Five spectacular castles by the sea
In a regal tour of the UK's coastlines, we bring you our must-see list of coastal castles, perfect for historical days out by the sea.
Be the king or queen of your own fortress at some of these splendid royal residences, with activities for kids and stunning sights that promise a fun day out for all the family.
From ancient Norman to Gothic Revival, impenetrable fortresses to charming castles moonlighting as family homes, these impressive buildings all share stunning coastal locations and are perfect for visiting year-round with the family. Tick these five sensational castles off your historical bucket list, for a very royal day out.
Mi castle es su castle.
Explore five castles by the sea with a National Art Pass
Pendennis Castle
Commissioned by Henry VIII in the mid-1500s, this impressive, hilltop, coastal fortress has defended Cornwall since the Tudor times, playing a major role in both World Wars. At Pendennis, you can experience the sights and sounds of battle, hear the sound of a historic gun going off on firing days, or meet costumed characters from the castle’s eclectic history at the castle's special events. Once you've done all that, why not pop into the café for a cup of tea with a sea view.
Penrhyn Castle
With its towering stone façade, unique architecture and opulent interiors, Penrhyn Castle tells the story of a long-running industrial dispute that divided a community from 1900 to 1903. Known as the ‘Great Strike’, this bitter stand-off between Lord Penrhyn and the quarry workers over pay and working conditions left this North Wales community desolate and is still remembered today.
Discovering this history is just one of the things to do on site, alongside two adventure playgrounds, gardens, a woodland, a river, and much more to explore. There's also a dedicated picnic area and a host of family-friendly events to keep little ones entertained.
Powderham Castle
This charming castle-come-lavish-family-home is set in the beautiful surroundings of a deer park, with spectacular woodlands, delightful American and rose gardens, the 90ft-tall Belvedere Tower, and a range of events year-round for the whole family to enjoy.
Wander its grounds, marvel at its elegant interiors or take a long walk on the land with your pooch as this castle is dog-friendly – there’s plenty to keep you entertained at this family-friendly fortress.
Please note: the Courtenay Fort play area and Courtyard Café are temporarily closed for maintenance. Do double check with the venue ahead of your visit.
Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum
Full disclosure – you can’t quite see the sea from this ancient Norman fortress, built after the Battle of Hastings by supporters of William the Conqueror, but Lewes Castle offers sensational panoramic views of the Sussex countryside and is just a short drive from the coast.
Alongside the stunning castle and beautiful grounds lies a fascinating collection of artefacts in the Barbican House Museum, charting the archeological history of the county. With events and exhibitions running year-round, there’s plenty to keep you occupied on a historical day out.
Dunninald Castle and Gardens
A few miles from the Angus coastline in Scotland, Dunninald Castle and Gardens is a gorgeous Gothic Revival castle. Highlights include collections of furniture, paintings, photographs and even needle and plasterwork, as well as the woods and wild garden, where you can see snowdrops in spring and bluebells in May. There are a range of walks; if you fancy stretching your legs a bit further, take the circular Wood Path for a lovely jaunt in nature.