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Castles in England - (O - S)

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Odell Castle    What little remains of the castle at Odell stands beside the church on high ground above the village green. The castle was built by Walter Flandrensis, a Norman adherent of William the Conqueror. High Street, Odell, Bedfordshire, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: in the centre of Odell, 7 miles NW of Bedford, between the A6 and the A509 Details of Odell Castle OS SP966 579 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Okehampton Castle    The ruins of what was once the largest castle in Devon now stand on a wooded outcropping above the River Okement. Norman motte and keep. Okehampton, Devon, England, EX20 1JB Attraction Type: Castle Location: 1 mile southwest of town centre Website: Okehampton Castle Phone: 01837 52844 English Heritage Location map Details of Okehampton Castle OS SX584 942 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Old Sarum   Iron Age banks surround the original site of Salisbury, a few miles north of the curent city. Inside the earthworks are the foundations of a Norman castle and the first Salisbury cathedral. The castle ruins sits atop a striking motte, or mound, with a deep moat at the bottom. Old Sarum, Wiltshire, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: Just north of Salisbury off the A345 Details of Old Sarum - Photos of Old Sarum OS SU136321 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Orford Castle    A 12th century keep and bailey. Henry II built Orford Castle between 1163-1175 in an attempt to counter the supremacy of powerful nobles in this area of Suffolk, and to act as a coastal dfence. Orford, East Anglia, Suffolk, England, IP12 2ND Attraction Type: Castle Location: In Orford, Suffolk, on B1084 Website: Orford Castle Phone: 01394 450472 English Heritage Location map Details of Orford Castle OS TM419499 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Oxford Castle    A very early motte and bailey castle built by Robert d'Oilly in 1071. The castle was for some time a royal residence, and also served as an administrative centre for the Sheriff of Oxford before becoming a gaol. In 1147 the Empress Maud occupied the castle against the troops of her cousin, King Stephen. Maud escaped from her enemies by being lowered from the tower and fleeing across the frozen Thames, as her white nightdress acted as camouflage against the backdrop of snow. Parliamentary troops destroyed Oxford Castle in the Civil War, but it remained in use as a gaol. Much of the castle has now been transformed into a multi-purpose civic area, but remains of the castle tower, gaol, and chapel crypt have been preserved. Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, OX1 1AY Attraction Type: Castle Website: Oxford Castle Email: info@oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk Phone: 01865 260 666 Fax: 01865 260 667 Location map OS SP510061 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Pendennis Castle    Part of a chain of castles built by Henry VIII along the south coast. Exhibit on Tudor battles and frequent medieval re-enactments. Falmouth, Cornwall, England, TR11 4LP Attraction Type: Castle Location: 1 m SE Falmouth on Pendennis Head Website: Pendennis Castle Email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk Phone: 01326 316 594 Fax: 01326 319 911 English Heritage Location map Details of Pendennis Castle OS SW824 319 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Pendragon Castle   A ruined 12th century castle standing on a rise above a bend in the River Eden, below Wild Boar Fell in the southern Eden Valley. Pendragon Castle is associated with the legends of King Arthur. B6259, Outhgill, Eden Valley, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: Just north of Outhgill, on the B6259. Parking in a layby opposite. - Photos of Pendragon Castle OS NY785025 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Penrith Castle    A ruined 14th century castle of red sandstone, in the centre of Penrith. The castle was begun in the late 14th century by Ralph Neville, as a defense against Scotish raids. It was later expanded and strengthened by Richard, Duke of Gloucester (later Richard III) who created a sumptuous residence here. Penrith, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: Opposite the rail station Website: Penrith Castle English Heritage OS NY514298 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Pevensey Castle    The Romans first built a castle on this site; later the Normans followed suit. Used for defenses during the Second World War. Pevensey , East Sussex, England, BN24 5LE Attraction Type: Castle Location: off A259 Website: Pevensey Castle Phone: 01323 762 604 Fax: 01323 762 604 English Heritage Location map OS TQ647 049 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Peveril Castle    The dramatic