The Cotswolds is known for its charming old villages and vibrant greenery stretching as far as the eye can see, but its ancient ruins and castles are special sights to behold packed full of history.

The designs of these castles and ruins show their age in addition to their durability with many still standing tall, making you feel as if you've been transported into the past. Take a look at some of the best castles and ancient ruins in the Cotswolds, and discover the historic beauty they can offer your holiday adventure.

  • 1

    Warwick Castle

    See a medieval castle that survived through the ages

    Warwick Castle
    • Families
    • History
    • Photo

    Warwick Castle is a 13th-century castle, with much stonework from the 14th century, that stands tall and sturdy despite suffering a lot of damage over the centuries. The site itself dates back even further to the time of William the Conqueror when he created a fort here in the mid-11th century.

    Visiting the castle is easy, as it's open every day except for Christmas. You'll find several ticket options available, so make sure you opt for the right one if you want to see the castle and its dungeon. It's located near the River Avon in Warwick about 30 miles southeast of Birmingham.

    Location: Castle, Castle Ln, Warwick CV34 4QU, UK

    Phone: +44 1926 406610

    Map
  • 2

    Blenheim Palace

    Explore an old Woodstock country house

    Blenheim Palace
    • Couples
    • History

    Blenheim Palace is an old country house and one of the largest houses in England dating back to the early 18th century. It's a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and sports the rare English Baroque style. It was the birthplace and ancestral home of Winston Churchill.

    Visiting this house offers access not only to the palace but also to the park and gardens in the area. In fact, there's a miniature railway system that leads from the house to the gardens. It's located in Woodstock about 10 miles northwest of Oxford.

    Location: Woodstock OX20 1PP, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 1993 810530

    Map

    photo by DeFacto (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 3

    Oxford Castle & Prison

    Discover 1,000 years of history

    Oxford Castle & Prison
    • History

    Oxford Castle & Prison is a notable historic site that offers guided tours both above and below ground granting valuable insight into its long history. The guided tours are conducted by costumed guides to add a more authentic feel to the experience as you learn about Mary Blandy, Empress Matilda and other notable figures.

    From the top of the tower in the castle, you can take in some truly stunning views of the surrounding area. The crypt of St George's Chapel has a notably different experience, with an almost claustrophobic atmosphere mimicking its dark past. You'll find it all near the Oxford city centre just south of Gloucester Green.

    Location: 44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford OX1 1AY, UK

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 10 am to 5.30 pm, Friday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +44 1865 260663

    Map
  • 4

    Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden

    Visit a particularly formidable medieval fortress

    Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden
    • Couples
    • History

    Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden allows travellers to explore a destination that's been home to significant battles both among soldiers and noble socialites. While the basis of the castle is medieval in origin, a lot of the grounds are more Elizabethan thanks to efforts by Robert Dudley.

    Visiting the castle and pristine, well-kept gardens allows you to discover important historical secrets. Visitors can explore the private rooms of Elizabeth I and learn about her romance with Dudley. Plus, the garden has an aviary. It's located about 20 miles southeast of Birmingham.

    Location: Castle Green, Kenilworth CV8 1NG, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 370 333 1181

    Map
  • 5

    Broadway Tower

    View the highest castle in the Cotswolds

    Broadway Tower
    • History

    Broadway Tower is the tallest castle in the entire region with views that stretch for miles over 15 counties from the observation point. The tower dates back to Georgian and Victorian times, and modern efforts to preserve it have been doubled recently, ensuring that this monument will stand tall for the foreseeable future.

    Visiting this tower allows you to step back in time and learn all about the fascinating characters that were involved in its history through the onsite multimedia tour. It's located near Middle Hill due south of Birmingham.

    Location: Middle Hill, Broadway WR12 7LB, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 1386 852390

    Map
  • 6

    Highclere Castle

    See a shining beacon of Victorian home design

    Highclere Castle
    • History

    Highclere Castle is a Victorian home designed by Sir Charles Barry that houses a variety of art and furniture from the Victorian era within. The architect is particularly impressive, as Barry is the same architect who designed the Houses of Parliament.

    Currently the home of the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, it's better known as the home from 'Downton Abbey'. Tours are available that allow visitors to explore its stunning interior and well-kept surrounding gardens. It's located just south of Newbury about 2 hours west of London.

    Location: Highclere Park, Highclere, Newbury RG20 9RN, UK

    Phone: +44 1635 253210

    Map
  • 7

    Sudeley Castle

    Check out a castle with stunning gardens

    Sudeley Castle
    • Couples
    • History

    Sudeley Castle is a picturesque and historically valuable castle that's surrounded by impressive, well-kept gardens that are vibrant and colourful. This castle dates back more than 1,000 years, though much of the current building was constructed far more recently.

    When you visit this castle, you can learn all about a variety of historical figures who passed through its halls including Richard III, Elizabeth I and Lady Jane Grey. Additionally, this castle is the burial location of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's last wife. You can see it all just a few miles northeast of Cheltenham.

    Location: Sudeley Castle & Gardens GL54 5LP, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 1242 604244

    Map
  • 8

    National Trust - Snowshill Manor and Garden

    Visit the unusual home of Charles Wade

    National Trust - Snowshill Manor and Garden
    • History
    • Unusual

    National Trust - Snowshill Manor and Garden is a historic home that was occupied by the eccentric architect Charles Wade and houses a wide variety of objects from his life. The manor house dates back to the 16th century. It's mentioned as early as the year 821 when it was gifted to Winchcombe Abbey by King Coenwulf, but no parts from this era have lasted.

    Inside the manor, you'll find Wade's odd collection of items with more than 22,000 objects ranging from children's toys to samurai armour. You can see it all for yourself in Snowshill, which is about an hour due south of Birmingham.

    Location: Snowshill, Broadway WR12 7JU, UK

    Open: Daily from 11.30 am to 4.30 pm

    Phone: +44 1386 852410

    Map
  • 9

    Goodrich Castle

    See an old Norman castle

    Goodrich Castle
    • Families
    • History

    Goodrich Castle is a historic Norman concentric castle made from sandstone that dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, though it's unclear when it took its current shape. While the castle is in a ruined state, what's remaining is remarkably well preserved, showcasing historic English military architecture.

    The castle is open to the public, so you can explore inside and take in the breathtaking views from the battlements. Plus, the castle displays quite a few historical artefacts you may be interested in. It's located near the River Wye west of Gloucester and south of Hereford.

    Location: Castle Ln, Ross-on-Wye HR9 6HY, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 370 333 1181

    Map
  • 10

    Berkeley Castle

    Visit a fortress that became a family home

    Berkeley Castle
    • Families
    • History

    Berkeley Castle is a unique piece of history that was built as a defensive fortress in the 12th century only to later be turned into a welcoming family home. A lot of history took place within its walls, including the murder of Edward II, according to legend.

    When you visit this castle, you'll find numerous historical artefacts on display along with paintings dating back as far as the 16th century. Despite its darker past, you'll still find breathtaking, well-kept plants and wholesome historic stories about love. See it for yourself near the River Severn about 20 miles southwest of Gloucester.

    Location: Berkeley GL13 9PJ, UK

    Open: Sunday–Wednesday from 11 am to 5 pm (closed Thursday–Saturday)

    Phone: +44 1453 810303

    Map