Castles
 

Would like to see a castle when we visit London. Only have time for one day trip. Which castle would you suggest??? What about Windsor castle? Can you visit Windsor Castle and Hampton court palace in one day? Would we need to rent a car? Thanks for any suggestions.

Well - the Tower of London is the main castle and it is right in central London.

As for Windsor and Hampton Court Palace - some organized tours do them in one day -- but that is really no recommended. Either one is a full 1/2 day's trip and by doing them together and adding in all the travel time you cut both too short.

Eother one is a VERY easy trip from central London by train and you could return from HCP by river boat.

Either one is a great day trip - If I had to choose just one it would probably be HCP - the gardens/history/costumed docents etc make it just a great day out.

But Windsor id great too . . . . .

Second Hampon Court. Take a boat trip up the Thames there and the train back.

Actually - IMHO it makes more sense to go out by train and get there at opening time before it gets too crowded.

Then in the afternoon when the biggest crowds arrive and when it is (hopefully) warmer, take the boat back to town.

That works too! I just like to get home quicker when I'm tired...when I go to HCP I stay for HOURS!!! :D)

My choices would be:
1. Tower of London - it is a "real" castle and right downtown. Windsor Castle is too modernized and out of the way.
2. Hampton Court - not a castle but a palace - but it is a "real" palace (not modernized to death).

Hi J,

>Would like to see a castle when we visit London. Only have time for one day trip.<

Caerphilly castle dates to the 13th century.

See http://www.castlewales.com/caerphil.html

((I))

Damn ira! That is one fine castle...how I wish I could go back in time...but as a lady in waiting not a wench...

Caerphilly is wonderful but a bit far for a day trip.

For a quick 'I saw a Castle' trip why not try Rochester. Easy to get to by train from Charing Cross http://www.castles-abbeys.co.uk/Rochester-Castle.html
http://www.medway.gov.uk/index/leisu...tles/2493.html

Bodiam makes a nice day trip if you like ruined castles http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main...diamcastle.htm

Dover Castle is often referred to as the country's second best, after the Tower.

There is also Warwick Castle, which you can get to by train. Very touristy, but what castle isn't?
http://www.warwick-castle.co.uk/warwick2004/index.asp

Another ruined castle, but very romantic (although a good 2-3 hours travel from London): Corfe
http://www.isleofpurbeck.com/corfe.html

See also a full listing of castles at:
http://www.castlexplorer.co.uk

Warwick castle was very beautiful and fun.

I have a soft spot for Arundel Castle and the town is lovely too. Sussex is an easy day trip.

Thanks for all of your info. Leaving for London tomorrow and will try to see the Tower of London and Hampton Court for sure. Windsor Castle if we can fit it in. Once again thanks for the help.