Explore eight captivating Castles in England and the UK that won't cost you a penny to visit!
Exploring the Best Free Castles in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
For an unforgettable road trip across the UK, consider visiting some of the best free or free-to-visit castles. This guide provides a cost-effective itinerary focusing on free or low-cost visits during key times of the year.
Scotland
Leith Hall and Holmwood House, National Trust for Scotland properties, offer free entry during Heritage Open Days in September. Iconic castles such as Eilean Donan Castle, Urquhart Castle (on Loch Ness), and Stirling Castle are must-visits, though they may require tickets under normal circumstances.
England
Bodiam Castle and Wentworth Castle, National Trust sites, have free entry during the Heritage Open Days in September. Bamburgh Castle, though not free, is highly recommended for its dramatic coastal setting.
Wales
Penrhyn Castle and Powis Castle, National Trust properties, provide free admission during September. Cardiff Castle offers a rich historical experience, but usually charges entry fees. Carreg Cennen Castle, a spectacular ruin, has an entry fee managed by Cadw, which offers passes for multiple sites.
Northern Ireland
Castle Ward and Mount Stewart are National Trust properties offering free entry during European Heritage Open Days on 13-14 September. Dunluce Castle and Kinbane Castle are also free to visit during that festival weekend, providing dramatic ruins with coastal views.
Key Tips for Free Access
- The National Trust Pass grants free entry to many castles and historic sites during September Heritage Open Days across the UK.
- Scotland allows free National Trust for Scotland entry on weekends throughout September.
- Northern Ireland’s European Heritage Open Days offer free access to several castles mid-September.
- Booking ahead may be necessary due to popularity during free entry periods.
Summary for a free castle road trip:
| Country | Recommended Free Castles (Heritage Open Days/Event) | Notes | |----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------| | Scotland | Leith Hall, Holmwood House | Weekends in September | | England | Bodiam Castle, Wentworth Castle | 12-21 September | | Wales | Penrhyn Castle, Powis Castle | Whole month of September | | Northern Ireland | Castle Ward, Mount Stewart, Dunluce Castle, Kinbane Castle | 13-14 September |
For iconic or famous castles outside free days, tickets may be required but are often worth the visit for their history and atmosphere.
Additional Highlights
- Eye Castle, located in Eye, Suffolk, is a castle that can be visited for free.
- Belfast Castle, overlooking the city from Cave Hill Country Park, was destroyed by fire in 1806 and restored in 1980.
- Harlech Castle in Wales, one of the most important castles in Wales, offers a narrow-gauge railway and a viewing platform with dramatic views.
- Kilchurn Castle in Scotland, the oldest castle in Scotland, built in about 1450, can be reached by walking from the highway through a wooded area and over a small creek.
- Peveril Castle in the Peak District, built by William Peveril in 1153, sits in an imposing location, overlooking the popular village of Castleton.
Planning Your Trip
A road trip planner is available for free on the website to help with planning road trips. Parking is usually available near the castles, although some may require payment. Toilets are often close to the parking lots.
This offers an excellent framework for a cost-effective UK castle road trip focused on free or low-cost visits during key times of the year. Enjoy your journey!
[1] National Trust [2] English Heritage [3] Cadw [4] Cardiff Castle [5] Eilean Donan Castle [6] Urquhart Castle [7] Stirling Castle [8] Bodiam Castle [9] Wentworth Castle [10] Bamburgh Castle [11] Penrhyn Castle [12] Powis Castle [13] Cardiff Castle [14] Carreg Cennen Castle [15] Castle Ward [16] Mount Stewart [17] Dunluce Castle [18] Kinbane Castle [19] Leith Hall [20] Holmwood House
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