BEAUTIFUL CASTLES TO VISIT IN THE UK INSPIRED BY FILMS

Castles are full of history and old-world regal romance, representing centuries of antiquity and architecture. The UK, is a country blessed with a huge choice of such beautiful and historically magnificent backdrops and settings, making them an idea place for film productions both for the modern age and period dramas.

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As well as being impressive film locations, some of these castles can also be visited in person where you can walk the halls, staircases and even sleep in the bedrooms as a guest as portions of them are turned into beautiful luxury accommodation.

Here are some castles, come movie locations, which you may want to add to your UK staycation list!

Highclere Castle

Movie/TV Series: Downton Abbey

Fans of Downton Abbey will be in utter delight as they can live every scene from the popular series and movie at Highclere castle. It is open to the public, with daily tours some of which are private and even stays on the estate in the Grotto and London Lodges. It is also the most stunning wedding venue and hosts seasonal events such as exhibitions, afternoon teas, garden walks and lots more to discover.

• Address: Highclere Park, Newbury RG20 9RN. England
• Tel: 01635 253210
• Contact: Website
• Admission: Prices
• Read: Highclere Castle Reviews
• Accommodation: Options in the area
• Things to do: What’s in the area?

Dover Castle

Movie/TV Series: The Other Boleyn Girl, The Crown Series

Dover castle was built in the 12^th century and features over 900 years of history spanning from the Roman era through to the twentieth century. Part of the English Heritage, Dover castle makes for a fab day out, stand on the iconic white cliffs, marvel Henry II’s medieval Great Tower as well as walk across the castle grounds and battlements.

• Address: Castle Hill Road, Dover CT16 1HU. England
• Tel: 0370 333 1181
• Contact: Website
• Admission: Prices
• Read: Dover Castle Reviews
• Accommodation: Places to stay in the area
• Things to do: What’s in the area?

Belvoir Castle

Movie/TV Series: Season 3 of The Crown, The Da Vinci Code

Belvoir Castle, built in a gothic style, dates back as far as the eleventh century and is the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, who have lived here in a line of succession for almost a thousand years. Set in a beautifully perfect location for a fortified castle, it has sweeping views over Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire.

The estate owns many properties, which can be let for a relaxing break to explore the surroundings but also is a great spot for a day visits. There’s plenty to do from wandering the castle and gardens to seasonal activities such as theatre and garden shows to Bonfire night and Christmas markets.

• Address: Grantham NG32 1PE. England
• Tel: 01476 871001
• Contact: Website
• Admission: Prices
• Read: Belvoir Castle Reviews
• Accommodation: Places to stay in the area
• Things to do: What’s in the area?

Old Wardour Castle

Movie: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

Originally built in the fourteenth century, Old wardour castle has a a stunning location in Wiltshire beside a lake and was once a lightly fortified luxury residence made for living and lavish entertainment.

Explore the castle grotto and rooms as well as the circular staircase, which once at the top rewards you with views of the surrounding countryside and lake.

The ruins owned and restored by English Heritage are the perfect relaxed spot for picnics and family days out.

• Address: Tisbury, Salisbury SP3 6RR England
• Tel: 01747 870487
• Contact: Website
• Admission: Prices
• Read: Old Wardour Castle Reviews
• Accommodation: Places to stay in the area
• Things to do: What’s in the area?

Arundel Castle

Movie: The Young Victoria

This beautiful gothic castle, ruled mainly by female heiresses’ was built in 1067 and has retained some of its original features such as the Norman keep, Medieval gatehouse and barbican. The Motte is said to be it’s most prized and oldest feature.

Arundel castle literally has something for everyone. Take a guided tour of the interiors to see its fine preservation of furniture, rare collection of paintings by Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Canaletto.

The beautiful and tranquil gardens are perfect for relaxing and scope out many of the historical events that are hosted in the castle grounds including festivals, open air theatre performances, history days and jousting.

• Address: Arundel BN18 9AB England
• Tel: 01903 882173
• Contact: Website
• Admission: Prices
• Read: Arundel Castle Reviews
• Accommodation: Places to stay in the area
• Things to do: What’s in the area?

Eilean Donan Castle

Movie: James Bond, The World is Not Enough

Hailed by some as one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland, Eilean Donan is situated in the Highlands on an Island where three sea lochs meet and is surrounded by incredible scenery. The castle was first inhabited around the sixth century and has plenty to see and do in the surrounding area. The estate has a visitor centre and shop and you can even stay at the Eileen Donan cottage or apartments with a lochside location.

The Castle has been a location for many films and it’s totally understandable why, you’ll have to go and get up close and personal and see it for yourself!

In my opinion, castles just don’t come any more idyllic than Eilean Donan.

• Address: Dornie by Kyle of Lochalsh. IV40 8DX. Scotland
• Tel: 01599 555202
• Contact: Website
• Admission: Prices
• Read: Eilean Donan Castle Reviews
• Accommodation: Places to stay in the area
• Things to do: What’s in the area?

Bamburgh Castle

Movie: The BFG

Located on the Northumberland Coast, Bamburgh Castle complex, now a Grade 1 listed building, towers 150 feet above the coast with panoramic sea views and set in nine acres of history, which dates back to the times of the Anglo-Saxons.

Walk through the state rooms with treasures, transform yourself back to movie scenes or even experience one of the regular open air cinema experiences, Bamburgh will leave you with moments to cherish and a longing to return.

• Address: Bamburgh Northumberland, NE69 7DF. England
• Tel: 01668 214208
• Contact: Website
• Admission: Prices
• Read: Bamburgh Castle Reviews
• Accommodation: Places to stay in the area
• Things to do: What’s in the area?

Broughton Castle

Movie: Shakespeare in Love

Built in 1306 and updated in the 1550’s, Broughton castle is a fortified manor that lies in Oxfordshire and is the home of the Fiennes family. From the grand gatehouse to the great hall to the gallery and bedrooms, Broughton Castle truly is a stunning property worth exploring as well as the gardens. In the 1890’s a ladies garden was created featuring pretty pastel hued flowers surrounded by a stone wall.

Broughton Castle is a perfect place for a days visit or stay close by and visit the local area with plenty to do and see in the county of Oxfordshire.

• Address: Banbury OX15 5EB. England
• Tel: 01295 276070
• Contact: Website
• Admission: Prices
• Read: Broughton Castle Reviews
• Accommodation: Places to stay in the area
• Things to do: What’s in the area?

Alnwick Castle

Movie: Harry Potter

The second largest inhabited castle in the UK, used to be a military outpost, a teaching college, a film set, a refuge for evacuees and a family home. There is over 950 years of history to be discovered, dating back to the Norman times. It houses a great collection of art, furniture and ceramics from the 17th-18th century.

Alnick castle is home to the Percy family, which it has been for over 700 years with the twelfth Duke and Duchess residing here currently.

Alnwick Castle features as Hogwarts in the first two harry Potter films as well as appearing in Downton Abbey.

• Address: Alnwick NE66 1NQ. England
• Tel: 01665 511100
• Contact: Website
• Admission: Prices
• Read: Alnwick Castle Reviews
• Accommodation: Places to stay in the area
• Things to do: What’s in the area?

Useful Resources

Next Stop: Further Reading

• 10 Sites to Explore with English Heritage
• 10 National Trust Properties to Visit
• 25 Inspiring Movie Locations to Visit

I hope this provides much inspiration for all you film lovers to scope out some fantastic castles in the UK and re-live your favourite film moments as well as the bygone history of these great structures.

Let me know your favourite film-inspired castles in the comments below.

À bientôt

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