Turrets and towers
Alex Middleton explores the ancient castles and cathedrals of Britain to give your group a selection of some of the finest and grandest.
For almost a thousand years, the castles and cathedrals of Britain have dominated cities and countryside alike. They offer groups a chance to explore centuries of the country’s history and most offer discounts and guided tours, along with catering.
Southern strongholds
Across the country, numerous castles in the south have survived through turbulent centuries of conflict.
Until WWII, the strategic importance of Dover Castle made it a key site. Your group can see a Roman lighthouse, a medieval fortress and secret tunnels used by the Royal Navy as a base from which to direct the evacuation of Dunkirk.
Moving to the heart of Kent, Leeds Castle stands on its own island in the middle of an extensive moat. The building dates back to the 12th century and its interior was extensively renovated by its last owner, the heir to an American fortune, in the 1920s and 30s.
Staying in Kent, groups exploring Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, will be able to see reminders of its past such as one of the locks Henry VIII had fitted when staying with the Boleyns.
Arundel Castle in West Sussex will also present your group with almost 1,000 years of history to explore. Founded just before the Norman invasion, it is now the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and houses an extensive art collection.
In the west and Wales
For hundreds of years, England’s west country and Wales were a battleground between the two countries and many castles were constructed as a result.
The Norman fortress of Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire has been the home of the Berkeley family for almost nine centuries. Groups can pre-book tours of the Castle with the current heir, Charles Berkeley.
Gloucestershire is also home to the 15th century Sudeley Castle. Laid waste by Oliver Cromwell’s troops in the 17th century, the Castle was rebuilt in the 19th century.
Powderham Castle, meanwhile, is the family seat of the Earl of Devon near Exeter. The Castle is set in a deer park on the banks of the river Exe and in addition to the historic house, which includes sights such as the restored Victorian kitchen, includes a garden centre, organic food hall and restaurant.
Across the border in Wales, your group can discover Chirk Castle, one of the last fortresses built by Edward I during the English conquest to have survived intact, including its state rooms and medieval tower and dungeons.
Also in Wales, Powis Castle is the medieval home of the Earls of Powis near Welshpool. It is set on a rock in large Italianate grounds and houses an extensive art collection that includes many pieces brought to Britain by Clive of India in the 18th century.
Moving to the Welsh capital, Cardiff Castle was built just after the Norman conquest, but heavily refurbished by owner, William Bute, in the 1860s. In June, it will open a new visitors centre featuring a introductory exhibition to the site.
Midlands keeps
Many of the castles in the Midlands have survived and will give your group a chance to explore what life was like in an historic fortification.
In Northamptonshire, you will find Castle Ashby, the ancestral home of the Marquesses of Northampton. Set in 10,000 acres of grounds housing formal and landscaped gardens, it offers groups guided tours.
Warwick Castle was constructed during the civil turbulence of the 13th century. Groups can explore its elaborate interior and fire a recreated 13th century siege weapon in the grounds.
Staying in Warwickshire, your group can also visit Kenilworth Castle. Built over 900 years ago, the defensive walls were ruined by Parliamentary forces in the 17th century, but a large part of the Castle’s living areas escaped destruction and have recently been restored to how they would have appeared in the early 20th century.
In the neighbouring county of Leicestershire, Belvoir Castle is the family home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland. It houses an art collection including pieces by Reynolds and Holbein.
Northern forts
Until the 18th century, northern England and Scotland were the setting for numerous armed conflicts, highlighted by its castles.
In north Yorkshire, Skipton Castle was constructed soon after the Norman conquest to defend the county from Scottish attack. Over the subsequent 900 years, it has remained much as it was.
Built during the 14th century by a powerful local dynasty, the Nevills, Raby Castle in Northumberland is now the home of the 11th Lord Barnard, a direct descendant. Although the exterior is still that of a fortress, the interior has been regularly refurbished and groups can see fine state rooms dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Moving to Northumberland, your group can cross a tidal causeway to Lindisfarne Castle, situated on a small island in the North Sea. The Castle was originally built in the Tudor era, but was refurbished by the architect, Sir Edward Lutyens, just over a century ago.
In the Scottish county of Angus, meanwhile, Glamis Castle is famous as the fictional home of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and as the childhood home of the late Queen Mother.
Further north, in the dramatic mountains of Aberdeenshire, your group can visit Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family.
Romantic ruins
Many of the nation’s castles only survive as ruins but groups will still be able to learn about their history.
On the Isle of Wight, your group can see the almost complete remains of Carisbrooke Castle where Charles I was once imprisoned. The battlements and keep can still be accessed and its medieval well, which is still powered by donkeys working a tread wheel, has been restored.
In the county of Cornwall, meanwhile, Tintagel Castle, the legendary home of King Arthur, once guarded the region’s Atlantic coastline. On a visit, you can learn more about the mythical Arthur and explore the fabled Merlin’s Cave.
In South Wales, you will find Pembroke Castle, the medieval home of the Earls of Pembroke. The Castle was built during the Norman invasion of Wales and later rendered indefensible during the Civil War.
On the Isle of Anglesey, your group can visit Beaumaris. The castle is said to be one of the finest examples of a concentric – walls within walls – castle from the 13th century. Surrounded by a moat, the site was ignored during the Civil War, leaving it well preserved.
Religious remains
Following the Norman invasion in 1066, a massive cathedral building programme was adopted. Over the years, these buildings became city icons and many offer the benefit of free entry.
In Kent, Canterbury Cathedral is considered the most important building in the Anglican Church. Having been the setting for the murder of Thomas Beckett and a place of pilgrimage for centuries, your group will be able to explore a history stretching over 1,000 years.
Staying in Kent, Rochester Cathedral is believed to be one of the oldest in the country, founded in 604. The building has been extended over the centuries, giving your group a chance to see architecture ranging from Norman to Early English.
Groups heading to Chichester Cathedral in West Sussex will be able to explore almost a millennium of history. The building was begun in 1078 and inside you will be able to see features such as 12th century reliefs.
Moving to London, St Paul’s Cathedral was erected in the aftermath of the Great Fire of 1666. Designed in an elaborate baroque style to reflect the new architectural tastes of the time, the Cathedral features numerous sites of national importance .
In Cambridgeshire, Ely Cathedral, constructed in Norman times, offers your group the chance to tour one of the country’s most elaborate Romanesque structures. The building houses works of art including medieval sculpture.
Coventry Cathedral, meanwhile, was constructed in the 1950s after the city’s medieval building was destroyed in the Second World War, the ruins of which can still be visited. You can also visit the ruins of the St Mary’s Priory and Cathedral, destroyed during the Reformation.
Moving to the west country, Salisbury Cathedral in Wiltshire was built in the 12th century and is unusual in not having been altered or extended since. Your group will be able to see what is believed to be Europe’s oldest working clock dating from the 14th century and one of only four copies of the Magna Carta.
In Somerset, Wells Cathedral escaped destruction during the Reformation and now offers your group the chance to explore one of Britain’s most ornate cathedrals.
Devon, meanwhile, is home to Exeter Cathedral, a large neo-gothic basilica roofed by what is believed to be one of the largest vaulted ceilings in the country.
In northern England, Lincoln Cathedral was constructed shortly after the Norman invasion in grand Romanesque style. Featuring two vast towers and an imposing Norman carved frontage, it dominates the town and surrounding countryside. It is also home to one of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta.
North of here, York Minster is seen as the second most important building in the Anglican Church after Canterbury. The Minster is decorated with one of the largest circular stained glass windows in Europe.
Further north, Durham Cathedral will give your group a chance to see what is believed to be one of the largest Norman buildings in the world, set on a hill overlooking the city beside Durham Castle.
Groups can also visit numerous abbeys in the UK including Somerset’s Glastonbury Abbey, Westminster Abbey in London, Battle Abbey in East Sussex and Fountains Abbey in Yorskhire.