Beeston Castle – Beeston Castle is located above Chester, with glorious views for up to 30 miles around the countryside. It was built in 1220 BY Ranulf de Blondeville the 6th Earl of Chester when he came home from the Crusades, but never actually completed. It is a spectacular place to visit, and great for kids as there are plenty of events going on at the castle and the surrounding woodlands which is lovely for a walk or an Autumnal picnic! Chester taxi service http://www.chestertaxiservice.co.uk/ can get you there if you are staying nearby for a weekend break.
Warwick Castle – If you happen to be around Warwickshire be sure to check out this magnificent castle – it is a great place to go with the family, especially during half term as there are events on for Halloween and at Christmas they even do Santa sleepovers! Originally built by William the Conqueror, the castle has had its ups and downs, from Queen Victoria coming to lunch, to being nearly destroyed by a fire.
Harlech Castle – Built by King Edward I when he invaded Wales in 1282, Harlech sits on high near to the Irish sea, in North Wales – a perfect spot for spying potential invaders! It is a beautiful place to visit, and nearby the Portmadog pottery and Ffestiniog railway so you can really make a full weekend of it nearby.
Chepstow Castle – This is the oldest surviving stone castle in Britain, construction began on it just a year after William the Conqueror was crowned King, and also boasts the oldest castle doors in Europe! So if it old you want to see this is the place you should go. It is in a picturesque location with beautiful River Wye as the backdrop, guarding the river crossing on the border between Wales and England.
Berkeley Castle – Not too far away from Chepstow castle is Berkeley castle – originally built to keep the Welsh out of England, it has been home to the Berkeley family for 9 centuries! The castle also holds treasures including Queen Elizabeth I’s bedspread and various tapestries and silverware which all build up the rich history of this stunning fairy-tale castle. It is full of historical events – the murder of King Edward II took place here in 1327, and William Shakespeare wrote A Midsummer Night’s Dream for a Berkeley family wedding.
