must see castles in and around London
 

I want to see many castles while I am in England. I wish I had more time one week is not much. Any recommendations on what ones i should not miss.<BR> Thanks,<BR> Mike

We enjoyed Hamption Court. It is a short train ride from london.

Highly recommend Windsor Castle for a elegant, classic castle. Hampton Court is also very nice for a Henry VIII time period. Both are a very short distance from London and easily done in a half to 3/4 day. Windsor is also a lovely little town to explore.

Arundel is easily reached by train and is a pretty little town and lovely castle.

Others would include Leeds or Blenheim Castles. They are both nice. <BR><BR>Some helpful websites with lists of castles:<BR><BR>http://www.britainexpress.com/Where_to_go_in_Britain/castles/castles1.htm<BR>http://www.castles-of-britain.com/

In London, the Tower. Upstream Hampton Court and Windsor. Downstream Tilbury Fort. By train from Victoria Rochester and the splendid Dover Castle, in continuous defensive use from the Romans to the Cold War. Also in Kent Leeds Castle, though all the furniture there was bought in: for an old family house with family furniture please try Knole in Sevenoaks.<BR><BR>Four hours by resstaurant car train from London is Bangor, first of a group of great medieval castles in ruins.<BR><BR>Please write if I can help further. Welcome to England.<BR><BR>Ben Haines<BR><BR>

topping

Some of the above are really palaces or just big fancy houses (e.g., Blenheim, Hampton Court) rather than actual Castles, which by definition are fortifications. Be sure to put Warwick Castle on your list.

Buckingham, if you're going during the time every year when it is open for public tours that anyone can take.

I second Warwick Castle and Windsor Castle- also loved Hampton Court Palace.

Definitely The Tower of London- the Queen's Jewels are worth the entrance price...

Blenhiem is a wonderful day trip and cute town to walk around ....