The mill was fascinating. Technology we no longer use
Square_Priority6338@reddit
Castle Acre Castle is one of my favourites. It’s an unmanned site, so as a visitor you might not have particularly high expectations, and honestly I suspect for many people, once you see how little masonry remains, expectations sink even further. Yet seeing how it fits into the landscape, with the walled settlement of Castle Acre really makes it quite special. It’s got a water gate leading straight to the river (ok, the river’s course has shifted over the years, but imagine it) some pretty serious earthworks for such a flat landscape, barbican and you can see exactly how the motte and bailey was improved and turned into a shell keep before having the existing hall turned into a keep. It’s pretty special for just how obvious the different phases of construction improved it, the interpretation panels though old, are pretty helpful if you’re struggling to see it too.
Also have a soft spot for Orford, the keeps a bit unusual , and it comes across as a pretty comfortable place all things considered.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Lovely suggestions. I'm just as interested in the very ruined ones as those that have survived more intact. The ruined ones often have an ambience not felt at more touristy sites :)
House_Of_Thoth@reddit
Oooh, I've been there! :)
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Isn't it a lovely walk?
House_Of_Thoth@reddit
It is! I've got a lovely picture of a couple sitting on the edge overlooking the ravine that I've told myself I'll paint one day!! This is how I wanna grow old 🤩
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Beautiful pic 😍
Adventurous-Let-7907@reddit
If you want to stay in one, St Briavels castle, near the Wye Valley, is also a youth hostel. It even has a portcullis. I stayed in the old jail.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Oh wow! That sounds right up my street :)
-mister_oddball-@reddit
went to beeston a few weeks back and that is a quite interesting place as it was purely a garrison castle, bamburgh is fantastic but warkworth is probably my favourite though-had a fantastic afternoon exploring that one!
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Thank you!
FatRascal_@reddit
Dumbarton Castle
Built on a volcanic plug that looks a bit like an elephant
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Wow! What a location
koombot@reddit
Dunrobin Castle just north of Golspie in Scotland. Looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Queen Victoria visited and said "I have come from my home to your palace" or words to that effect.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Wow. It's no wonder the royals all like to live in Scotland 🏴
snarkmaiden5@reddit
Not a castle but still pretty impressive for its age
Barclodiad y Gawres
Worth a look inside, lots of spiral designs etc carved into the rock
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Ooh yes and Bryn Celli Ddu! I'm so hoping to visit Anglesey sometime soon 🙏
PhantomOwl709@reddit
Culzean
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Wow, it doesn't look real! Amazing
PhantomOwl709@reddit
Very real , love this with ailsa craig in the background
.
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
Used to go on school trips as well as family ones. Nice S/H bookshop.
dratsaab@reddit
As a frequent childhood visit doing day trips from Glasgow, it feels weird for this to be lesser known. But yes, excellent choice, great gardens - and a nice American link with the Eisenhower apartment in it.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
I think we've just gone with "everyone drop your favourite castle" which is awesome tbh 😅
pienofilling@reddit
It's a magnificent one!
It's also close to the Electric Brae, which is rather fun.
Suitable-Compote-988@reddit
Also Christopher Lee's house in the original wicker man, which is also fun!
PhantomOwl709@reddit
Didnt know that, makes sense though it was filmed in Port Patrick which isnt far.
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
Raglan Castle
The one at the bottom of garden in house I used live in. Just hill and few rocks left but epic views and high on cliff by sea. Tornado aeroplane flew by under me once.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Not many people can claim to have a castle in the garden! Sounds like an amazing place to live :)
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
Some parts of Scotland, castles as in small fortified towers with a ditch for a drawbridge were ten a penny. Bad area in past for clan feuding.
BigfatDan1@reddit
Dolbadarn in Llanberis, near the foot of Snowdon. Only very small, but the views are beautiful
Also Goodrich castle between Ross on Wye and Monmouth is worth a visit
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Goodrich is a good one. Dolbadarn i haven't seen before, thank you!
ssh_condor@reddit
Kenilworth Castle is a cracking castle. Its well worth a visit.
