Castles in England - B

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Baconsthorpe Castle   A moated 15th century manor house in a peaceful countryside setting. The fortified manor house was expanded and rebuilt several times over the course of two centuries by the Heydon family. Baconsthorpe, Norfolk, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: Signposted from Baconsthorpe village. Pleny of on site parking. Open at any time. Website: Baconsthorpe Castle English Heritage - Photos of Baconsthorpe Castle OS TG121382 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Bamburgh Castle   A wonderfully situated castle, built atop an outcrop of basalt high above a sandy beach, looking out across the North Sea to the Farne Islands. There has been a castle on this spot since the 6th century, but the current building dates from the 12th century, though it was subsequently heavily restored by the first Lord Crewe in the 1750s and later by the first Lord Armstrong in the late Victorian period. The castle was attacked during the Wars of the Roses, and became the first English castle to surrender to an artillery siege. Bamburgh, Northumberland, England, NE69 7DF Attraction Type: Castle Location: In Bamburgh village. Free parking for 100 cars. Website: Bamburgh Castle Email: administrator@bamburghcastle.com Phone: 01668 214 515 Location map OS NU173348 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Barnard Castle   This imposing castle overlooking the River Tees was probably begun by Guy de Baliol about 1095. De Baliol's fortress consisted of a ring work, which is now the inner ward. The Baliol family owned the castle for two centuries and founded the town of the same name that surrounds the castle. In the early Middle Ages Barnard Castle was one of the astrongest and most imposing fortresses in the north of England. Barnard Castle, County Durham, England, DL12 8PR Attraction Type: Castle Location: In the centre of Barnard Castle town. Well signposted. Lots of nearby parking. Website: Barnard Castle Phone: 01833 638212 English Heritage Location map - Photos of Barnard Castle OS NZ049164 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Bedford Castle    Bedford Castle, little more than an unrecognizable mound today, was first built as a motte in the 11th century, and later a shell keep was added, to be followed by a round tower with curtain walls. The castle acted as an important administrative centre, and several Sherrifs of Buckinghamshire - yes, Bucks, not Beds - used it as their official seat. Bedford, Bedfordshire, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: off the High Street Website: Bedford Castle OS TL052 497 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Beeston Castle    Begun in 1225 by Earl Ranulf of Chester upon his return from the 5th Crusade. Mostly ruins, atop a high hill that provides good views of the Pennines to the northeast and the Welsh mountains to the west. Saw action in the Civil War. Beeston, Tarporley, Cheshire, England, CW6 9TX Attraction Type: Castle Location: 11 m SE Chester off A49 or A41 Website: Beeston Castle Email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk Phone: 01829 260 464 English Heritage Location map Details of Beeston Castle OS SJ540 588 Heritage Highlight: Does a lost royal treasure lie in a hidden chamber beneath the castle, as legend tells? Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Bellister Castle    Bellister Castle is not one, but several fortifications located on the south bank of the River Tyne, across from the town of Haltwhistle. The first castle was built on the motte and bailey plan in the late 11th century. Of this, little remains beyond the earthworks and the tall mound of the motte. A second castle, or, more properly, a hall house, was built atop the mound in the 13th or 14th century. Some time later a tower was added to the stone castle, and still later, 16th and 17th century additions helped produce the structure we can see today. Featherstone, Haltwhistle, Northumberland, England, TD12 4TJ Attraction Type: Castle Location: Off Bellister Road and the A69 at Haltwhistle National Trust Location map OS NY701629 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Belsay Castle   Belsay Castle is a ruined medieval fortification in the grounds of Belsay Hall. The castle was built sometime in the 14th century by the powerful Middleton family, who were also responsible for the nearby Jacobean mansion and early 19th century hall. The castle is dominated by a tall pele tower. The tower was first and foremost a fortified residence, but it was also built to impress, with a grand great hall. Traces of wall paintings can still seen on the walls of the hall. The castle is a shell, but an imposing shell nonetheless, and it looks out on carefully manicured lawns, with level paths giving access to the Hall and lovely gardens. Belsay, Northumberland, England, NE20 0DX Attraction Type: Castle Location: Located at Belsay village, on the A696 west of Morpeth. Website: Belsay Castle Phone: 01661 881636 English Heritage Location map OS NZ084785 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Berkeley Castle   A grim 12th century castle with keep, dungeon, great hall. The site of Edward II's brutal murder. Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England, GL13 9BQ Attraction Type: Castle Location: off A38 Website: Berkeley Castle Email: info@berkeley-castle.com Phone: 01453 810 332 Fax: 01453 512 995 Location map Details of Berkeley Castle - Photos of Berkeley Castle OS ST685 990 Heritage Highlight: The chamber where Edward II was kept prisoner is still maintained. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Berkhamsted Castle    The well-tended ruins of an important 11th century motte and bailey stronghold. Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: next to the train station Website: Berkhamsted Castle English Heritage OS SP996 083 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Berry Pomeroy Castle    A romantic ruin in a secluded valley location. Berry Pomeroy was begun by the Pomeroy family in the 15th century. Within the castle defenses is an impressive Elizabethan manor built by the powerful Seymour family around the year 1560. The castle is entered through a massive gatehouse, which features a 15th century wall painting of the Three Kings. The manor was left to moulder after about 1700, but along the way it has collected a reputation as one of the most haunted ruins in England. Berry Pomeroy, Totnes, Devon, England, TQ9 6LJ Attraction Type: Castle Location: 2½ m E Totnes, off A385 Website: Berry Pomeroy Castle Phone: 01803 866 618 English Heritage Location map Details of Berry Pomeroy Castle OS SX839 623 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Berwick Castle    A ruined 12th century castle built by King David I of Scotland, and later strengthened and extended by Edward I of England. Edward also added the extensive town walls of Berwick, much of which still survive. The castle passed back and forth from Scottish to English hands and back again many times over the following centuries. Elizabeth I rebuilt and strengthened the walls and added two artillery towers. The tower declined in importance after Elizabeth strengthened the town walls, and the stones were used for local buildings. The 13th century White Wall, and the steep stair known as Breakneck Stairs are the only substantial parts of the castle to survive. Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, England, TD15 1DF Attraction Type: Castle Location: The castle ruins are beside Berwick train station. Open at any time. Website: Berwick Castle English Heritage Location map OS NT994533 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Biggleswade Castle    Once a motte and bailey castle, there is nothing to be seen here now; in fact, the location of the castle was not discovered until 1954, when aerial photography revealed the shape. Excavations were undertaken in the 1960s, but the site has since regrown. Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, England Attraction Type: Castle OS TL184 445 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Bishop's Palace    The medieval moated home of the Bishop of Bath and Wells. In the 14th century a struggle broke out between the bishop and the city. As a result, the palace was fortified and moated, with a drawbridge as the only access. There are volunteer visitor guides in the palace and the chapel, and white swans now swim in the peaceful moat. Wells, Somerset, England, BA5 2PD Attraction Type: Castle Location: in Wells, off the Market Place, near the Cathedral Website: Bishop's Palace Email: info@bishopspalace.org.uk Phone: 01749 988111 ext 200 Location map OS ST552457 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Blenkinsop Castle    Blenkinsop Castle is a 13th century pele, or tower house, built by the Blenkinsop family. The castle was later incorporated into a 19th century mansion (now demolished). A license to crenelate the castle was granted in 1340, and the Blenkinsops lived here for several centuries before moving to their other properties at Bellister Castle and Dryburnhaugh. Greenhead, Northumberland, England, TD12 4TJ Attraction Type: Castle Location: On the A69 about 3 miles west of Haltwhistle. The castle exterior is accessible at any time. Location map OS NY665644 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Bodiam Castle    Begun in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge to discourage French raids. Picture book design; moated, crenellated battlements, reached by no less than three drawbridges and a barbican. Almost too romantic to be true (but it is!). Bodiam, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, England, TN32 5UA Attraction Type: Castle Location: 12 m N Hastings, off A21 Website: Bodiam Castle Email: bodiamcastle@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01580 830 196 Fax: 01580 830 398 National Trust Location map Details of Bodiam Castle OS TQ786 257 