Best castle weekend breaks in the UK

12 destinations picked for this guide.

The UK has more castles than almost anywhere in Europe, and some of the best weekends are built around them. Edinburgh's castle dominates the skyline, Durham and Alnwick give Norman and Harry Potter castle experiences, and Northumberland has more castles per mile than anywhere else in England. These are the best castle weekends.

Berwick-upon-TweedNorthumberland · Budget-friendly

England's northernmost town, with Elizabethan walls and three famous bridges

 LlandudnoConwy · Budget-friendly

A grand Victorian seaside resort beneath the Great Orme

 AlnwickNorthumberland · Mid-range

A castle town with a famous garden, a giant bookshop and the sea nearby

 CardiffWales · Mid-range

A compact Welsh capital with a castle in the city centre

 DurhamCounty Durham · Mid-range

A cathedral and castle on a wooded river bend

 HelmsleyNorth Yorkshire · Mid-range

A pretty market town and the gateway to the North York Moors

 HexhamNorthumberland · Mid-range

An abbey town in the Tyne Valley, the best base for Hadrian's Wall

 LincolnLincolnshire · Mid-range

A hilltop cathedral city with a medieval castle

 NorthumberlandNorthumberland · Mid-range

Castles, empty beaches, dark skies and Hadrian's Wall

 Richmond (North Yorkshire)North Yorkshire · Mid-range

A Georgian market town beneath a Norman castle, at the door of Swaledale

 WoodstockOxfordshire · Higher-priced

A pretty stone town at the gates of Blenheim Palace

 EdinburghScotland · Premium

A dramatic castle city of cobbled lanes, festivals and whisky

Frequently asked questions

Which UK region has the most castles?

Northumberland has dozens, including Bamburgh, Alnwick and Dunstanburgh, and Wales has more per head than anywhere else in Europe.

Are castles good for children?

Yes. Many have towers, walls and events, though some have steep stairs.

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Best weekend breaks from Manchester and the North WestBest weekend breaks from LondonBest weekend breaks from Birmingham and the MidlandsBest weekend breaks in Yorkshire and the North EastBest weekend breaks in ScotlandBest weekend breaks in Wales

Last reviewed October 2026. Prices and journey times are estimates, so check before you book. Report an error or share a tip.