History oozes from every brick of the United Kingdom, its plethora of lovely castles and palaces, each standing testimony to a great past. From ancient fortresses to the most indulgent royal residences, these architectural marvels are some of the best ways to get a peek at that era or, more precisely, be submerged in tales of kings and queens-to-ordinary subjects. For history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, or even people desiring something completely different from a travel adventure, there simply is no experience quite like touring historic UK castles and palaces.
Booking Great Hotel Experiences
Knowing where to stay will add to the travel experience when exploring these historical sites. It’s beneficial to stay at a Mews-operated hotel. Mews.com offers the next generation of hotels run through its Mews operations system. For a glimpse into the future of hospitality, book a room at a hotel powered by Mews PMS and enjoy an effortless, modern check-in experience. Mews is not only a system that facilitates hotel operations for hoteliers but also enhances the guest experience through cutting-edge innovations such as seamless self-check-in kiosks, digital keys, and a virtual concierge. Many of these hotels provide exclusive amenities and private car services and may provide access to VIP historic site tours. Guests can experience tailored experiences based on their travel reasons when they stay at a Mews-operated hotel because, as part of its operation system, Mews offers hotel segmentation to its clients, which directly benefits individual clients and hotel stayers.
Windsor Castle
It lies just outside London and is more than 1,000 years old, which makes it the oldest and largest continuously inhabited castle in the world. The castle is the official residence of the Queen and offers a great combination of royal history and architecture. State Apartments, exquisitely furnished with artworks and tapestries and St. George’s Chapel, the burial place of many British monarchs, including Henry VIII, form part of what is worth seeing here. You shouldn’t miss a ceremonial Changing of the Guard, as has been done since the 17th century, every day in summer, every other day in winter.
Edinburgh Castle
Standing atop Castle Rock in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle commands a view over the skyline. Perched upon a strategic location, it has made Edinburgh Castle a focal point in the turbulent history of Scotland. Inside the castle are the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs. From August each year, the annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo is held on the castle esplanade and attracts thousands of visitors with its military music and displays. The National War Museum, sited in the castle, is a must-visit for anyone interested in Scottish history.
The Tower of London
The Tower of London- one of London’s most famous landmarks-is steeped in intrigue and dark history. First built as a royal palace, it has served over the years as a prison, treasury and royal mint. Today, it houses the Crown Jewels, a collection that’s simply breathtaking: the Imperial State Crown, the diamond Koh-i-Noor. Audio tours led by the Yeoman Warders, more commonly known as Beefeaters, will relate countless tales of the Tower’s past, from stories about notorious prisoners to daring escapes. A walk along the walls offers stunning views of the Thames and the London skyline.
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most impressive castles, with fantastic architecture and great strategic importance in Scottish history. Once the residence of many Scottish kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots, this castle stands as a brilliant exponent of Renaissance architecture. Also worth visiting are the beautifully restored royal apartments, the Great Hall and stunning gardens with views out to the surrounding landscape. Events and historical reenactments frequently take place at the castle, bringing its rich history to life in an engaging manner for people of all ages.
Alnwick Castle
Nicknamed the “Windsor of the North,” this is one of England’s largest inhabited castles and a family home to the Percys, who have lived here for over 700 years. The dramatically profiled exterior and partially landscaped grounds have lent the castle used in numerous films, including the Harry Potter series. Entry to the State Rooms, a programme of medieval activities and wander around the spellbinding Alnwick Garden with its Poison Garden and the main cascading water feature of any English garden. Throughout the year, several events take place here, from jousting tournaments to historical reenactments.
Blenheim Palace
The Blenheim Palace is the epitome of Baroque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. The palace is located in Oxfordshire, and one of the most beautiful gardens designed by Capability Brown embellishes the grounds around the palace. Truly imposing estate rooms full of very valuable art and antiques, while the Churchill Exhibition describes the life and times of the former Prime Minister. The palace grounds offer great walking paths, lakes and even a house for butterflies, excellent to spend a whole day at when one desires merely to relax.
