Windsor vs. Other British Castles

No comment re castles, but have you been to the Banqueting House in London? As an appreciator of architecture, it must be on your list for important and beautiful buildings and its place in history.

its a stunning building, and an oasis of peace and quiet in the middle of Whitehall. Definitely listen to the audioguide that's included in the entrance fee and soak it all in while sitting all comfy on a bean bag.

If you are going to be in Northumberland (where Alnwick is), I would recommend Bamburgh. It was "restored" inside in the 1900's. It's chief claim is the stunning coastal setting. It has featured in many films. Photo: https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8304/7899093798_8f9380e324_b.jpg

Also check out this list. You have plenty of choice: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_castles_in_England
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_castles_in_Wales
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_castles_in_Scotland

Windsor Castle is really a special case - ancient fortified castle that is also a still functioning royal house.

Windsor is special for the reasons given above. However, it's been there for over 900 years and will probably remain in place until your next trip to England. Rather than rush thru the castle, why not plan to stay overnight with time to see the town and tour Eton while you are there.

Windsor is well worth a half day trip. I've been to Windsor several times, enjoy it each and every time. It's a easy trip, train from London Paddington station change in Slough then 5 minutes to Windsor. It's a 35 minute trip from London. Once in Windsor it's a three minute walk to the castle.

As above, Windsor is not a castle to be rushed, if possible. Its status as the oldest and longest continually occupied castle in the world is unique, and St George's chapel is a significant bonus. I was much more taken with that nearly 600 year-old Gothic pile than with the State Apartments. While nothing can be done about the number of other visitors you'll share space with, they were really the only "touristy" part.

I can understand being a little "castled out" and not desiring to turn your trip into an ABC (Another Blasted Castle) tour but Windsor does deserve a visit. It's the Queen's primary residence and being so it is fitted exquisitely. Of architectural note, Windsor Castle suffered a devastating fire in 1992 and the tour takes you through the wing that was damaged and subsequently rebuilt.

Windsor while not my favorite Castle in the London area IS worth a visit, but I would add the town itself is very nice also! I'm not a shopper, but Windsor has a few very unique shops.

Windsor Castle is unique among those you've listed, worth all of half a day on your way to Oxford. You can check your bag at the security checkpoint -- in fact, you'll have to. Alternatively, you can easily visit Windsor as a day trip from London. It's unbeatable for history and architecture. Not the place to look for peace and quiet, but you have others on your itinerary.

Chatsworth is a great family mansion but not what I'd understand to be a "castle," since it wasn't built for military defense. Alnwick and Bamburgh are actual castles adapted later for residential use in more peaceful times. Windsor is like these, only in spades. A tour through the state rooms is like a course in British royal, political, and military history. St. George's Chapel is am amazing example of late Gothic architecture, and the resting place of most recent monarchs. The keep is one of England's oldest.

You may be "castled out" by the time you get to Scotland, but that's no reason to skip Windsor.

I visited Windsor Castle in March. It was amazing. The queen was in residence but it doesn't prohibit you from seeing anything. The State Apartments are completely stunning and your audio guide gives great detail as to what you are viewing. The grounds are breathtaking. I took a direct train from Waterloo station so no transfers were necessary. I had the obligatory Fish and Chips in the town before catching the train back to London. Well worth a half day!

Visit Windsor castle. you won't be disappointed. Regarding getting castled out, that can happen if you try to visit too many. I love castles but try to limit those that we visit on any one trip to 5 or 6 over a couple week period. Same thing applies with Churches, Chateau's, Wineries, Abbey's, etc. If you visit too many of them, you won't appreciate them, since they all begin to look the same. We try to do a mix of historic places to keep from getting castled out. If you love castles, there are plenty to see in the UK so you shouldn't run out. Spain also has a large number of very impressive castles.

I am adding my vote for Windsor. Are you going to Blenheim Palace or Warwick. The former is more of a stately home and the latter a real castle!

We loved Alnwick, by the way. They do an excellent job of mini tours, and it is fantastic to just wander. The garden is a separate entry and worthwhile. Poison Garden is fun.

I know, right. I couldn't fit it Warwick in last trip and it pained me. Spent two nights in Gloucester and loved it, though.

Thank you for all the comments! Oh no -- now that I've looked into Warwick Castle, I might have to stop there too. It just looks so perfectly medieval. I need more time!

If you're an adult travelling without kids, you might want to give Warwick a miss. The castle is indeed fine, but it's been very tourist-fied. Lots of kid-related activities, a bit Disneyfied.

Warwick Castle is pretty much a theme park now, it's managed by Merlin Entertainments who operate most of the theme parks in the UK. As such you'll encounter lots of 'medieval' games, displays etc that are primarily geared towards children. The castle itself is in very good condition however you'll be battling with the hordes to see it along with lots of children running around and playing.

I too would advise against Warwick, which is truly spoilt in terms of historic appreciation.

This is s great list.
http://www.anglotopia.net/anglophilia/top-16-best-castles-in-england/

Welsh castles are the real deal of course.

djp_syd, good list, but I would question two entries:

• St. Michael’s Mount - This is an island, with a house on it, not a castle.
• Castle Howard is a stately home, not a castle. Absolutely no fortifications

If people are put off by the theme park surroundings at Warwick, a nearby alternative is Kenilworth, similar in size.
And add Bamburgh, because it is so photogenic.
Castles were by definition military structures, functional, with some living quarters for the owners, but mostly basic. The ones that were later turned into residences (Windsor, I am looking at you) are no longer "real" castles.
The best real castles are mostly or partially ruins, because they were abandoned after they ceased to be of military use and never modernised. And the best of the best are in Wales, not in England, because the need for military prevention of rebellion was greater there.

My favorite castle is Dover-a day trip from London.

One of my favorites has already been mentioned by Chris; Bamburgh Castle. Between Alnwick Castle and Edinburgh overlooking the beach and sea.

This is not in the direction of going north, as your trip seems to be taking you, but Leeds Castle is fabulous. Leeds Castle is a short trip out of London to the south.

Other castles in southern England well worth seeing are: Bodiam Castle, Hever Castle, and Dover Castle.
Dover Castle is overlooking the English channel toward France. Perched on a cliff, the view is fantastic, the castle is medieval, and there is a Roman Britain lighthouse inside the castle grounds that was built about 43AD. You can take the train directly from London to Dover.

Back to Warwick Castle. It's a shame that it's been tricked up with Disney-ish entertainment for the kids. Fortunately, there's not much of it.
I would go to Warwick anyway. It's medieval and has a very interesting history concerning Warwick the Kingmaker, King Edward IV, King Richard III, and the grab for the throne that led to the two princes killed and buried in the Tower of London. Look at the castle and ignore all the Disney-ish stuff added for children. Go early in the day as soon as it opens to possibly avoid the crowds that come later in the day. There is a falconry show that you may enjoy on some days.
Warwick is an easy, short trip by train from Oxford. Storage for bags are lock boxes in the parking lot area.

If you haven't visited the Tower of London on your previous visits, you should definitely go there.

About Windsor; I would definitely go!

I really enjoyed Dover too.
Arundel is another that still looks pretty good.
Alnwick in Northumberland is worth a visit, esp for Harry Potter or Downton Abby fans.

Agree with Dover Castle. An absolute stunner and covers so many areas of history. Easily done by train as a day trip from London.