Are you looking for the best castles near Manchester? We are here to help!
Did you know that there are apparently over 4000 castles dotted around England’s coastline and countryside?
Showcasing a fascinating link to the country’s rich history and heritage, many of these structures were built several hundreds of years ago.
While most are now little more than ruins, they still stand as monuments to our past. For some people, they are even direct connections to their ancestors. This is why many of them are run by the English Heritage and are designated as Scheduled Ancient Monuments and/or grade I or II listed buildings.
For those who live in the northwest, there are quite a few of these castles close to Manchester which can be easily reached within relatively straightforward driving distance.
So if this is something you would like to check out, here are 15 of the best of them to visit.
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Bury Castle
If you are looking for a castle in Manchester (or at least Greater Manchester), Bury Castle will be a great place to start since it’s the nearest castle to Manchester.
Commissioned by Edward IV, who issued a ‘license to crenellate’, Bury Castle was a stately medieval moated manor house back in the day. It was said to be one of the best castles near Manchester
Built under the supervision of Sir Thomas Pilkington, it was completed around 1469 and sat imperiously atop a slope which overlooked the River Irwell.
Now listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, excavations have shown that the structure was completed across six main phases of construction.
Located just over three kilometres north of Radcliffe Tower, the only visible remains of the castle are a small section of its medieval foundations which now form part of Castle Square.
The site, which is situated within the main town centre, is owned by the Bury council and is open to the public. More information about the castle can be obtained from the Bury Tourist Information Centre.
HOW TO GET THERE:
The best way to get to Bury castle from Manchester is to drive. It will take you about 30 minutes to get there and you can do so via the M66 or A56.
There are a couple of car parks in the centre of town where you can park, should you not find street parking.
Beeston Castle
When it comes to dramatic ruins, few castles in Manchester can match Beeston Castle for its sheer sense of history and augustness.
Boasting sensational views which stretch all the way from the Pennines to the Welsh mountains, this stunning fortress occupies a domineering position on a rugged crag, high above the picturesque Chesire Plain.
Completed in the 1220s, under the supervision of Ranulf, the 6th Earl of Chester, the stronghold incorporates an Iron Age hillfort. It features plenty of ditches and banks within a 40-acre woodland park area.
As you can imagine, its walls could tell a few stories, not least about how Henry III seized the property in 1237, never mind about how it remained in royal hands until the 16th century. It stood firm against a long siege in 1644-45 before it was finally surrendered.
Now managed by English Heritage, it is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
If you do visit here, keep your eyes peeled. Legend has it that the royal treasure of Richard II was buried on the castle grounds – possibly even in the castle well. However, it has never been found, despite many searches.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Beeston Castle is located in the village of Tarporley in Chesire. To get there from Manchester it is about a 70-minute drive along the M56 and A49. There is a car park near the site which you will need to pay for.
Peckforton Castle
This one is a bit different to the other ones we mentioned since it’s actually a castle hotel near Manchester.
Unlike the others that are historical wonders, Peckforton Castle is also a hotel and a wedding venue.
It was also recently used as a filming location for movies and TV shows such as Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who.
This means you can’t visit it per se but you can book a night here (perfect if you are looking for a cool getaway from Manchester.
The castle was originally built by John Tollemache in 1842 but wasn’t completed until 1851.
If you are interested in booking, you can do so here.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Peckforton Castle is located in Cheshire, 40 miles from Manchester. It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to get there by car via the M56 and A49.
Peveril Castle
Presiding above the beautiful village of Castleton, the crumbling ruins of the 11th-century Peveril Castle was once one of the finest castles near Manchester, in the Peak District.
One of the UK’s earliest known Norman fortresses, Peveril Castle actually scored a mention in the Domesday survey!
Now a protected scheduled monument and a Grade I listed building, the site is cared for by English Heritage.
It notably features a keep that was built under the rule of Henry II in 1176. As well as a garderobe – a medieval lavatory – that really makes you thankful for advances in modern technology.
