Britain's history may be riddled with rich people fighting each other, but this has one significant upside: Lots and lots of castles. Impenetrable fortresses, massive moats, movie backdrop settings and opulent show-off rooms – there's a castle choice for all tastes.
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
The broomstick riding classes give away the reason why Alnwick Castle is so popular with kids – it doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. But that's not the only thing going on. Swordplay sessions, dressing up, medieval crafts and traditional games are all part of the fun, too. And the State Rooms, housing art from Canaletto, Titian, Van Dyck and Turner, are a lavish paean to the Italian Renaissance. See alnwickcastle.com
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland
Only a few miles north of Alnwick, Bamburgh Castle offers something completely different. It stands proudly under a clifftop, above one of the most gorgeous beaches in Britain. The Great Tower dates back to 1164, although the ramparts you look out to sea from are later additions. It's broodily austere inside, although, bizarrely, it houses an aviation museum. See bamburghcastle.com
Caernarfon Castle, north-west Wales
An absolute textbook piece of chunky, intimidating turretry, Caernarfon Castle was built in the 13th century by King Edward I. The king clearly wanted an absolute brute of a thing to ward off any thoughts of attack, and he plonked it next to the River Seiont, looking out to sea. The polygonal towers and high stone walls feel like they belong in Game of Thrones. It's also where Prince Charles officially became Prince of Wales, following a long tradition first set by King Edward's son. See cadw.gov.wales
Conwy Castle, Snowdonia
If Caernarfon Castle was all bulk and power, Edward I's other effort in Conwy is remarkably graceful and elegant. Built on a rock with the mountains of Snowdonia as a backdrop, a series of slender towers rise towards the sky. Fortified gateways, curtain-style walls, a bow-shaped great hall and marvellous sea views from the battlements all add to the splendour. See cadw.gov.wales
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
It's thought that there has been some sort of fortress on Edinburgh's Castle Rock since the 2nd century AD, but the current incarnation absolutely sprawls all over it. Visitors can expect cannons lined up along the batteries and Edinburgh's oldest building – the Romanesque St Margaret's Chapel. The vaults have been used as prisons, and the Royal Palace section hosts the Honours of Scotland – the equivalent of the Crown Jewels. See edinburghcastle.scot
Leeds Castle, Kent
Popular largely because it's a short drive south-east of London, Leeds Castle was a Norman stronghold later used by Henry VIII. Now privately owned, it is set in 200 hectares of gardens, and that includes a notorious maze. But the activities don't stop there – you can go punting on the moat, do a Segway tour or have a falconry experience. Alternatively, visit one of the world's most niche museums – it's devoted to dog collars. See leeds-castle.com
Warwick Castle, Warwick
Rounded towers, walls that climb hills and a marvellous position on a sandstone bluff above a bend in the River Avon make Warwick Castle a winner for photo ops. But there's no excuse for kids to be bored while you're taking pics. A dungeon experience with live actors, jousting contests, archery shows, the world's largest working siege engine and swooping birds of prey. See warwick-castle.com
Eilean Donan Castle, Scottish Highlands
On a teensy islet, connected by a bridge, Eilean Donan is arguably the most photogenic castle in the Scottish Highlands. Built in the 13th century at the meeting point of three lochs, it is a much sought-after wedding venue. The interiors are faithful pastiche rather than truly authentic, but with this sort of setting, who cares? See eileandonancastle.com
Caerphilly Castle, south-east Wales
If you want your castles to have a fairytale look, it needs a big old moat like the one at Caerphilly. It's in a state of semi-ruin, but this makes it oddly more evocative. The cracks in the towers look moodily forlorn, even though much has been restored. Two family activities – a maze-style clue-solving, obstacle-dodging game and an audio-visual dragon show – have recently opened up to broaden the appeal. See cadw.gov.wales
Windsor Castle, Berkshire
Windsor, a 20-minute taxi ride from Heathrow Airport, boasts the largest still-inhabited castle on earth. The town has grown up around it so it looks oddly dumpy and underwhelming from the outside. This perception changes once inside, where the 19th century State Apartments have been designed to show off different architectural styles and the Gothic St George's Chapel is impressive enough to host royal weddings – Harry and Meghan got hitched there. See royalcollection.org.uk
See also: Twenty things that will shock first-time visitors to the UK
See also: The 25 things you need to know before you travel to Britain
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