Five spectacular castles by the sea

Commissioned by Henry VIII in the mid-1500s, this impressive, hilltop, coastal fortress has defended Cornwall since the Tudor times, playing a major role in both World Wars. At Pendennis, you can experience the sights and sounds of battle, tune in to the daily firing of a historic gun, or meet costumed characters from the castle’s eclectic history. Once you've done all that, why not pop into the café for a cup of tea with a sea view.

With its towering stone façade, unique architecture and opulent interiors, Penrhyn Castle tells the story of the longest-running industrial dispute in British history. Known as the ‘Great Strike’ a bitter dispute between Lord Penryhn and the quarry workers over pay and working conditions, changed the landscape of this North Wales community forever.

A day out at Penrhyn Castle will be fun for all the family, with two adventure playgrounds, gardens, a woodland, a river, and much more to explore. Plus, they have a dedicated picnic area and a host of family-friendly events to keep the little ones entertained.

This charming castle come lavish family home is set in the beautiful surroundings of a deer park, with spectacular grounds, delightful Victorian, American and rose gardens with a gothic-style summerhouse, and a range of events year-round for the whole family to enjoy.

Wander its many gardens, marvel at its elegant interiors or take a long walk on the land with your pooch as this castle is dog-friendly – there’s plenty to keep you entertained at this family-friendly fortress.

Full disclosure – you can’t quite see the sea from this ancient Norman fortress, built after the Battle of Hastings by supporters of William the Conqueror, but Lewes Castle offers sensational panoramic views of the Sussex countryside.

Alongside the stunning castle and beautiful grounds lies a fascinating collection of artefacts at the Museum os Sussex Archeology, charting the history of the county. With events and exhibitions running year-round, there’s plenty to keep you occupied on a historical day out in East Sussex, just a short drive from the coast.

A few miles from the Angus coastline, Dunninald Castle and Gardens is a gorgeous Gothic Revival castle – highlights include collections of furniture, paintings, photographs and even needle and plasterwork. Plus, you can go on a range of walks through their wild and walled gardens, and if you fancy stretching your legs a bit further, take the circular Wood Path for a lovely jaunt in nature.