ruins of Peveril Castle perch on a high hill above the village of Castleton. The stronghold, formerly known as Peak Castle, was built by William Peveril around 1080. The castle is approached by a steep climb from Castleton village, through a 12th century gatehouse piercing a curtain wall. Castleton, Derbyshire, England, S33 8WQ Attraction Type: Castle Location: 15 miles W of Sheffield on the A6187 Website: Peveril Castle Phone: 01433 620 613 English Heritage Location map Details of Peveril Castle OS SK179 824 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Pickering Castle   Established by William the Conqueror, Pickering is interesting primarily because it has changed so little since it was first built. William's wooden motte and bailey was transformed into stone in the 13th century, but that was pretty much the end of the remodeling. A shell keep tops a high mound, surrounded by an inner and outer ward. Pickering, Yorkshire, England, YO18 7AX Attraction Type: Castle Location: 15 miles south west of Scarborough, on the A170. Two blocks up from the High Street off Castle Lane or Castle Street Website: Pickering Castle Email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk Phone: 01751 474989 English Heritage Location map Details of Pickering Castle OS SE798 843 Heritage Highlight: Begun by William the Conqueror Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Piel Castle    Piel Castle is a ruined 14th century fortress standing on an island at the entrance to Barrow-in-Furnes harbour. The castle is composed of a vey imposing stone keep, with inner and outer baileys and extensive curtain walls surounded by two moats. It was built in 1327 by the Abbot of Furness as a measure to guard Furness against attack by Scottish raiders or pirates. Piel Island, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: Access by paid ferry from Barrow Website: Piel Castle English Heritage OS SD232635 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Pontefract Castle    A medieval fortress begun around 1070, Pontefract is best known as the place where Richard II died, probably murdered, in 1399. The castle was one of the most important in the north, and became a royal fortress in 1399. It was later home of the powerful John of Gaunt, son of Edward III. The castle housed a royalist garrison in he Civil War and was eventually destroyed by Parliamentarians in 1644. The most impressive aspect of the castle is the multi-lobed donjon. Pontefract, Yorkshire, England Attraction Type: Castle OS SE461224 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Portchester Castle    There is a little bit of everything at Portchester Castle; the 9 acre site contains the most complete set of Roman walls in northern Europe, and also houses a Saxon fortress and a medieval royal palace. The original fortifications may have been built by Carausias, who rebelled against Roman rule in the year 285. In the medieval period Henry I added to the defenses, and Richard II built a series of domestic quarters, including a great hall and kitchens, all of which can be seen today. Portsmouth, Hampshire, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: on S side of Portchester off A27, Junction 11 on M27 Website: Portchester Castle Phone: 02392 378 291 English Heritage OS SU625 046 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Portland Castle    Well-preserved coastal fortress built by Henry VIII. Tudor kitchen, views from the battlements. Audio and touch tours. Castletown, Isle of Portland, Weymouth, Dorset, England, DT5 1AZ Attraction Type: Castle Location: overlooking Portland Harbour, off A354 Website: Portland Castle Email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk Phone: 01305 820 539 English Heritage Location map Details of Portland Castle OS SY685 744 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Prudhoe Castle    A medieval treasure of s fortress, built by the de Umfraville family between 1100 and 1120 to guard a ford across the River Tyne at Prudhoe. The castle has been in continuous use for over 9 centuries. The original castle was besieged on two occasions by Scots invaders, and subsequently strengthened with the addition of a stone keep and great hall. Prudhoe, Northumberland, England, NE42 6NA Attraction Type: Castle Location: Just off the A695 (Princess Way) in Prudhoe, about 10 miles west of central Newcastle. Signposted. Onsite parking. Website: Prudhoe Castle Phone: 01661 833459 English Heritage Location map OS NZ093634 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Raby Castle    One of the great castles of northern England, Raby is a huge 14th century fortress built by the powerful Neville family on an estate once owned by King Cnut. Raby has been inhabited by the Vane family - and a few ghosts! - for almost 400 years. Lovely gardens and a deer park surround the castle. Staindrop, Darlington, County Durham, England, DL2 3AH Attraction Type: Castle Location: off the