Two of my biggest passions: architecture and ruined castles. After years of mapping castles across the UK, countless motorbike trips, and a pandemic or two, I’m thrilled to finally share this list (and a map in progress at the end).

The South East of England—packed with history (and a fair bit of drama)—still boasts many standing castles. Back in the day, knights and kings needed a place to stay within a day’s ride on their travels, so many castles were strategically built within that exact distance of each other. What I find amazing is that some of these castles are still standing today and are open to the public, offering a glimpse into centuries of history.

This year, I had the pleasure of introducing Baby Hugo to the first castle (and cute little town) on the list, and he was absolutely enchanted. I hope you find this list as surprising, delightful, and useful as I did.

Any favourites of your own?

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You might also like Top 5 Castles in the Loire Valley, France

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1. Leeds Castle

© Jeremy Flint

Ever wondered which castle has played host to queens, a duckery, and even a dog collar museum? Leeds Castle in Kent isn’t just a medieval marvel—it was once a palace for six queens of England (and baby Hugo)! The surrounding moat? Not just for show—it’s actually the River Len showing off. And if you fancy a challenge, the castle’s maze will test your navigation skills (or at least your patience). A fortress, a playground, and a history book all in one—fancy a visit?

Year built: Originally built in 857 AD
Location: Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL (Google)

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2. Dover Castle

© Virginia Duran

If a good fortress is all about location, Dover Castle nailed it—perched dramatically above the White Cliffs. Known as the “Key to England,” it has seen off invaders for nearly 1,000 years! Henry II gave it a royal makeover, turning defence into decadence. Beneath it, secret wartime tunnels once buzzed with D-Day plans. Oh, and it boasts Britain’s oldest surviving lighthouse—courtesy of the Romans, no less. Still standing strong, still stealing the spotlight!

Year built: Founded in the 11th century
Location: Castle Hill Rd., Dover CT16 1HU (Google)

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3. Windsor Castle

© Virginia Duran

Why settle for an ordinary home when you can have Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest occupied fortress? A royal retreat for nearly 1,000 years, it has survived wars, fires, and more state banquets than anyone can count. The castle’s Round Tower once housed a royal prisoner—a king, no less! Beneath its floors lie secret escape tunnels (because even monarchs need a Plan B). And if you time it right, you might just catch the Changing of the Guard—free drama, regal edition!

Year built: Founded in the 11th century
Location: Windsor SL4 1NJ (Google)

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4. Arundel Castle

© Historic UK

Arundel Castle has stood tall for nearly 1,000 years, once welcoming Queen Victoria, who found it a tad too luxurious (imagine the standards!). Beneath its grand halls lies a hidden passageway, perfect for a swift getaway—or a midnight snack raid. Its gardens are so spectacular they’ve won Britain in Bloom, proving history and horticulture go hand in hand. Oh, and its suit of armour collection? Enough to make any medieval knight jealous!

Year built: 1067
Location: Arundel BN18 9AB (Google)

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5. Scotney Castle

© Virginia Duran

Lady Emma Lister was no ordinary woman—she single-handedly oversaw the creation of Scotney Castle’s stunning gardens, turning the estate into a horticultural paradise. The castle itself is a delightful mix of old and new, with a romantic, ruined 14th-century house tucked beside a charming Victorian mansion. The moat, a perfect moat to rival all moats, encircles the ruins, giving the place that extra dramatic flair. Rumor has it the estate has more hidden staircases than a spy novel—great for sneaky escapes or just keeping guests on their toes. With its lush surroundings, it’s a dream spot for any budding artist to capture on canvas.

Year built: Built around 1378
Location: Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JN (Google)

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6. Bodiam Castle

© Virginia Duran

Built in 1385 to fend off French invaders, this beauty has no intention of letting anything past its impassable moat or fortified walls. The castle was never intended for battle—more like a luxurious home with a side of “just in case.” Its massive defensive gatehouse is a masterpiece of medieval design, giving would-be invaders a proper welcome (if you count archers and boiling oil as a warm greeting). And while the moat now holds ducks, not troops, it’s still a pretty perfect spot to channel your inner knight for a bit of live sketching!

Year built: 1385
Location: Bodiam, Robertsbridge TN32 5UA (Google)

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7. Herstmonceux Castle

© Virginia Duran

Not all castles are cold stone and moats—Herstmonceux Castle proves that with its stunning red brick, a rare sight in medieval England! Once home to the Royal Observatory, it helped map the stars before Greenwich stole the spotlight. Its sprawling grounds host one of Britain’s oldest medieval jousting tournaments, because who doesn’t love a good lance duel? Legend has it, a ghostly drummer boy still haunts the castle, forever marching to his own beat. And as for Lord Dacre? He tried to poach a deer, got caught, and—well—ended up very permanently retired.

Year built: 1441
Location: Hailsham BN27 1RN (Google)

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8. Hever Castle

© Virginia Duran

Think castles are just for kings? Hever Castle begs to differ—it was Anne Boleyn’s childhood home, long before she lost her head over Henry VIII. Later, the Astor family gave it a Tudor-meets-millionaire makeover, adding Italian gardens fit for a renaissance painting. The moat? It’s not just for show—once upon a time, it kept unwanted guests (and maybe exes) at bay. Inside, you’ll find Anne’s very own prayer books, complete with her handwritten notes—Tudor journaling at its finest. One thing is for sure, with turrets, tapestries, and topiary galore, it’s a dream for live sketching.

Year built: 1270
Location: Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG (Google)

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9. Deal Castle

© @bh_photography_93

Deal Castle, a splendid fortress shaped like a rose, was built by Henry VIII in 1539 to fend off pesky invaders (mainly the French and Spanish). With over 200 gun ports, it was basically the medieval version of a security system—no trespassers, thank you! Interestingly, it was never attacked during its military days, making it the most peaceful war machine in history. Secret underground passages still snake beneath, perfect for an Elizabethan-era escape plan.

Year built: 1540
Location:Marine Rd, Walmer, Deal CT14 7BA (Google)

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Check these and other amazing castles on the map below: