The great medieval walled city of Carcassonne stands high upon a hilltop, on the east side of the Aude river. It dominates the valley, which sits between the Pyrenees and Massive Central mountain ranges, in southern France.

Corfe Castle sits high upon the Purbeck hills in Dorset, England. The hilly castle site is located in a natural gap between a vast line of chalk hills, which is where Corfe Castle got its name. Corfe meaning ‘a cutting’ in old English, which refers to the gap between the chalk lines.

Warkworth Castle crowns the hilltop just south of the ancient village of Warkworth in Northumberland. The natural spur sits in a tight loop on the River Conquet, under a mile from the coastline, and guards the important waterway from invaders.

Alnwick Castle is a vast stone fortress, guarding the nearby River Aln in Northumberland. Its history dates back to the Norman times, when Alnwick was part of the powerful Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Northumbria.

Bamburgh Castle is a mighty stronghold, located high on a crag of dolerite rock, overlooking the Northumbrian coast. The rock forms part of the vast Whin Sill rock formation, which runs across Northumbria. The site of Bamburgh Castle has been inhabited since the Stone Age, and has proved to be an excellent location for a castle ever since.

Barnard Castle sits high above the River Tees in Northumbria. The location is perfectly situated with steep cliffs either side. The River Tees flows to the west, and there used to be a Roman road leading to a ford in the river to the north. It was these important factors that led Guy de Baliol, an Anglo-Picard baron of King William II, to build Barnard Castle in timber around 1095.

York Castle sits strategically between the rivers Ouse and Foss in York, the old Viking capital of the Danelaw. With an established Norman Motte and Bailey design, originally of earthworks and timber, York Castle has seen plenty of action, including the famous Harrying of the North.

Lincoln Castle is a large Norman stronghold built high upon an ancient Roman fort in Lincoln, England. It has two mottes and a large bailey, which is a very rare design, as most motte and bailey castles have just one motte. Lincoln Castle has seen many battles through its time. Royalty, nobility and parliamentarians have all fought to seize control of the castle, with its strategic location in the north, and defensive prowess on top of Castle Hill.

Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world. For almost 1000 years Windsor Castle has been home to 39 Kings and Queens, and continues to do so. It is the oldest royal residence in the British Isles to be continually inhabited, with the Queen being officially in residence during Easter, and when the annual Order of the Garter service is held in June.

The Tower of London stands proudly in the heart of London, commanding an intimidating position over the river Thames. The castle dates back over 1000 years, and has been embroiled in centuries of war, uprisings and murder whilst playing keeper to the priceless Crown Jewels and various royal prisoners.

Rochester Castle is a Norman fortress with centuries of stories to be told, most famous of all being the great siege by King John in 1215. Rochester castle has one of the tallest keeps in all of England, and being located strategically on a bend of the river Medway in Kent, there is no wonder the king wanted it back.

Dunster Castle, a grand medieval stronghold and now a fine fortified house, has been home to the Luttrell family for 600 years. Commanding a superior defensive position above Dunster medieval village, the stronghold was built to guard the north Somerset coast line. Today it has seen Victorian modifications, giving it the typical grandeur that a castle like this deserves.

Arundel Castle has been a family home to the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for nearly 1000 years, and is one of the longest inhabited country houses in all of England.

Eilean Donan Castle is a glorious Scottish castle situated between three lochs, Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, on it's own island. The site itself has been fortified since the Iron Age, however the castle you see now was rebuilt from ruins one hundred years ago, along with the romantic footbridge. You would never know it wasn't a thousand years old!

Explore the incredible history of Dover Castle, a strategically located fortification that has played a crucial role in England's defence throughout the centuries. A detailed article on the history of Dover Castle with no word limit awaits.

Warwick Castle once home to Warwick the Kingmaker, has imprisoned kings. Discover its long history back to Alfred's daughter Æthelflæd's Anglo-Saxon burgh

Explore the history of Conwy Castle, one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in Wales. Discover its origins, construction, and legacy in this comprehensive guide.

Explore the rich history of Bodiam Castle, including its construction, battles, and restoration. Learn about this iconic medieval fortress and its role in shaping England's history