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Arundel Castle
Arundel Castle, situated in magnificent grounds overlooking the River Arun was built at the end of the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel. It has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and Earls of Arundel for over seven hundred years. Amongst its treasures are portraits by Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Reynolds.
One of the most famous and evocative castles in Britain, Bodiam was built in 1385, both as a defence and a comfortable home. The exterior is virtually complete and the ramparts rise dramatically above the moat below. Enough of the interior survives to give an impression of castle life, and there are spiral staircases and battlements to explore. An audiovisual presentation and small museum provide social and historical background.
No fortress in England can boast a longer history than Dover Castle. Commanding the shortest sea crossing between England and the Continent it has served from the Iron Age onwards as a vital strategic centre.There has been a castle in Dover since the defences of an Anglo-Saxon fortress were strengthened in 1066 by William of Normandy, who built the first earthwork castle before moving on to London. Under Henry II, the castle was totally rebuilt, and the walls of the Inner Bailey and the eastern part of the outer curtain wall erected. Most impressive is the monumental keep, built by Henry II's great architect, Maurice the Engineer, in the 1180s, which stands at the heart of a concentric ring of defences.
Herstmonceux is renowned for its magnificent moated castle, set in beautiful parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens. Built originally as a country home in the mid- 15th - century, Herstmonceux Castle embodies the history of Medieval England and the romance of Renaissance Europe.
Described by Lord Conway as 'the loveliest Castle in the world', this historic moated castle surrounded by 500 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland is situated in the heart of the Kent countryside. Enjoy a fine collection of historic furnishings, paintings and tapestries inside the Castle, and then wander through the formal gardens.
Windsor Castle is an official residence of The Queen and the largest occupied castle in the world. A Royal home and fortress for over 900 years, the Castle remains a working palace today. Visitors can walk around the State Apartments, extensive suites of rooms at the heart of the working palace. For part of the year visitors can also see the Semi State rooms, which are some of the most splendid interiors in the castle. They are furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection including paintings by Holbein, Rubens, Van Dyck and Lawrence, fine tapestries and porcelain, sculpture and armour.
