Which Castle?

Hi Jean, Windsor is great-close to London (easy to get to via bus), has wonderful history associated with it, and you can visit St George's Chapel where many of England's kings/queens are interred. That said, Edinburgh Castle is also great if you are in Scotland, don't miss it if you are there. Holyroodhouse is smaller and when I was there was having an event so they did not allow visitors inside. I went hiking up Arthur's seat instead. Can't go wrong with any of these, but Windsor is my pick out of the three. Have fun!

My favorite by far is Windsor. I loved the furnishings, the Chapel and the dollhouse which is done in such intricate detail. Edinburgh for the view over the city and to see it lit up at night it almost looks magical. It is so massive. My least favorite was Holyrood.. I honestly don't remember much about it that impressed me but it was at the end of our week in Edinburgh and might have been burned out by then.

Windsor, as mentioned above the dollhouse, the rooms are beautiful and St Georges Chapel is amazing. You can walk to Windsor Great Park (5 minute walk from the castle), there you have the Long Walk is the private road for the royal family to use to come and leave the castle. When in Windsor Great Park you have an outstanding view of the royal residence. When outside of the castle with your back towards the castle you would turn left to go to the park, if you turn right you can walk down to the second road on your left, turn left, walk over the bridge (Thames River) you are in Eton, which is where Eton College where aristocrat familIes send their sons, (it's a middle/high school). You probably could see some of the boys in their black tailcoats which is their uniforms.

Dunnotar Castle. Brutal history, breathtaking setting and definitely not "Disney-fied".

Holyroodhouse is more of a palace than a castle, and it didn't thrill me. The other two are great.

Thanks all for you suggestions; great Forum!
J

I enjoyed Leeds Castle, it is a short train trip from London (about an hour) and the castle and grounds are amazing. The castle is completely furnished too.
When you get off the train in Leeds, there is a shuttle bus to the castle that runs about every 15 minutes - very convenient.

"When you get off the train in Leeds"

Leeds Castle is in Kent so do not ask for a train ticket to Leeds because you will be sold one for the city of Leeds in Yorkshire just over 200 miles away! The most convenient station is Bearsted. Well worth a visit, just how you imagine a medieval castle should look like and set in pretty countryside.

I really liked Dover castle-it really seemed built for defense unlike some others that became fancy houses.

If you are in Edinburgh it is no problem to do both Holyrood and the Castle. The Castle is a must for Military Historians. Windsor is a must for the New Elizabethans. I Like the Castles King Edward in Wales.