16 notable sites ranked among the world's top 100
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The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, serving as the British royal residence for over 900 years. Covers 13 acres.
Longest continuously occupied castle, British royal residence.
Scotland's most iconic landmark, sitting atop an extinct volcano. The castle has been besieged 26 times â more than any other place in Britain.
Scotland's most visited attraction, most besieged place in Britain.
A 1,000-year-old fortress that has served as royal palace, prison, execution site, armory, treasury, and home of the Crown Jewels.
UNESCO World Heritage, houses the Crown Jewels, 1000 years of history.
Built by Edward I as part of his iron ring of castles to conquer Wales. Eight massive towers and two barbicans make it a masterpiece of medieval fortification.
UNESCO World Heritage, finest example of Edward I's Welsh castles.
One of England's finest medieval castles with 1,000 years of history. Features a massive Great Hall, state rooms, and a trebuchet.
One of England's best-preserved medieval castles.
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The official London residence of the British monarch with 775 rooms, including 19 State Rooms, 52 bedrooms, and 78 bathrooms.
Official royal residence, Changing of the Guard ceremony.
A picture-perfect moated castle that epitomizes the romantic ideal of a medieval fortress. Built during the Hundred Years' War.
Quintessential English medieval castle, perfect moat.
The birthplace of Winston Churchill and the only non-royal palace in England. A monumental Baroque masterpiece with 187 acres of parkland.
UNESCO World Heritage, Churchill's birthplace.
One of Scotland's grandest castles, strategically important and site of several key battles in the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Key to Scottish independence, Mary Queen of Scots crowned here.
The childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and setting of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Reputedly the most haunted castle in Scotland.
Shakespeare's Macbeth setting, most haunted Scottish castle.
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The private Scottish residence of the British royal family since Queen Victoria. Set in 50,000 acres of Highland estate.
British royal private residence, Scottish Highlands.
The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII. Features stunning Italian and Tudor gardens.
Anne Boleyn's childhood home.
A 19th-century Gothic revival castle in North Wales, recently host to the reality TV show I'm a Celebrity.
Gothic revival, I'm a Celebrity filming location.
Often called the 'loveliest castle in the world', set on two islands in a lake. Has served as Norman stronghold, royal residence, and country house.
The 'loveliest castle in the world', island castle.
A late medieval castle known for its Great Tower (Yellow Tower of Gwent) and hexagonal design.
Last medieval castle built in Wales.
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The London residence of members of the British Royal Family including the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Princess Diana's former home, royal residence.
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