Also Manorbier Castle in Pembrokeshire. This castle was used for the location of the White Witch's castle in the 80s TV series of The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Brilliant! I think the 80s is probably the last time I visited Manorbier, so a revisit is definitely in order!
QuailTechnical5143@reddit
Old Sarum in Wiltshire
DunJIN@reddit
Yarm Castle
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
What an unusual design!
ComprehensiveApple14@reddit
probably pushing it but I like Ongar "Castle"
Literally just the earthworks survived. It's still very pretty area.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
This is great. For every surviving castle, there must be hundreds of remains like these :) thank you!
OrganizationOk5418@reddit
Slains Castle (Dracula's Castle)
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Now that sounds like one to add to the list! Thank you :)
OrganizationOk5418@reddit
It's about an hour north of Aberdeen, I spent a few evenings there during lockdown.
CaffeinatedDaddy@reddit
Harlech.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Oh gosh yes 🏴
jakethepeg1989@reddit
Does bodium count as lesser known?
If so, the Bodium
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Sure, why not?! 🤭
Alone-Bug6176@reddit
Dunluce Castle. Antrim Coast
ATSOAS87@reddit
I'm going to save this, and see if I can visit any on my travels.
Kann0n2@reddit
Good shout!
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Excellent! I was hoping this would be useful to others too :)
Kann0n2@reddit
Pickering Castle.
Glittering_Swan2205@reddit
Is that at Three Cliffs?
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
It is indeed - Pennard Castle :)
Ambiverthero@reddit
Mont Orgeuil or Gorey Castle in jersey. Not uk but British isles. Absolutely amazing and very complete; you can see France from the top
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Second suggestion for this one - it's pretty imposing isn't it! I've never been to Jersey :)
AnalCreamCake@reddit
Innerwick castle near Dunbar. Absolutely amazing little place nestled in some woodland.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Who would have thought that someone with your username would enjoy such wholesome activities! Thanks for the suggestion :)
WiseAssNo1@reddit
Girnigoe Castle, Caithness.
Ambiverthero@reddit
The best castle in the British isles (but outside of the UK) is in Jersey Channel Islands. look up Gorey Castle or Mont Orgeuil. It’s an utterly magnificent medieval castle that is complete, overlooking a harbour. Makes those wonderful Welsh castles look rather second rate.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Second rate! The cheek! But it is pretty magnificent I must admit, and my first suggestion for the Channel Islands - thank you very much :)
ARobertNotABob@reddit
Is that Pennard, OP?
(haven't been since a Kilvrough Manor stay from school in 70s)
Corfe Castle has always been a favourite.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
It is indeed! A beautiful one especially at sunset :)
ElectronicIndustry91@reddit
It is Pennard Castle - that is well remembered from 50 years ago!
ARobertNotABob@reddit
Three Cliffs leaves an impression. :)
Jeopardise91@reddit
Arundel, Portland, Conwy, but not sure if these would qualify as lesser known.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
All wonderful suggestions. I don't think anyone's taken the "lesser-known" too seriously 😅
Kamoebas@reddit
Carreg Cennen near Llandeilo.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Yes one of my favourites :) the views are breathtaking!
doepfersdungeon@reddit
The small but charming Duntrune is fun with a great position, and you can stay on site in a bnb
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Oh wow that looks beautiful for a winter weekend ❤️ thanks for sharing :)
mhoulden@reddit
Leeds Bear Pit: https://leedscivictrust.org.uk/bear-pit/. It's one of the few remains of old Leeds zoo. It's not a castle as such but it's designed to look like one. Not very far away is Headingley Castle (https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1255942) which is a fancy house that's been converted into offices.
Needless to say, don't get mixed up with Leeds Castle which is in Kent.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
How interesting! Thank you :)
Lordhartley@reddit
Hadleigh Castle, Essex. Not much left of it, its a couple of miles from my home, nice place to chill and have a picnic, with great views of the Thames estuary, and good walks afterwards to old Leigh-on-sea for a drink.