A688, 2 miles north of Staindrop Website: Raby Castle Email: admin@rabycastle.com Phone: 01833 660 202 Fax: 01833 660 169 Location map Details of Raby Castle OS NZ125 221 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Rayleigh Mount    One of the best Norman motte and bailey castle sites of Essex, a county blessed with several fine examples. The castle mound is set within a ditch surrounded by a wide rampart, which stretches to form a bailey on one side. Rayleigh, Essex, England, SS6 7HD Attraction Type: Castle Location: The castle mound is located near Mill Hall car park, 100 yards or so off High Street in Rayleigh centre Website: Rayleigh Mount Phone: 01284 747500 National Trust Location map OS TQ805909 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Restormel Castle    A massive circular keep dominates this motte and bailey Norman castle, one of the most complete remaining examples in the West Country. Lostwithiel, Cornwall, England, PL22 0BD Attraction Type: Castle Location: 1 m N Lostwithiel, off A390 Website: Restormel Castle Email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk Phone: 01208 872 687 English Heritage Location map OS SX108 596 Heritage Highlight: Excellent example of Norman motte and bailey layout Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Richmond Castle   A huge, stark castle overlooking the River Swale, at the entrance to Swaledale. The fortifications are massively built. Tower Street, Richmond, Yorkshire, England, DL10 4QW Attraction Type: Castle Website: Richmond Castle Email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk Phone: 01748 822493 Location map OS NZ172 008 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Rochester Castle    One of the finest Norman keeps in England, Rochester Castle stands near the Cathedral, overlooking the River Medway. The keep is 113 feet high with walls as thick as 12 feet in places. The castle was built upon the site of an earlier Roman fort, and the keep uses building materials from the old Roman city walls. The Lodge, Rochester-upon-Medway, Medway, Kent, England, ME1 1SX Attraction Type: Castle Location: by Rochester Bridge, A2 Website: Rochester Castle Phone: 01634 402 276 English Heritage Location map OS TQ742684 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Rufus Castle    A striking Norman Castle built on a rocky promintory overlooking Church Ope Cove on the Isle of Portland. The best views of Rufus Castle are from the shore of Church Ope Cove or the small ledge that houses the remains of 12th century St Andrew's Church, halfway down the cliffs. Access by a steep stair from the castle viewing platform. Portland, Dorset, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: Walking access via Church Ope Road, off Wakeham Street, Portland. There is parking in a free lot just south of Church Ope Road. Details of Rufus Castle OS SY696 712 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Sandal Castle    Sandal Castle is a motte and baily fortification on the outskirts of Wakefield, Yorkshire. The castle was probably erected early years of the 12th century. Scenes from Shakespeare's play, 'Henry VI', were set at Sandal Castle. The castle was defended by royal troops in the Civil War and destroyed by order of Parliament after the conflict ceased. Sandal Castle, Yorkshire, England Attraction Type: Castle OS SE337182 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Scarborough Castle    300 foot high ruins atop a headland. The site was alternately fortified by Romans, Saxons, and Vikings before Henry II built the castle you can see today. Castle Road, Scarborough, Yorkshire, England, YO11 1HY Attraction Type: Castle Website: Scarborough Castle Email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk Phone: 01723 371 451 English Heritage Location map OS TA047 891 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Scotney Castle    So you say you love gardens AND castles, but you don't have enough time to visit both? Try Scotney, one of the best gardens in England, built around the ruins of a 14th century moated castle. Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, TN3 8JN Attraction Type: Castle Location: 1 m S Lamberhurst, off A21 Website: Scotney Castle Email: scotneycastle@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01892 893 868 Fax: 01892 890 110 National Trust Location map OS TQ688 354 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Sherborne Old Castle    Besieged for eleven days by Cromwell's forces in 1645, the 12th century stronghold finally fell and was never rebuilt. Castleton, Sherborne, Dorset, England, DT9 3SA Attraction Type: Castle Location: half mile east of Sherborne, off the B3145 Website: Sherborne Old Castle Email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk Phone: 01935 812 730 English Heritage Location map OS ST645167 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Shrewsbury Castle    Ruins of the Norman castle