Castles capture the public imagination the world over. These remarkable strongholds range from medieval fortresses and royal residences to storybook towers and romantic ruins. Each one has its own tale to tell – of kings and queens, battles and sieges, legends and ghosts.
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Here, we round up some of the most incredible castles in the world, some with fascinating stories to tell and others that are simply architectural icons. From Japan’s dazzling “white heron” fortress to the eerie clifftop ruin that may have inspired Dracula, these castles show that there’s certainly not a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to castle design.
Best castles in the world
Kronborg Castle, Denmark
Home of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, where it came to life as “Elsinore”, Kronborg Castle dates back to 1420 – but it has been burnt to the ground and rebuilt since then, following a damaging fire in 1629. It was once a fortress, surrounded by towers, ramparts and moats, built by Frederick II as a defence system (thanks to its strategic location facing Sweden) and home for his family. The bright sandstone facades are decorated with towers and spires, richly decorated inside.
Himeji Castle, Japan
With 83 rooms and advanced defensive systems from the feudal period, Himeji Castle was used as a storehouse in peacetimes and a fortified tower during war. The building dates back to 1333 when a fort was built on top of the hill, only to be dismantled and rebuilt as Himeyama Castle and then remodelled again into Himeji Castle in the 16th century.
Himeji takes its name from “white egret” or “white heron”, because its bright white exterior and dramatic shape are said to resemble a bird taking flight.
Eilean Donan, Scotland
For those driving from the Scottish highlands across to the Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle is hard to miss. Translated from the Scots Gaelic for “Island of Donnán”, named after Saint Donnan of Eigg, who established a chapel on the tiny island in the sixth century.
The tidal island is a meeting point of three lochs, which gave it a strong defensive role through the Middle Ages to protect Scotland from Viking invaders. James Bond fans might recognise this beautiful spot from The World is Not Enough.
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Château de Chambord, France
Set in the stunning wine region of the Loire Valley, Chambord is enormous in scale and features distinctive French Renaissance architecture. Built by the king of France, Francis I, it was conceived as a hunting lodge – inspired by the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, specifically the iconic double helix staircase.
Slains Castle, Scotland
Overlooking the North Sea from its clifftop site in Cruden Bay in Aberdeenshire, Slains Castle is a dramatic ruin that is widely believed to have been the main inspiration for the castle in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The author was a regular visitor to the area, and the castle is mentioned in a couple of his locally set novels.
Also known by the name New Slains Castle to distinguish it from the nearby ruins of another castle, the castle features a 16th-century tower house at its core. Its weathered stone walls are surrounded by lush coastal vegetation, which once featured extensive gardens attached to the castle – which is now a roofless ruin.
Windsor Castle, England
Windsor Castle is the oldest (and largest) occupied castle in the world, as one of the primary residences of the reigning monarch. This royal castle has been the home of England’s monarch since 1070 when the first wooden structure was built on the site of Windsor Great Park by William the Conqueror.
It’s also one of the most haunted castles in the UK, believed to host more paranormal activity than any other haunted building in Britain – perhaps not surprising, considering the 11 monarchs buried there.
Find out more about the other oldest castles in Britain here.
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Killyleagh Castle, County Down
Killyleagh Castle is the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland, with some parts of the building dating back to the 12th century. Inspired by the architectural style of a Loire Valley chateau, you might spot some similarities with the design of Château de Chambord – the round turrets and steeply sloping grey slate roof, for instance.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Perched atop a rock ledge in the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein is a majestic castle that was believed to have inspired one of the biggest Disney castles: the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland in California. It was built in the neo-Gothic style, taking a lead from the medieval castles that came before.
The castle’s owner Louis II was obsessed with fantasy and medieval legend – and had spent much of his childhood at the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle.
St Michael's Mount, England
One of the best castles in the UK, St Michael's Mount is located 366 metres off the coast of Marazion on the south Cornish coast – linked by a granite causeway. This ancient tidal island is punctuated with a medieval church and castle, some of the buildings dating back to the 12th century.
Visitors can walk across the causeway at low tide, or take a short boat trip across to the island at high tide. Managed by the National Trust, this coastal castle and chapel have been home to the St Aubyn family since around 1650.
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