Windsor Castle, Windsor

Want to explore some castles in Berkshire? The royals’ weekend hangout (fingers crossed you’ll spot HRM), Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Pretty impressive, right? Inside, there’s so much you can see including the magnificent state apartments, Van Dyck artworks, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, plus there’s a regularly changing programme for kids with family trails and guided tours too. Need help planning your day out? Here’s everything you need to know before your visit.

Highclere Castle, Newbury

The biggest star of Downton Abbey? No, Carson it’s not you or the Earl of Grantham’s labradors (they come a close second though). Highclere Castle takes the crown. It was pretty famous before its TV and film debut as the ancestral home of Howard Carter (5th Earl of Carnarvon) who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Now, the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon open their home to coach loads of tourists who come to experience a bit of real life of Downton magic. Some may even nod enthusiastically at the “Capability” Brown gardens. Booking is essential.

Donnington Castle, Newbury

The striking twin-towered gatehouse of 14th century Donnington Castle, near Newbury, survives but that’s about it. Perched on a hill overlooking the Lambourn Valley, it’s a landmark that’ll entice the most reluctant walkers to put one foot in front of the other. Pack a picnic and enjoy the circular stomp takes in Snelsmore Common, woodland and the ruins (a bigger player in the Civil War) and rumour has it Henry VIII and Elizabeth I both stayed here. Free entry.

Oxford Castle & Prison, central Oxford

It’s not often you find a castle slap-bang in the middle of a city and Oxford’s is a goodie. Think guided character tours of the site taking in the historic Saxon St. George’s Tower with panoramic views of the dreaming spires, the 18th-century debtors’ tower, and the spooky 900-year-old crypt. Oh yeah, and Malmaison is right on the doorstep for afternoon tea and cocktails, as is Westgate Oxford for a right royal shopping spree. That’s your itinerary sorted.

Wallingford Castle, Wallingford

The ruins of this major medieval castle in the pretty market town of Wallingford make for a gorgeous picnic spot. The grounds are bursting with colourful blooms (they’ve been recognised by the Britain in Bloom awards no less!) and there’s an abundance of butterflies in the summertime plus you can walk along the Thames footpath nearby or hire an electric boat if you want to take to the water.

Broughton Castle, near Banbury

A beautiful moated and fortified manor house, Broughton Castle has belonged to the Fiennes family since 1447. It’s one of my favourite local castles – small enough to get around without boring young children, and a lovely garden for them to bomb about in. You’ll need permission to park a picnic.

Warwick Castle, Warks

A spectacular castle just over the border, Warwick is always a winner with Muddy and it’s always got something new to lure us back. The castle and knight’s village are both open and to keep the little people entertained there’s The Falconer’s Quest (the UK’s biggest birds of prey show), the spooky castle dungeon.

Kenilworth Castle, Warks

An impressive medieval fortress-turned-Elizabethan-palace, Kenilworth has loads to see within its grounds including the mighty Norman keep at the heart. Also worth mentioning are the beautifully restored Elizabethan gardens with their marble fountain, ornate aviary and pretty floral displays, plus there’s a café on site. You have to pay to visit, unless you’re a member of English Heritage, but there are some fab walks around the castle on public footpaths too.

Sudeley Castle, Glos, Cotswolds

Located near Winchcombe, it’s no surprise that this majestic castle is a popular wedding venue: the grounds are perfectly manicured and boast views of the rolling Cotswolds. (History nerds will also be interested to know that it’s the only private castle in England to have actual royalty buried within its grounds – Henry VIII’s last wife, Katherine Parr). There’s plenty to entertain for an afternoon with an adventure playground and 10 – yes 10! – award-winning gardens to explore. Extra points if you spot all 16 species of pheasants that strut around the grounds.

Berkhamsted Castle, Herts

Considering it was built during the Norman Conquest, way back in 1066, what remains of this timber motte-and-bailey castle is still pretty substantial and a great option for a family walk peppered with history. Come for a walk around the ruins, and discover Berkhamsted’s history with their mobile-friendly interactive guide.

Hever Castle, Kent

A 13th-century stunner and childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever has everything you’d want from a castle – towers, a moat, and a royal haunting thanks to rumours that Anne’s ghost still resides in the chambers. Over half term, you can take on the Art Week challenge or explore the beautiful gardens (including playgrounds and water maze). The 38-acre man-made lake offers lovely vistas, nature walks, and even boat hire.

Arundel Castle, West Sussex

Arundel Castle looks like something out of a storybook with its old motte perched high (100 feet to be exact) on an artificial mound overlooking the beautiful West Sussex countryside and the River Arun. The gardens here are expansive including the award-winning Tropical & English Gardens, the quirky Stumpery and abundant Kitchen Garden with warm glasshouses growing chillis, grapes and lemons.

Leeds Castle, Kent

Perched on an island in the middle of the River Len, five miles southeast of Maidstone, Leeds castle has a lot on offer for a jam-packed day including – deep breath – playgrounds, mini golf, pretty gardens, maze, Birds of Prey Centre and, er, Dog Collar Museum!