Historic castles of South East England

From the towering battlements of the 'Key to England' to the moated ruins that look like a movie set, the South East is a paradise for history buffs and road-trippers alike. If you’re touring the region with the Club, you’re never more than a short drive from a royal legend.

Here is your ultimate guide to eight incredible castles, written to help you plan your next adventurous day out from your favourite UK Club Campsite.

1. Windsor Castle - The Royal icon

Windsor Castle, Berkshire

Windsor is the ultimate fairytale fortress. As the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, it’s grand, imposing and still a working royal residence.

• The story: Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it's been home to 40 monarchs. Look up at the Round Tower, if the Royal Standard is flying, the King is in.
• Art and history: The State Apartments are a masterclass in royal art, housing masterpieces by Holbein and Van Dyck.
• Our Club tip: Check the Changing of the Guard schedule before you go. It’s a spectacular bit of British pageantry that you can often view right from the High Street without a ticket.

• Accessibility:

• The terrain: The castle is situated at the top of a steep hill. While the site is fully wheelchair accessible, be prepared for some long distances.
• Inside: Lifts are available in the State Apartments (warden assistance required). BSL tours and descriptive audio guides are standard for 2026.

Where can I stay near Windsor Castle?

Stay at: Wyatts Covert Club Campsite is just 15 miles away, offering a peaceful retreat after a busy day in the Royal Borough.

2. Herstmonceux Castle: The red brick marvel

Hailsham, East Sussex

This isn't your typical grey stone stronghold. Herstmonceux is one of the oldest significant brick buildings still standing in England, giving it a unique, warm glow.

• The story: Built in the 15th century, it looks more like a grand French manor than a defensive fort. It even served as the home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory for decades.
• Art and history: The themed gardens are the real stars here, from the Shakespeare Garden to the serene apothecary borders.
• Our Club tip: Visit the Observatory Science Centre next door. It’s a brilliant, hands-on experience for curious minds of all ages.

• Accessibility:

• The terrain: The 300-acre grounds and gardens are generally level and paved. Accessible route leaflets are available at the entrance. The courtyard and gardens are accessible via ramps and smooth paths. 
• Support: The café has a dedicated wheelchair-accessible entrance at the rear and offers large-print menus.

Where can I stay near Herstmonceux Castle?

Stay at: Battle Normanhurst Court Club Campsite is 6 miles away.

3. Bodiam Castle: The moated classic

Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge, East Sussex

With its massive towers and deep, lily-covered moat, Bodiam is the definition of picturesque.

• The story: Built in 1385 by a knight of Edward III, it was designed as much for status as for defense during the Hundred Years' War.
• Art and history: Keep an eye out for the original wooden portcullis, a rare surviving piece of medieval engineering.
• Pro-tip: For the best photos, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the water is still, creating a perfect mirror reflection of the stone walls.

• Accessibility:

• The terrain: This is a rugged medieval ruin. There is level access to the central courtyard only. The towers are reached via steep, narrow spiral staircases (up to 56 steps)
• Facilities: Accessible toilets are located in the main car park, not inside the castle itself.

Where can I stay near Bodiam Castle? 

Stay at: Fairlight Wood Club Campsite is just 12 miles from the castle gates.

4. Leeds Castle: The island retreat

Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent

Often called 'the loveliest castle in the world,' Leeds Castle sits on two islands in the middle of a stunning natural lake.

• The story: It has evolved from a Norman stronghold to a Tudor palace for Henry VIII, and finally a glamorous 1930s country house.
• Art and history: The 1920s interiors by Lady Baillie are world-renowned for their Art Deco elegance. Don't miss the quirky Dog Collar Museum.
• Our Club tip: Give yourself plenty of time to explore the maze and the underground grotto, it’s a highlight of the 500-acre estate.

• Accessibility:

• The terrain: Very accessible for a historic site. A free mobility bus runs regularly between the entrance and the castle.
• Inside: The ground floor is step-free. For the upper floors, there's a dedicated wheelchair lift. Note that only two wheelchairs are allowed in the castle at one time for safety.
• Sensory: 2026 sees the continuation of Sensory Backpacks and a 'Quiet Places' map for those who need a calmer environment

Where can I stay near Leeds Castle?

Stay at: Bearsted Club Campsite is 1 mile away.

5. Dover Castle: The fortress on the cliffs

Rugged and massive, Dover Castle has protected the English coast for 2,000 years. It feels less like a palace and more like a true military powerhouse.