It’s nestled within a national park, and as you ascend the hill on which it resides, the views of the surrounding Hope Valley will take your breath away.
The visitor centre here is also very informative and features interactive displays and a charming gift shop.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Overall, it should take you about 75 minutes to drive from Manchester to Peveril Castle in Derbyshire. You can do this on either the A6 or the A642, and once you get there, you should find space in the car park.
Skipton Castle
If you like nothing more than visiting a preserved, original castle that hasn’t changed much since the day it was first constructed, then Skipton Castle should be exactly to your liking.
Built by Robert de Romille, an acclaimed Norman baron, this magnificent structure sits at the top of Skipton High Street in Yorkshire.
A truly impressive structure, visitors can embark on a comprehensive exploration of the castle that will take you from the depths of the dungeon all the way to the top of the watch tower.
You’ll be able to see rooms like the kitchen, banqueting hall, privy and bed chamber along the way.
A castle rich in history – most notably when it held firm for three years against a siege during the Civil War – all visitors are provided with a detailed information sheet (which is available in 10 languages) that features 40 drawings, as well as plenty of descriptive text.
HOW TO GET THERE:
To drive from Manchester to Skipton Castle it will take you about 90 minutes along the A56, A59 or M61/M65.
Wentworth Castle
Magnificent Wentworth Castle is a stunning country house near Barnsley in South Yorkshire that is grade-I listed.
Formerly the seat of the Earls of Strafford, it now serves as the home to the Northern College for Residential and Community Education.
Renowned for its beautiful gardens and picturesque woodland and parkland, the original house here was known as the Cutler house.
It was built for Sir Gervase Cutler around 1670, before being sold to Thomas Wentworth – who went on to become the 1st Earl of Strafford.
Officially changing its name in 1731, the house was later remodelled on two separate occasions, by two different earls, which gives it a rather eclectic interior. (You might remember seeing it on the TV show ‘Restoration‘).
The gardens are just as impressive as the structure. Largely 18th century in design and origin, it accommodates 26 listed monuments and buildings.
One of which is a striking castle folly that conveys terrific views of the surrounding countryside.
HOW TO GET THERE:
The drive from Manchester to Wentworth Castle should typically take you around 90 minutes to complete.
Your best bet is to take the A628, A635, or M62. Parking is readily available once you get there. Though you might need to pay.
York Castle
Originally built out of timber by William the Conqueror in 1068, York Castle was constructed in an attempt to control the Northern part of England.
Located in York, near another castle, called the Old Baile – which lay across the River Ouse – they were both burnt down by the Danes and English northerners who joined forces to oppose William’s rule.
During the middle of the 13th century, Henry III rebuilt the castle, this time out of stone. This created a keep that featured a unique quatrefoil design, as well as an outer bailey wall and pretty significant gatehouse.
Now ruined, the keep is more commonly known as Clifford’s Tower. Only a tiny part of the rampart wall, as well as the corner tower and some small parts of the south gatehouse, remain.
It is looked after by English heritage, and while the keep no longer has a roof, you can still get sweeping views of York atop its remnants.
HOW TO GET THERE:
It will take you the better part of two hours to drive from Manchester to Clifford’s Tower, York Castle via the M1 or M62. Parking should be easy enough to find when you are there.
Lancaster Castle
Lancaster Castle is one of the most prominent medieval castles in the North West of England.
Sometimes referred to as John O’ Gaunt’s Castle, its origins date back to Roman times when it was constructed on a hill that overlooked both the River Lune and the town of Lancaster, and stood as a defence against the advancing forces of the Scots and Picts tribes.
This castle in Greater Manchester has a rich history of being a prison. It first operated as an incarceration facility in 1196, and even as recent as 2011 operated in part as Her Majesty’s Prison Lancaster.
Having returned to the Duchy’s management the castle is undergoing a large-scale refurbishment. Despite this, it is now open to the public seven days a week.