Lordhartley@reddit
antlered-god@reddit
Can't go wrong with Hadleigh Castle...
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Lovely ambience ❤️
Mr5wift@reddit
It's the subject of an 1829 Constable painting which is pretty cool.
SOASabredan@reddit
Always been memorised by Hadleigh. Its a good cycle route aswell to get there.
Accomplished-Run-375@reddit
For a nice hidden/obscure one, Ewloe
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Yes I do need to make it up to North Wales. Got quite a list going now! Thank you :)
antlered-god@reddit
Can't go wrong with Hadleigh Castle
Aben_Zin@reddit
Llansteffan is probably my favourite. Fantastic views over the bay, a tower you can climb and totally free!
Carrag Cennen is great too- imposing location and features a passage into a cave that feels straight out of Dungeons and Dragons
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Carreg Cennen is one of my favourites ❤️
DMMMOM@reddit
Allington Castle, Allington Kent. It's now privately owned but you can go in for tours occasionally and they hold weddings.
https://allingtoncastle.com/
There is another nearby, also privately owned and mostly ruined and has a 1930's house built amongst the ruins, It can be seen by peering through a hedge. It has an interesting history and has been documented by painting s through the ages.
https://everycastle.com/leybourne-castle/
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Great suggestions, not heard of either of those! Thank you :)
kingoffuckery@reddit
Linlithgow, called a palace but I love exploring round it
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Looks very imposing! Thank you :)
stevoknevo70@reddit
Caisteal Dhùn Stadhainis/Dunstaffnage castle about three miles from Oban - one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland, Robert the Bruce captured it from the MacDougall clan in the early 1300s and instead of destroying it like he did with other captured castles, he provisioned it and used it to protect the lands because it's surrounded by the sea on three sides. Flora MacDonald was imprisoned here for a while in the 1700s for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape from Scotland. And there's a claim that the Stone of Destiny was stored in the 7th century en route from Ireland when it was a stronghold long before the castle was built (but more likely it was store at Dùn Ad/Dunadd in mid Argyll which was the seat of the ancient Scottish kings of Dàl Riata)
Dùn means fort in Scots Gàidhlig hence why there's so many places that start with Dun - Dundee, Dunfermline etc etc - Dhùn Stadhainis is very close to the village of Dùn Beag (Dunbeg) which means small/little fort.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Fascinating, thanks for sharing the history. I believe Scots Gàidhlig "dùn" may be related to Welsh "din" or "dinas" as we have a fair few of those too :)
scottishsilversurfer@reddit
Tantallon castle
nutaya@reddit
Nunney is a teeny tiny shell of a castle tucked away in the middle of a village but it has a good pub and a little cafe selling hot chocolate. It’s free entry and also a two-fer because farleigh-hungerford (English Heritage) is 15 mins down the road and also has a castle that’s got a bit more going on with a church and a museum-y bit and near a few good farm shops or Bradford on Avon with a lock up on the bridge and a Saxon church. They’re (slightly) less than an hour from the M4 bridge so depending on where you are in south wales, might not be a massive trek.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Saxon church you say... 🤔 I'm actually in somerset next week too so perhaps a visit to all 3 is on the cards! Thanks very much :)
VitaObscure@reddit
Berkhamsted, but that's because it's my nearest one. Very important back in the day, not so impressive now.
Old_Introduction_395@reddit
Lincoln.
It is a long way from Wales, but the castle is cool. Also Roman ruins, and the Cathedral.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Now we're talking! Roman ruins are a bonus 👏
costigan95@reddit
Duffas Castle near Elgin
aspannerdarkly@reddit
I used to frequent the Dublin Castle in Camden
ItsNormalNC@reddit
Egremont Castle
Honest-University589@reddit
Dudley Castle. A lot of the stronghold is still standing
ssh_condor@reddit
Pity about the zoo really.
julesharvey1@reddit
Culzean or Dunnottar are my favourites
Sufficient_Ice4933@reddit
Tamworth Castle
mooohaha64@reddit
Dinas Bran - Llangollen
KinnyWater@reddit
Caernarfon
Database_Reasonable@reddit
Johnno from my golf club...oh wait...castles...
