Three Beautiful Castles to Visit From London by Train (+7 More by Car or Tour!)

London is a wonderful city, but I always encourage my family and friends to include travel outside London in their plans to see more of the UK’s beauty. An easy way to accomplish this is to visit one of these beautiful castles or palaces.

From central London, I’ve shared three English castle destinations that are reachable in 90 minutes or less with zero driving required! Each makes for a lovely day trip and are a great escape from the bustle of city life. 

If visiting with a guide or heading out on a UK road trip is more your style, you’ll also find seven more castles to add to your bucket list. These include famous film locations and some off-the-beaten path options.

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Castles Near London by Train

The first three castles on my list are the easiest to reach, even if you go on your own. All can be reached by train from a major London train station that will also have connections to the London Tube.

1. Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the best choice for fans of the royal family. This castle was originally founded in the 11^th century by William the Conqueror, and today it remains an active home for royals. 

Keep an eye out for the Royal Standard flying. It is flown only when the sovereign is in residence.

Unsurprisingly, you won’t get to join the royal family for tea on your visit, but there is still a lot to see here. 

Highlights of the castle tour include the State Apartments where heads of state are still welcomed today, and Queen Mary’s fascinating dolls’ house which still has electricity, running water, and working lifts!

In addition to the regular castle tour, there are often rotating events held near the castle in the town of Windsor.  

↳ Book your Windsor Castle entry tickets

How To Get to Windsor Castle

To avoid train transfers, catch the direct train from London Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Riverside station. This route takes approximately 55 minutes.

If you’re comfortable changing trains, instead buy a ticket from London Paddington with a simple change at Slough before arriving at Windsor & Eton Central. Although it’s not direct, you can make this trip in only 25-35 minutes. 

2. Hampton Court Palace

While it’s technically a former royal palace rather than a castle, Hampton Court Palace is an absolute must visit that every member of your family will enjoy.

Built by Cardinal Wolsey in the 16^th Century, Hampton Court Palace is most famous as the favoured home of King Henry VIII. All six of his wives spent time here and it is rumoured that Catherine Howard still haunts one of the galleries.  

Parts of the palace have been updated since King Henry’s time. It is fascinating to see the changes in architecture and style as you move through the palace.

This palace is also excellent for children. The palace grounds are expansive and good for letting off steam. There is also a dedicated play area called the Magic Garden and a hedge maze for young and old adventurers. 

Fans of the tv show Bridgerton may also enjoy spotting several areas of the palace that served as film locations for the show.

How To Get to Hampton Court Palace

Catch a direct train from London Waterloo to Hampton Court station. You’ll arrive 30-35 minutes after departure and it’s just a short walk across the Thames to the palace entrance. 

3. Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle is perched on a hill in West Sussex. Surviving for centuries, it is still home to the Duke of Norfolk’s family.

Today, the castle has a lot to see. You can visit a medieval keep, the 14^th century chapel, expansive gardens, state rooms, and luxury bedrooms still used by guests of the family today.

Arundel Castle also runs many events in the spring and summer that are fun for the whole family. Think history days, jousts, and open-air theatre.  

The town of Arundel just outside the castle is also lovely and well worth a stroll before or after your castle visit. There are several vintage shops, cafes, and sweet treat sellers scattered along the historic high street.

Note that Arundel Castle is only open to visitors from April to October each year. 

How To Get to Arundel Castle

Take a direct train from London Victoria to Arundel in just under 90 minutes. From the station, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the castle entrance.

Approaching Arundel Castle by train is a delight. Just before you reach Arundel station, you’ll see the castle on the hill out the right side of the train. It looks like it was plucked right out of a fairytale. 

Once you walk out of the station take a left on the main road and follow it into town. You can’t miss the giant castle on the hill!

Castles Near London by Car or Tour

If these three weren’t enough castle time for you, there are many more castles near London. These can all be reached with a rental car or on a guided tour.

If you aren’t familiar with driving in the UK, take a look at my Guide to Driving in the UK for Americans before you head out.

4. Hever Castle

Hever Castle is best known for being the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. You can even step inside Anne’s childhood bedroom when you visit today.

The pretty castle is small, but excellent for photos near the double moat. There are also extensive gardens to explore around the castle and a small military museum.

It is hard to find group tours heading to Hever Castle, so you should consider renting a car if this is on your bucket list and you don’t have the budget for a private tour.

5. Leeds Castle

Look for the iconic black swans in the waters around Leeds Castle. With its lake lapping the sides of the castle in between forests, this is one of the most beautiful castles I’ve visited.

Leeds Castle regularly hosts seasonal events like outdoor concerts and movies in the summer and fireworks in the autumn for Bonfire Night.

There are many kid-friendly activities at Leeds Castle year round, and the extensive hedge maze will keep kids of all ages busy for longer than you might guess.

↳ Book your visit to Leeds Castle

6. Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle also serves as the stately home in Downton Abbey. Because of the tv fame, this one can be harder to visit unless you book tickets well in advance.

If you miss booking tickets in time, consider going with a guided tour. Guided tours to Highclere Castle will usually provide transportation from London, entrance tickets, and a tour guide. 

↳ Book your Highclere Castle tour

7. Dover Castle

If military history is your draw, don’t miss Dover Castle in East Sussex. Situated right on the English Channel, this fortress has been keeping a protective watch over the famous chalk cliffs since 1066. 

↳ Book your Dover Castle visit

8. Blenheim Palace

This beautiful palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, and has been the set for several films. Blenheim Palace is also easy to combine with a trip from London to the Cotswolds.  

↳ Book your Blenheim Palace visit

9. Warwick Castle

If a historic UK castle were run by Disney, this is basically what I’d expect. They have a ton of entertainment layered atop the centuries old Warwick Castle.

Several of the castle rooms are staged with wax figures decked out in historic clothing to show how the spaces would have been used at the time. Meanwhile, you don’t want to miss the live trebuchet launch on the green outside.

↳ Book your Warwick Castle visit

It’s less convenient to head to Warwick Castle by train, but still doable if you’re dedicated. Warwick Railway Station can be reached from London in about 1 hour 45 minutes. It’s one mile walk from there to the castle.

10. Bodiam Castle 

If atmospheric ruins are more your thing, then Bodiam Castle is for you. It has the castle look from outside complete with moat, but the interior is a ruin.

Bodiam Castle is too far off the tourist track for tours, but can be reached by car in about 90 minutes from south London. This castle is a great choice if you prefer a hidden gem that is more of a local experience.

Don’t miss my guide to renting a car in the UK to help you find the best price and learn what you should know before you hit the road!

More Day Trips From London + Planning Resources

Round out your travels with these guides to more day trips from London.

• The 10 Best Day Trips From London
• Oxford
• Bath
• Brighton
• Ultimate London Itinerary: 1-5 Days
• 7 Day London itinerary
• Where to Stay in London

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