Whilst there be sure to check out the large sweeping public piazza, which allows access to a very impressive and historic cloistered area.
HOW TO GET THERE:
One of the easier castles around Manchester to get to, it will take about 80 minutes to drive along the M61 and M6. There is lots of paid parking available once you get there.
Knaresborough Castle
Once a fortress for several medieval kings, Knaresborough Castle is a now ruined fortress in the North Yorkshire town of Knaresborough.
Overlooking the River Nidd, the castle was first constructed around 1100 by a Norman baron. Documentary evidence suggests that further work was carried out by Henry I around 1130.
During the 1170s, it is believed that after murdering Thomas Becket, Hugh de Moreville sought refuge there along with his followers.
Now very much ruined, the castle is believed to have contained two walled baileys, which were set one behind the other.
The outer bailey lay on the town side, while the inner bailey sat on the cliff side. Characterised by hefty towers along its entire length, the enclosure wall also featured a pair of towers that formed part of the main entrance gate.
Owned by the monarch, the remains of the castle are managed by Harrogate Borough Council. It is open to the public, though you will have to pay to enter the interior remains.
Once inside, the upper storey of the Courthouse has a fascinating museum that showcases original Tudor Court furniture, as well as other interesting displays and exhibits about both the castle and the town.
HOW TO GET THERE:
It will take you about an hour and 45 minutes along the M62 to get to the castle from Manchester. Paid parking is available whilst there.
Sandal Castle
Fans of Shakespeare might remember Sandal Castle as the setting for Act 1, Scene 2 of the play Henry VI.
Situated in Sandal Magna, a suburb of Wakefield, this ruined medieval castle once overlooked the River Calder.
It is believed to have been built around the early 12th century, during a period when the Manor of Wakefield was given to William de Warenne by Henry I.
Archaeological evidence points to a rebuilding of the castle in stone taking place towards the back end of the 12th century.
Both a Grade II listed building and a Scheduled Monument, the visitor centre here displays some very interesting exhibits which were uncovered during excavations in the 1960s and 1970s.
One of them includes a 500-year-old love ring, which features the romantic inscription ‘I’m all yours’ in medieval French. You’ll have to head to Wakefield Museum to see that!
HOW TO GET THERE:
To get to the ruins of Sandal Castle, you will have to drive for 90 minutes on the M62 until you get to Wakefield. Parking should be easy enough to find.
Bolsover Castle
Bolsover is arguably one of the most impressive castles on this list is Bolsover Castle.
Located in Derbyshire, in the town of the same name, this wonderful property was built on the site of a castle built by the Peverel family in the 12th century.
Rebuilt to its current form in the early 17th century, the first part of the structure was constructed by Sir Charles Cavendish between 1612 and 1617.
Now overseen by the English Heritage charity, it is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade I listed building.
Inside, the castle has rare wall paintings, ornately and spectacularly carved fireplaces and stunning tapestries. There is also a really cool multimedia tour that showcases more of the castle’s history.
If you are a regular watcher of the Antiques Roadshow, you may remember it featuring in an episode in 2015.
Those with a nervous disposition might want to give this one a miss though, as the castle was voted the ‘most haunted site’ by English Heritage staff in 2017.
HOW TO GET THERE:
It will take you around and hour and 50 minutes to drive to the castle from Manchester. Plenty of parking is available when you get there, though you will probably have to pay for it.
Alton Castle
Located in the village of Alton, about seven miles north of Uttoxeter in Staffordshire, Alton Castle is a Gothic-revival castle that presides over the Churnet Valley, from atop a hill.
Fortified since the Saxon times, the original castle dates back to the 12th century. It was protected by a cliff, as well as a rock-cut curtain wall and ditch.
The castle that stands today was built by John Talbot (the 16th Earl of Shrewsbury) in the mid-19th century, adjacent to the site of the old one.
The castle is a scheduled ancient monument that has enjoyed status as a designated Grade I listed building since 1967. In 1996, a Catholic Youth Retreat Centre was established by the Archdiocese of Birmingham.