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Bolingbroke Castle   Birthplace of Henry IV, much of the castle is in ruins. There are excellent interpretive panels detailing the history of the castle. Old Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: In Old Bolingbroke village, off the A155 between East Kirkby and West Keal Website: Bolingbroke Castle Details of Bolingbroke Castle OS TF349650 Heritage Highlight: The birthplace of Henry IV Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Bolsover Castle    Bolsover Castle is an unlikely mix of early Norman stronghold, Jacobean manor, country house, and romantic folly. A Discovery Centre in the Stable complex allows visitors to learn about the world of Bolsover and its makers. Bolsover, Derbyshire, England, S44 6PR Attraction Type: Castle Location: 6 miles E of Chesterfield on the A632 Website: Bolsover Castle Phone: 01246 822 844 Fax: 01246 241 569 English Heritage Location map Details of Bolsover Castle OS SK471 707 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Bolton Castle   Courtyard castle with rectangular towers, traditional in the north country. Begun in 1375 by Lord Scrope, Chancellor to Richard II. Castle Bolton, Leyburn, Yorkshire, England, DL8 4ET Attraction Type: Castle Location: 6 m W Leyburn, off A684 Website: Bolton Castle Email: info@boltoncastle.co.uk Phone: 01969 623981 Fax: 01969 623332 Location map OS SE035 919 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Bowes Castle   The ruins of a 12th century keep within the foundations of a Roman fort. The castle was built for the same reason the Romans built their fort here; to guard the strategically important Stainmore Pass that runs east-west across the Pennines between present-day County Durham and Cumbria. Bowes, County Durham, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: At the west end of Bowes village, off the A66. Parking along the roadside. Open access site located opposite the church. Signposted. Website: Bowes Castle English Heritage - Photos of Bowes Castle OS NY992134 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Bramber Castle    An early Norman motte and bailey castle built by William De Braose in 1070. The DeBraose family retained the castle for over 250 years. The castle was subject to siege by Parliament during the Civil War; Parliamentary troops set cannons up in the transepts of the nearby church to fire down upon the castle. Today only the ruins of the getehouse suggests the imposing nature of the stronghold. Bramber, West Sussex, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: off A283 Website: Bramber Castle Phone: 01424 775 705 English Heritage OS TQ187 107 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Brough Castle   Brough Castle was built around the year 1100 on a hill overlooking the Stainmore Pass and the valley of Swindale Beck. The strategic importance of this site was recognized by the Romans, and the castle is partly built on a Roman fort. The Norman builders of the castle recut a Roman ditch to create a moart around their new castle. Church Brough, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: The best access is off the A685, turn into Church Brough, and follow the brown sign for the castle to the parking area in the centre of Church Brough. From there, follow the signed footpath a short distance to the castle, located behind the ice cream dair - Photos of Brough Castle OS NY791141 Heritage Highlight: 13th century tower Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Brougham Castle   Beautiful romantic ruins situated on the bank of the River Eamont. The core of the castle is the 13th century keep. The indomitable Lady Anne Clifford restored much of the castle in the 17th century. Penrith, Lake District, Cumbria, England, CA10 2AA Attraction Type: Castle Location: 1½ miles SE of Penrith via a minor road off the A66. There is limited parking on the verge of a side road just across from the castle entrance. Website: Brougham Castle Phone: 01768 862 488 English Heritage Location map Details of Brougham Castle - Photos of Brougham Castle OS NY539 290 Heritage Highlight: Roman stones from the nearby fort were re-used in the building of the castle Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Bywell Castle    An 11th century Norman castle probably built by Guy de Ballliol around 1090. The castle stands on the north bank of the River Tyne. The original Norman fortification was later restored and strengthened in the 14th and 15th centuries by the Neville family, with the addition of a curtain wall and gatehouse. The crenellated tower and curtain wall were later built into a 19th century house. The castle is private property, and not usually open to visitors, but it can be viewed easily from the outside. Bywell, Northumberland, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: Bywell is on the B6309, about 3 miles west of Prudhoe OS NZ049619 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

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