Designed to shelter, impress and instil fear – the world’s most spectacular castles still mesmerise visitors and inspire as much awe as they did centuries ago.
Since the 11th century, across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, fortified structures were erected by monarchy, nobility and feudal landlords as a show of territorial power and to protect the stronghold.
Frequently surrounded by moats or taking advantage of high coastal lookouts, the most recognisable tower designs take their architectural influences from the Crusaders and Romans.
Early wooden structures were transformed into hardy stone landmarks but they were no match for gun-powder fuelled sieges of later centuries. Landscapes were littered with ruined shells, a haunting testament to their former glory.
However, by the 18th century castles were back in vogue and gave the affluent elite sprawling grounds to showcase their wealth, push design boundaries and to entertain society.
It’s these fairy-tale castles set in the vibrant mountains of Germany, the rugged wilds of Scotland and the romantic gardens of France, that draw in holidaymakers keen to live like a king or queen for a day like magnets. Read on to discover where you can fulfil your most regal fantasies.
Rugged beauty: This haunting castle dating back to the 13th century is a Scottish landmark standing on an island in the Highlands. Eilean Donan has been rebuilt several times and lay in ruins for 200 years during its history but since 1932, four generations of the MacRae family have lived in the castle. Not only can holidaymakers take day trips to tour the grounds, visitor centre, coffee shop and gift shop, but there is also an overnight option for romantics as there is a holiday cottage and apartments overlooking the address
Majestic icon: Conwy Castle in Aberconwy & Colwyn, North Wales, stands imposingly over the walled market town. Filled with lasting character, the medieval fortress was first constructed in 1283 for Edward I. It boasts eight towers and coastal views and is a sprawling location for day trippers to revel in its history
For the past 1,000 years Windsor Castle, in Berkshire, has been the royal residence for the UK’s monarchy. Tourists can visit the largest occupied castle in the world and see the state apartments that are home to the Royal Collection of art including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto. There’s also a chance to take in the elegant drawing rooms, semi-state rooms, St George’s Chapel and the largest dolls’ house in the world – Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
Originally a wooden motte-and-bailey fortification erected for William the Conqueror in 1068, Warwick Castle survived attack in 1264, siege in 1642 and fire in 1871. The former home of Richard III has transformed completely over the years with stone replacing the wood and two imposing towers added in the 14th and 15th centuries. Nowadays, holidaymakers can step back in time and stay at the Knight’s Village with children able to learn sword skills and archery. Visitors can explore the Horrible Histories Maze, conquer the tower and ramparts and browse the state rooms, armoury and gaolhares
This Anglo-Norman castle was built in the 13th century but was remodelled in Victorian times. Visitors can discover the 1833 aesthetic of the library, gallery, drawing room and bedrooms at this Kilkenny Castle, which overlooks the River Nore in Ireland
This 900-year-old Norman stronghold is the stuff of fantasy and is the former residence of six of England’s medieval queens, as well as Henry VIII. Leeds Castle, in Kent, boasts 500 acres of parkland and gardens, a moat, falconry displays and a maze. Day visitors can meander through the enchanting grounds and dine at one of three restaurants
Described as the ‘key to England’ due to its close proximity to the continent and its important defence role for nine centuries, Dover Castle survived a long siege by Prince Louis of France in 1216. This iconic fortress has ramparts, a Roman lighthouse and an Anglo-Saxon church as well as an impressive tower. The medieval tunnels have been closed for conservation work but are due to reopen at the end of January 2017
Construction of the lavish Chateau de Chambord in the Loire Valley, France, began in 1535 for Francois I. Nowadays guests that visit the Unesco World Heritage site can stroll through the elegant rooms, take a boat ride or watch a horse and bird of prey show. The castle also hosts music festivals and other events throughout the year
Open every day of the year, Chateau de Chenonceau, in the Loire valley, has a picturesque courtyard, 16th century farm and flower gardens to wow visitors. Dating back to 1513, the castle houses a collection of Old Masters’ paintings including Murillo, Rubens and rare Flanders tapestries from the 16th century