• The story: Known as the 'Key to England,' this site has seen everything from Roman occupation to the planning of the Dunkirk evacuation in its Secret Wartime Tunnels.
• Art and history: The Great Tower has been meticulously recreated to show Henry II’s medieval court in all its vibrant, colourful glory.
• Our Club tip: Wear your sturdiest walking shoes. There are miles of tunnels and ramparts to explore, and the views over the English Channel are world-class.

• Accessibility:

• The terrain: This is a massive, hilly site with some very steep tarmac paths.
• Inside: The Secret Wartime Tunnels (Operation Dynamo) are accessible via lift. However, the medieval Great Tower is limited to the ground floor only for wheelchair users due to historic spiral stairs.
• Support: A site accessibility vehicle can transport you between the lower and upper sections of the grounds.

Where can I stay near Dover Castle? 

Stay at: Black Horse Farm Club Campsite is a convenient 9-mile drive away.

6. Hever Castle: The Tudor secret

Hever Castle, Hever, Edenbridge

Double-moated and draped in ivy, Hever Castle is the atmospheric childhood home of Anne Boleyn.

• The story: This 13th-century castle is where King Henry VIII courted his second wife. It’s packed with Tudor history and original artifacts.
• Art and history: It houses one of the finest collections of Tudor portraits in the country, alongside 16th-century prayer books.
• Our Club tip: The Water Maze is a must. The goal is to reach the grotto at the center without getting soaked by hidden jets, it’s a great challenge for the young and young-at-heart!

• Accessibility:

• The terrain: The gardens are largely accessible with smooth paths. The Water Maze is paved, though you’ll need to navigate some narrow turns.
• Inside: Due to the age of the building, the castle interior has several small steps and narrow corridors. Access to the upper floors is by stairs only.
• Support: Accessible toilets are available approximately 120m from the main entrance.

Where can I stay near Hever Castle?

Choose between Alderstead Heath Club Campsite (17 miles) or Gatwick Club Campsite (18 miles).

7. Arundel Castle: The French-Style masterpiece

Rising high above the town, Arundel Castle looks like it belongs in the Loire Valley. It has been the family home of the Dukes of Norfolk for over 850 years.

• The story: Much of what you see today was restored in the 1800s, making it one of the most complete and impressive castles in England.
• Art and history: The collection is incredible, featuring works by Canaletto and Van Dyck, plus a library that is arguably one of the most beautiful rooms in the UK.
• Our Club tip: Time your visit for the Tulip Festival (usually in April or May). The gardens transform into a sea of colour with over 100,000 blooms.There are also a range of events throughout the year including medieval festivals. 

• Accessibility:

• The terrain: Built on a significant hill.
• Inside: About two-thirds of the interior is accessible via a Victorian-era lift. Note that this lift has a width restriction of 24 inches, if your personal chair is wider, the castle provides narrower, collapsible wheelchairs for use inside.
• The keep: The ancient Keep and bedrooms remain inaccessible for wheelchair users due to steep, narrow stairs.

Where can I stay near Arundel Castle? 

Stay at: Littlehampton Club Campsite is just 3 miles away, perfectly positioned for a coastal and castle weekend.

A hidden gem at number 8

8. Walmer Castle: The fortress turned garden retreat

Evolving from a squat Tudor fort into a grand stately home, Walmer Castle is the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. It offers a unique look at 'domesticated' military history right on the coast.

• The story: Built by Henry VIII to repel invaders, it later became a favorite retreat for figures like the Duke of Wellington and the Queen Mother, shifting from a place of war to a place of peace.
• Art and history: The castle houses a fascinating collection of "Wellingtonia," including the very room where the Iron Duke passed away and the original pair of boots that started the global fashion trend.

Our Club tip: Don't miss the 'Jungle Moat.' The castle’s dry moat has been transformed into a lush, exotic microclimate filled with massive ferns and tropical plants that feel worlds away from the English coast.

• Accessibility:
• The terrain: Mostly flat, though the castle is surrounded by a dry moat accessed via a bridge.
• Inside: The ground floor (including the Wellington Museum) is accessible. However, the upper floors are reached via a spiral stone staircase, which is inaccessible for wheelchair users.
• The Gardens: Large parts of the 10-acre gardens have firm, gravel paths, though some wooded areas and the kitchen garden may have uneven terrain.

Where can I stay near Walmer Castle? 

Stay at: Black Horse Farm Club Campsites is about 15 miles away, providing a great base to explore both Walmer and the nearby White Cliffs of Dover.