eilean donan castle

12 Reasons to Visit British and Irish Castles on Your Next Tour

British castles and Irish castles hold a lot of history which are waiting to be uncovered by their guests. It's no wonder we love to visit them on our small-group tours. Our passengers revel in taking pictures, reading about kings and queens, imagining great battles taking place, as well as securing a fridge magnet in the gift shops. Discover more reasons why we love to visit the best British and Irish castles in the land and how you can make your bucket list a reality with Rabbie’s Tours.

12 Top Reasons Why Visiting British Castles and Irish Castles Is a Must

Castle tours aren’t just for those who love the rich history they can provide. They can be beautiful landscapes to share memorable moments with loved ones or even be the backdrop of recreating your favourite movie scene. 12 of our top reasons to visit British castles and Irish castles this year include:

  • British and Irish Castles Can Excite the Imagination. Especially Alnwick Castle Which Is Huge for Harry Potter Fans

  • Their Beauty Can Capture the Eye of Anyone

  • You Can Explore the Remains of Castles Still Standing Despite Their Lean

  • Their Gardens Can Be Just as Spectacular as Their Structure

  • Some Castles Have Unique Surrounding Locations to Explore

  • As Momentous Buildings They Can Be Well Cared for

  • Castles Can Be Located in Beautiful, Remote Areas

  • The Beauty of Castles Can Be the Backdrop to Parties and Weddings

  • Their Grand Size Can Keep You Entertained For Hours

  • The Moody Atmosphere of Castles Can Be the Perfect Photo Backdrop

  • Allow Your Imagination to Run Wild With the Past When Only Ruins Remain of Castles

  • The Unique Designs Could Be Inspiration for Your Own Castle Build


If you’re visiting the idyllic land of Scotland this year, be sure to read our guide on the best Scottish castles to visit. We’d hate for you to miss out on their beauty.

1. British and Irish Castles Can Excite the Imagination. Especially Alnwick Castle Which Is Huge for Harry Potter Fans

British and Irish castles are no stranger to being the backdrop in some of your favourite films. Their grand architecture and timestamp can be the perfect match to set the scene for any type of movie. One of our favourite castles in England with a Hollywood connection is Alnwick Castle. It was used as a backdrop for two Harry Potter movies and provides a real life visual of Hogwarts Castle. Visit the location for yourself on a one day Alnwick Castle, The Northumberland Coast & Borders Tour.

2. Their Beauty Can Capture the Eye of Anyone

Grand architecture can be seen throughout a number of castles in Britain and Ireland. Many can still be habitable today, including:

  • Berkeley Castle, England

  • Killyleagh Castle, Ireland

  • Windsor Castle, England

3. You Can Explore the Remains of Castles Still Standing Despite Their Lean

Not all British and Irish castles have perfect structures, but this is what we love about them. Despite the obvious leans in structure, they are still standing for all to admire. Maybe we can learn a thing or two from them! All jokes aside, these types of castles may be some of our favourites as they have true character that is irreplaceable.

4. Their Gardens Can Be Just as Spectacular as Their Structure

The lush pastures surrounding the British and Irish castles can be just as impactful on the eye as the building itself. Which is why during British Spring and Summertime, these elegant gardens can be appreciated in full bloom.

5. Some British and Irish Castles Have Unique Surrounding Locations to Explore

One of the best reasons you should visit British and Irish castles this year is to explore the surrounding areas. Almost getting a two for one deal! Especially when you visit Dunvegan Castle, located on the Isle of Skye. The volcanic surroundings, paired with the deep tones of the surrounding water, is enough to encapture the heart of each guest. Add this dramatic setting to your bucket list immediately.

6. As Momentous Buildings They Can Be Well Cared for

Maintaining the likes of British and Irish castles is by no means easy. It can take dedicated teams hours to ensure the buildings remain safe to visit. This includes touching up the paint work, filling in crumbling walls, or restoring a broken roof. All in the name of beauty.

7. British and Irish Castles Can Be Located in Beautiful, Remote Areas

An attraction point for British and Irish castles thousands of years ago was their remoteness. Kings and queens, such as Mary Queen of Scots, could use them as hideouts from enemies, as well as holding hostages. However they were preferred to use, today their remote nature allows for a sense of tranquillity when visiting.

8. The Beauty of British and Irish Castles Can Be the Backdrop to Parties and Weddings

Throughout history, monumental figures would have used the British and Irish castles as backdrops to their parties and weddings. This is no different in the 21st century. Some of the most popular British and Irish castles to get married in include:

  • Thornbury Castle, Gloustershire

  • Warwick Castle, Warwickshire

  • Rowton Castle, Shropshire

  • Dunskey Estate, Dumfries & Galloway

  • Hensol Castle, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales

  • Lutterllstown Castle, Dublin

9. Their Grand Size Can Keep You Entertained for Hours

The mighty size of British and Irish castles can be sure to keep guests entertained for hours. With magical gardens, exquisite landscapes, and rich history, you’ll want to carve out a few hours when visiting.

10. The Moody Atmosphere of British and Irish Castles Can Be the Perfect Photo Backdrop

Whether you’re a keen photographer or a novice who appreciates a scenic view, castles in Britain and Ireland can be a great addition to any shot. From moody shadows in the depths of winter, to sharp silhouettes in the middle of summer, be sure to capture your favourite throughout the year.

11. Allow Your Imagination to Run Wild With the Past When Only Ruins Remain of British and Irish Castles

It’s no surprise many of history's greatest battles happened near the grounds of British and Irish castles. After all, they’ve been inhabited by not so favourable royalty. However, these battles have made for great history stories and tales which you can still reminisce about in the location they took place in.

12. The Unique Designs Could Be Inspiration For Your Own Castle Build

The final reason you should be visiting British and Irish castles is to get inspiration for your own building projects. Their structures and glamour can add a unique touch to your build no matter the scale.

Visiting British and Irish Castles With Rabbie’s

Visiting castles in Britain and Ireland can be a magical day out for all involved. Especially during peak periods when many like to host additional events such as outdoor cinemas, themed days, or events for the whole family. If you’re tempted by British and Irish castles be sure to discover our small-group tours. With the help of our friendly driver-guides, they can recite the local knowledge while making the journey as comfortable as possible. Book your space today, or sign up for our newsletter to uncover where our new tours are.