Palaces & Castles
There are literally hundreds of palaces, castles,
and major stately homes throughout the UK - some forlorn
ruins from the distant past, while others are still
lived in, visited by the public, and cared for as
national treasures.
There are too many great palaces and castles to note
here, but some of the best are detailed below.
Many are within day trip proximity to London, and
each will provide you with a fascinating insight
into Britain's rich history.
Blenheim Palace, near Oxford
Blenheim Palace (see photo above) is set in rolling
countryside just outside the university town of Oxford.
The birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim
Palace is a Baroque masterpiece of epic proportions.
Blenheim Palace was built in the early 18th century,
gifted by Queen Anne to the victorious Duke of Marlborough,
who had defeated the French at the Battle of Blenheim
in 1704. A palace of huge scale, the gardens are
equally impressive, with triumphal arches, monuments,
a temple, fountains, a maze, and a lake.
For more information: www.blenheim-palace.com.
Hampton Court Palace, south of London
Hampton Court Palace is one of the most popular
day-trip destinations from London, and rightly so.
Built on a gentle curve on the River Thames, this
extensively remodeled royal palace has been home to
Henry VIII and joint monarchs William and Mary.
For more information check out our Hampton
Court guide.
Leeds Castle, Kent
Modestly billed as"The Most Wonderful Castle
in the World", Leeds Castle is indeed an impressive
sight perched on an island within a man-made lake.
Constructed in 1119, the castle was for many centuries
a royal residence, particularly popular with Henry
VIII.
With its picturesque vista, Leeds Castle is a
popular venue for lakeside concerts, firework displays,
and the annual Hot Air Balloon and Vintage Car Weekend
(held 8-9 September).
For more information: www.leeds-castle.co.uk.
Warwick Castle, near Stratford-Upon-Avon
Nestled in the heart of Shakespeare Country, Warwick
Castle is an impressive monument to feudal power.
A fortress of imposing proportions, Warwick Castle
and it's medieval lords have played an important role
in English history, a story that is retold inside
the castle via a tableaux of wax figures (courtesy
of castle owners, Madame Tussauds), sound, and smell.
The castle hosts a Medieval Festival throughout
the summer months, featuring a 15th century fair,
knights on horseback, jousting, archery demonstrations,
and themed events. If that's all too much - check
out the impressive Great Hall and the infamous dungeons,
where medieval torture instruments are displayed.
For more information: www.warwick-castle.co.uk.
Windsor Castle, Windsor
The Queen's main residence, Windsor Castle
dominates the skyline of this small town west of London.
A community in its own right - with residences for
staff within the castle walls, the huge castle
complex features a number of architectural and historical
highlights.
St. George's Chapel is the 15th century Gothic church
of the Royal Family, and ten monarchs are buried within
its confines. The nearby Round Tower is one of
the most photographed buildings at Windsor, and
was initially built in by William the Conqueror nearly
1,000 years ago.
The State Apartments and the reconstructed St. George's
Hall are interior highlights, while artworks from
the massive Royal Collection are also on display.
For more information: www.royal.gov.uk/palaces.
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