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The best castles in Southeast England
Offering both a statement of power and sanctuary to the local population, Britain’s castles were built to weather almost anything. As a result, the country is peppered with a large assortment of these magnificent structures, each providing their own unique glimpse into medieval life. Nowadays, the only people scaling the ramparts are history enthusiasts, tourists and families hoping to connect with our heritage, and perhaps take advantage of some great modern additions.
Southeastern England’s landscape has no end of castles - with mainland Europe only a few miles away, this area would be the first line of defence against any invading force trying their luck. So, if you wanted to spend a day finding out about keeps, moats and mottes, we’ve picked a few of the best the region has to offer.
DOVER CASTLE
Castle Hill Road, Dover, Kent CT16 1HU
Still defending Britain until the end of the Second World War, Dover Castle is a superb example of fortification on an epic scale. Featuring extensive exhibitions, England’s mightiest castle offers a full day of fun and activities.
You can explore secret wartime tunnels which extend for miles behind the famous white cliff. Here, the evacuation of Dunkirk is brought to life with special effects, dramatic projections and real film footage. Ther’s also a chance for youngsters to burn off some energy in the action-packed, siege-themed play area
Climb up the Medieval Great Tower to discover the pomp and pageantry of King Henry II’s court (who actually lived in the fortress, and doubtlessly spent time up there gazing across the Channel) or find out more about the forgotten tale of Dover Castle’s siege in 1216; as events are brought to life through a brand-new interactive experience.
There’s also loads of dramatic photo opportunities, special tours into hidden parts of the tunnel network, escape rooms, brilliant café facilities and special events all year round.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dover-castle
BODIAM CASTLE
Ewhurst Road, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5UA
With spiral staircases, massive battlements and an original wooden portcullis, Bodiam Castle has been watching over Kent’s spectacular countryside since the 14th-century. One of Britain's most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments, this is somewhere to relive your childhood memories or let your imagination run riot.
Built for Sir Edward Dallingridge, in an age characterised by plague, protests and rapid social change, a recent survey found over 800 inscriptions in the stonework. These reveal an incredible account of the structure’s construction, from the mark of the finest masons to runes designed to ward of evil intent near openings in the structure.
While few of the castle’s original interiors remain, there’s still loads to see and discover. Efforts to conserve this impressive building have been carried out by everyone from MP John ‘Mad Jack’ Fuller to Lord Curzon, the former Viceroy of India. Now in the hands of the National Trust, the site offers an astonishing collection of objects and artworks.
There’s also an ancient stone unicorn, murder holes, gun loops, a medieval bread oven and all kinds of dressing up opportunities. During certain weekends, the extensive grounds welcome interactive medieval encampments and fairs, transporting you back in time to the age of knights and chivalry.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle
LEEDS CASTLE
Broomfield Road, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL
One of England's best-preserved castles, Leeds sits serenely amongst 500 acres of parkland & gardens. Renowned for being both a hangout for celebrated 1930’s socialites and a home to Catherine of Aragon, there’s been a building on this site for over 1000 years.
Constructed around two large islands, with the almost obligatory drawbridge and imposing ramparts, this castle has seen it all. From sieges and executions to banishments and royal intrigue, it’s been owned and constantly improved by a succession of monarchs until the end of the Tudor unnasty. The property’s private owners continued to add new elements, including extensive landscaping of the grounds; which saw the site become one of the nation’s most famous country houses.
Now visitors can explore the lives of all the castle’s past residents, from the queens who were written out of history to Lady Baillie who restored Leeds to its current glory. There are immersive cinematic experiences, dazzling architectural landscapes magnificent gardens.
Anyone wanting to be completely swept up in the site’s glamour can even stay in the grounds – options including ranging from holiday cottages to exclusive manor house packages. This includes complimentary daytime entry to the Castle and out-of-hours access to the grounds.
HERSTMONCEUX CASTLE
Wartling Road, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 1RN
Few places embody the history of medieval England and romance of Renaissance Europe better than Herstmonceux. Set amidst 300 acres of carefully managed woodland and beautiful gardens, this red brick, 15th century, moated castle has something for everyone.
Open spring to winter (the site will be ready to visitors on 1st April in 2025), the grounds at Herstmonceux have become a hugely popular tourist destination. Dating back to 1570, these were restored to their present glory during the last century by Lieutenant Claude Lowther. Formed around two magnificent lawns, borders are awash with blooms and wildlife. From extensive herbaceous perennials to the stunning pink Saucer magnolia trees, and rambling roses to magenta blooms, the gardens are a constantly shifting of colour.
Presiding over the Pevensey Levels, this is one of the earliest brick buildings on this scale. Throughout the year, Herstmonceux hosts a range of special events, including talks at the college about astronomy, huge family fun days and intriguing guided tours. There’s a play area, rope maze and tree swing for the kids, with activity sheet to fire up young imaginations.
Along with reams of history, Herstmonceux also looks to the future – serving as the UK campus of Canada’s Queen’s University. It welcomes international students to study within its tranquil surroundings.
HEVER CASTLE
Hever Road, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG
Over 600 years of history can be unlocked at this romantic double-moated 14th century castle. Hever was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I. It unwittingly became the scene for a love affair which shook Europe and triggered the English Reformation.
Hever recently unveiled the newly refurbished Boleyn Apartment, which are the only surviving suite of rooms lived in by the Boleyn family - incredibly largely unaltered since Tudor times. This forms the core of a new visitor experience retracing her journey to become Queen in Waiting. Through precious tapestries, fabrics, rush-matting, friezes, and 16th-century furniture, visitors can see the daily life of a woman who would change the course of England’s history, monarchy and religion.
Hever also features magnificent award-winning gardens, set amidst 125 acres of glorious grounds, which welcome three open air theatres in the summer for a season of dramatic and musical performances. There are also opportunities to stay on the estate, with a luxury bed and breakfast, located in the Astor Wing and the Anne Boleyn Wing, and a beautiful holiday cottage, attached to the Astor Wing.
Stuart Rolt
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