IT'S WIDELY accepted that the United Kingdom has one of the most fascinating pasts in the world. But why are people around the globe so obsessed by it? Perhaps it’s because it’s so different to the histories of Asia and the Americas. Or, for the middle-aged men who dress up as medieval knights and faux-battle one another in a field just outside Surrey, perhaps it just offers a good way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Whether they want to see what the UK was like 400 years ago or whether they just want to pretend they’re in an episode of Game of Thrones, there’s plenty of real history in the UK still standing that people like to visit. From castles to abbeys, universities to mills, people flock to these historical monuments from all over the world. Here’s a roundup of some of the country’s castles worth a visit between your studies.
Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge, East Sussex
I once read an advertisement for Bodiam Castle where it called itself ‘the most beautiful castle in the world’. Ignoring the fact it likes to blow its own trumpet, it’s actually got a point. It is enormously picturesque and is in fairly good condition considering it was built in 1385. Technically classed as ‘ruins,’ Bodiam is not the crumbling mound you might expect – some of the interior construction wouldn’t allow for much picture-hanging, but the exterior walls are still standing. There’s an impressive well (don’t fall in) and a wealth of history in it – feel free to go up into one of the towers but don’t expect to see anything much. People seem to like Bodiam, meaning you should probably avoid it during school holidays because there are always children running around pretending to be miniature kings and queens.
Highclere Castle, Highclere, Hampshire
Best known for portraying the house in Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle is in excellently good condition, mostly because someone still lives in it (I know, unbelievable!). It’s popular around July and August, and the grounds are always full of people pretending to be on the set of Downton, so don’t be surprised if you hear odd phrases like ‘Carson, can you arrange for Mrs Hughes to bring out some tea for us?’ Please take into account that, while the TV show is set in Yorkshire, the actual house isn’t. Hampshire's at the other end of the country, so make sure you’re going to the right place when you want to visit.
Pevensey Castle, Pevensey, East Sussex
This one had to make the list because of its historical importance, but I’d advise you give it a miss if you think you’re going to see something spectacular. This heap of stone in the middle of the countryside was built in 290ad so it’s older than your grandparents’ grandparents. A Roman construction, it has a nice vantage point that looks out across very flat land that used to be the sea. When I last visited, we were warned that the dungeon might be a little bit damp: I walked down the stairs to find that the dungeon was knee-deep in water, so if it’s been raining it won’t hurt to take wellies or a rubber boat. Mocking aside, it’s an incredible piece of history and is very close to a few delightful pubs.
Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh, Northumberland
A sprawling great big castle, this was once home to the kings of Northumberland. It’s right on the coast so offers a terrific view, and since it’s situated on a rugged outcrop, it really does look like something out of a film almost all of the time. It’s a sight of archeological interest and a few treasure items, including a gold plate, have been discovered there. It’s worth a visit in the summer just for the view.
Pontefract Castle, Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Pontefract Castle played a huge part in the English Civil War, and saw various famous sieges throughout the conflict in the 17th Century. King Richard II is said to have died there after being murdered – so keep your wits about you in case you see his ghost roaming the ruins. Having said that, you might not see much else, as Pontefract is mostly a ruin. It’s a good place to go if you want to say you’ve visited an important site of English history.
Battle Abbey, Battle, East Sussex
Okay, this one isn’t technically a castle, but it’s too good to miss out. The front of the site is gorgeous and extremely well kept (and also a private school – you can’t go in there) but the real interest is the grounds inside. There are some frankly amazing structures still remaining, including great vaulted ceilings, older-than-you’d-believe tombs and the towering exterior walls of the original dorter (dormitory). It’s also the site where the Battle of Hastings was fought – perhaps the UK’s most significant point in history – which explains the town’s name.
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