HOW TO GET THERE:
It should take you just over 90 minutes to drive to Alton Castle on the M6. There should be plenty of on-site parking available when you arrive.
Conisbrough Castle
Boasting picturesque views over the surrounds of Conisbrough, the stunning castle of the same name is arguably one of the most romantic castles in England.
The location for Sir Walter Scott’s 1819 novel Ivanhoe, this magnificent building was originally built by William de Warenne in the 11th century – shortly after the Norman conquest of 1066. It was later strengthened with stone in the late 12th century.
After several years in a derelict state, European Union funding enabled the re-roofing and re-flooring of the structure to take place, under the guidance of the local council, the English Heritage and a local charitable trust.
Now owned solely by the English Heritage it is a popular tourist attraction. It is believed the castle might have had a similar look and feel to Sandal Castle.
However, rather than being used for the purposes of military defence, it is thought to have been constructed more as a monument to the owner’s wealth.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Driving along the A628, it should take you about 90 minutes to get from Manchester to Conisbrough Castle. If you can’t find free parking, paid parking is available at the site.
Chirk Castle
You’ll have to pop over the border to Wales if you want to visit Chirk Castle.
Built around the late 13th century, this structure was one of a collection of medieval Marcher fortresses that were constructed along the border to keep the Welsh in check.
Guarding the gateway to the Ceiriog Valley, it was constructed under the guidance of Roger Mortimer de Chirk who was the 1st Earl of March.
Now a Grade I listed castle, the estate is renowned for its stunning gardens, immaculately trimmed yew hedges and borders, bold rock gardens, spectacular terrace and pristine 18th-century parkland.
Owned by the Myddelton family until 1981, it is in the hands of the National Trust and is opened to the public between the months of March and October.
It also operates limited opening times between November and December.
HOW TO GET THERE:
The drive from Manchester to Chirk Castle takes about 90 minutes along the A483. If you would like to take the train there, the castle is situated 1.5 km from Chirk railway station.
Ewloe Castle
One of the last fortifications to have been constructed by the native Prince of Wales, Ewloe Castle is a ruined castle that resides near the town of the same name in Flintshire.
Dating back to the 13th century at least, it sat on lofty ground and held a very strategic position close to the border of England and Wales.
Believed to have been made from locally quarried sandstone, the castle was sited on a steep and sloped promontory that overlooked the confluence of two streams and resided within a forested valley.
Now a Grade I listed building, the castle falls under the jurisdiction of Cadw – Which is Wales’ national heritage agency.
It is tucked away within Wepre Park, a public country park run by Flintshire County Council. You can get to it by walking along the footpaths that run through Wepre Woods.
HOW TO GET THERE:
From Manchester, the drive to the Ewloe Castle ruins will take just over an hour. You’ll find ample free parking at the Wepre Woods.
Spofforth Castle
This is the last site on our list of the best castles near Manchester England.
Built sometime in the early 14th century, by Henry de Percy after gaining a licence to crenellate a manor house, Spofforth Castle has a very important place in English history.
Reputed to be the site where rebel barons drafted the Magna Carta in 1215, the ruins of this castle are now a major tourist attraction.
Once a very stately structure, the castle’s hall tower is pretty much all that is left from the original building, which fell to ruin during the English Civil War of 1642–1646.
Situated in the North Yorkshire town of Spofforth, it is managed by the council of Spofforth-with-Stockeld Parish, under the guidance of the English Heritage.
Predominantly from the castle’s west side, the fascinating ruins that do remain are categorised as a grade II* listed building.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Overall, the drive from Manchester to Spofforth Castle in Yorkshire will take you about 90 minutes on the M62. There should be plenty of parking spots available to you near this historic site.
Now that you know everything about the best Manchester castles, it’s time to go and explore.
Don’t hesitate to check out our other articles about the best day trips and things to do near Manchester.
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