This romantic Spanish castle set above two rivers near the Guadarrama mountains boasts spectacular views and is a popular tourist attraction due to its rich history and impressive art collection. El Acazar de Segovia, or Segovia castle, started off life as a Roman fort before it became a settlement during the Berber Almoravid dynasty and was repurposed by each succeeding reign. For almost two centuries it was a prison before King Charles III transformed it into an artillery school
Dating back to the 12th century but modified in the 14th, the Castle of Obidos is an imposing structure overlooking the walled Portuguese town of Obidos. Groups of guests can live out their medieval fantasies and stay the night
Despite never visiting Transylvania’s Bran Castle, Bram Stoker was able to conjure such a chilling depiction of the ruins that it still fascinates brave Dracula fans who flock to the site today to explore it. It began life in 1211 as a Teuton fort overlooking the Bran gorge then transformed by King Louis I in the 14th century into the castle we see today. It has been home to royals including Queen Maria of Romania in 1920
One of the world's most recognisable castles, Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria is said to have inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty and featured in The Great Escape and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The 19th century castle was built by Ludwig II of Bavaria but opened to the public after his death. Visitors can take guided tours around the impressive premises, which is perched on a hill overlooking Hohenschwangau village in southern Bavaria. It is particularly popular with tourists in the summer
Hohenzollern Castle in Swabia, Baden Wuerttemberg, Germany, dates back to the 11th century and sits 768ft high on the lofty Berg Hohenzollern mountain for all to admire. Transformed over the years, this elegant castle is one of Germany's most visited
A royal summer residence, Hohenschwangau Castle is a dreamy 19th century fortress set in picturesque Bavaria. The gothic style building has a swan motif throughout and overlooks lake Alpsee
Prague castle in the Czech Republic was the seat of power for the kings of Bohemia and dates back to the ninth century. The stunning building stands in the heart of the photogenic city and hosts summer festivals in the courtyard
With its striking black exterior, Matsumoto Castle, Japan, is known as Crows Castle and dates back to the 1500s. One of Japan's most complete castles, it has undergone renovations several times but was damaged by an earthquake in 2011. Tourists can still visit and explore its enchanting grounds
The traditional Christmas walk slashes family arguments by half, according to new research by the National Trust, which has unveiled its top 12 UK walks to take this Christmas. Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire (pictured) is one of the recommended walks
More than two thirds of people hail the annual Christmas Day walk as the perfect way to spend quality time together, topping other festive activities such as watching TV or preparing Christmas dinner. A visit to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire (pictured), features on the National Trust's '12 Walks of Christmas'
Visitors walk along the Oxford Bridge at Stowe in Buckinghamshire, a location deemed worth of being on the National Trust's winter walk short list
Sure to burn off a few calories gained over Christmas is a walk on Mam Tor in the Peak District (above), which the Trust said was a top 12 ramble
The National Trust has given the thumbs up to a circular walk at Botallack Mine in west Cornwall, which fans of the scenery in BBC One's Poldark are sure to love
Equally inspiring are the lofty ruins of Corfe Castle in Dorset (above), which the National Trust honoured with a place on the list
Breath of fresh air: Box Hill on the North Downs in Surrey makes for a great winter walk, the National Trust said
Fantasy location: Jane Austen fans will recognise Lyme Park, Cheshire, which appeared as Pemberley in the popular BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. The grounds are wonderful for a festive wander, the National Trust claims
Expect to be rewarded with dramatic scenery at Great Langdale Sticklebarn and the Langdales, Cumbria. A winter walk par excellence, according to the National Trust
For picture perfect wintry scenes, Brandelhow and Derwentwater provide a charming backdrop for a winter stroll in the Lake District
Wales is blessed with several stunning locations for hiking fans but Hafod y Llan, Snowdonia, is particulary good, according to the National Trust, which put it on its 12 walks round-up
For a bracing winter stroll, the Giant's Causeway in Ulster is a dream location - so no wonder it made the cut