Treeandtroll@reddit
The Welsh border has some bangers. Clun Castle is a good ruin, and then not far away you have Montgomery and Dolforwyn, which were in opposition for a while during one of the many wars.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Yes I've seen a lot of the welsh border castles, although not all, still a way to go! Thanks for your suggestions :)
Treeandtroll@reddit
Pleasure - have fun!
LeopardProof2817@reddit
Tantallon castle. Absolutely stunning on a good day.
TheLoneEcho@reddit
This was going to be my suggestion. It is very moody on a wet and windy day!
Snapimposter@reddit
Home of Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus and 2nd husband of Margaret Tudor (Henry VIII eldest sister)
LeopardProof2817@reddit
I did a fair bit of reading about its history but I didnt make that link. Thanks for that.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Looks very atmospheric! Thanks for the suggestion :)
atv_racer@reddit
Had a couple of days working down in some fields around it this week. Was a nice place to work with the view of the castle and Bass Rock
LeopardProof2817@reddit
I was there last week, stayed in the campsite just along the road. Terrific wee place.
kipribley28@reddit
Raby Castle
Big_b_inthehat@reddit
Castle Rising, Norwich Castle, and (I haven’t been to this one) Castle Acre are good’uns in Norfolk!
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Yes i need to venture eastwards I think! All great suggestions :)
Vehlin@reddit
Ewloe Castle. Used to play there as a child
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Thank you! Great suggestion
GarwayHFDS@reddit
Have you done the three castles on the border. White, Grosmont and Skenfrith. Quite close to each other and Abergavenny.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
I have indeed, all are lovely but Skenfrith is my favourite of the three. Especially in the summer ☀️ great suggestions!
dani-dee@reddit
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Where is that? Looks amazingly well preserved!
dani-dee@reddit
Leicester… it’s a prison 🤣 visitors to the city don’t realise that though and think it’s an amazing old castle.
Leicester is pretty good for history though, Bradgate park has the Bradgate House ruins on it (Lady Jane Greys house) plus it’s worth a walk up to Old John Tower.
Abbey Park has St Mary’s Abbey ruins, where Cardinal Wolsey is buried plus Cavendish House, which was ruined during the English Civil War.
Jewry Wall and Roman baths is great, although I’ve not visited since the refurb.
Plus the old cobbled streets and ancient other bits around near St Mary de Castro church.
And of course our castle like cat b prison
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
That's a prison?! 😳
IllCalendar5468@reddit
Finlarig Castle, its a proper ruin but you have the place to yourself!
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Sounds perfect 👌
BRIStoneman@reddit
If you're in South Wales then you're not too far from Farleigh Hungerford near Bath. Nice castle and interesting bronzes in the crypts.
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Great suggestion! I grew up near there, time for a revisit :)
Alinswlondon@reddit
Newcastle 🍺
InternEasy2461@reddit
Castle on the hill Huddersfield
theotherquantumjim@reddit
Roy Castle, at least amongst the younger generations
Puzzleheaded_Spot645@reddit
Dedication...
Charyou_Tree_19@reddit
That’s what you need
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
I'm old enough to remember him 😅
mattreed857@reddit
🤣🤣
arkan86@reddit
Bodiam in Sussex is used to live going to as a kid but is fairly well known. Lesser known is reculver castle on the Kent Coast
-C80-@reddit
Is Reculver a castle? Isn’t it just the remains of a Roman fort? The pub there is nice though!
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Roman forts and pubs are just as appreciated as castles tbh!
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
Great suggestions! Thank you :)
Ok-Albatross-1508@reddit
Elephant
history_roadtrips@reddit (OP)
London's best castle!
GeggingIn@reddit
Castle Menzies, Aberfeldy.