familiar to readers of Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael mysteries. Castle Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, SY1 2AT Attraction Type: Castle Website: Shrewsbury Castle Email: museums@shrewsbury.gov.uk Phone: 01743 358516 Fax: 01743 358411 Location map OS SJ494 128 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Skipsea Castle    Substantial remains of a Norman motte, or castle mound, erected priior to 1086 by Drogo de Beauvriere, Lord of Holderness. Skipsea was one of the first Norman castles in Britain, and it served as the principle residence for the Lords of Holderness before they built a new manor at Burstwick. Skipsea, Yorkshire, England Attraction Type: Castle Website: Skipsea Castle English Heritage OS TA097542 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Skipton Castle    One of the best preserved medieval castles in England, Skipton Castle was built by Robert de Romille around 1090. The fortress was granted by the crown to the Clifford family in 1310. Skipton was besieged by Parliamentary troops during the Civil War, a siege that lasted for three years before the castle was forced to surrender. It fell into disrepair following the conflict, but was restored by Lady Anne Clifford around 1659. The castle is built around a cobbled courtyard, at the centre of which rises a yew tree planted by Lady Cliford to celebrate the restoration of the castle. Skipton, Yorkshire, England Attraction Type: Castle OS SD990522 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Somerton Castle    The ruins of Somerton Castle stand 2 miles from Boothby Graffoe, south of Lincoln. The remains of two towers still stand, surrounded by a moat. One of the towers has been incorporated into an Elizabethan farmhouse. Somerton Castle's finest hour came in 1360, when King John of France, then a captive of Edward III, stayed here. Somerton Castle, Lincolnshire, England Attraction Type: Castle OS SK955585 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Spofforth Castle    The remains of a fortified manor house belonging to the powerful Percy family. There was a manor house here as early as the 11th century, but the current castle remains belong primarily to the 14th and 15th centuries. The best preserved parts of the castle are the hall and solar, but the oldest section is the undercroft, which dates to the 13th century and lies beneath the great hall and family quarters. Spofforth, Yorkshire, England Attraction Type: Castle Website: Spofforth Castle English Heritage OS SE356511 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

St Briavel's Castle   An impressive medieval castle on a hillside site overlooking the River Wye. The site was first fortified by the Norman lord William Fitz Baderon after he obtained the estate in 1086. That first fortification was a motte and bailey fortress, but that was replaced by a square stone keep built atop the motte sometime in the late 12th century. The keep stood over 100 foot in height, and may have served to guard the ford at Bigsweir. St Briavel's, Gloucestershire, England, GL15 6RG Attraction Type: Castle Location: Well signposted in the centre of St Briavel village. Roadside parking. Website: St Briavel's Castle English Heritage Location map OS SO558046 Heritage Highlight: Edward I's late 13th century gatehouse Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

St Catherines Castle    A small, two story artillery fort built by Henry VIII in 1530 as one of a pair of forts designed to defend Fowey harbour. Fowey, Cornwall, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: 1 mile SW Fowey along footpath off A3082 Website: St Catherines Castle Phone: 01179 750 700 English Heritage OS SX118 508 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

St Mawes Castle    One of the finest of Henry VIII's coastal defenses, designed to defend the English coast from attack by Spain and France. St Mawes is a clover leaf design, and represented the most advanced military architecture of the time. The castle was not designed to defend against a land attack, and was easily taken by Parliamentary forces durin the Civil War. St Mawes, Cornwall, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: on A3078 Website: St Mawes Castle Phone: 01326 270 526 English Heritage OS SW842 328 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

St Michael's Mount    What can you say? What a site, perched atop the craggy island rock! Beautiful causewayed approach, followed by a steep climb to the house itself. An odd mix of house, religious retreat, and fortified castle. A pilgrimage centre in the Middle Ages, converted first to a fortress, then to a house after the Civil War. Marazion, Penzance, Cornwall, England, TR17 0EF Attraction Type: Castle Location: approach via the causeway at low tide, or by ferry Website: St Michael's Mount Email: mail@stmichaelsmount.co.uk Phone: 01736 710 507 Fax: 01736 719 930 Location map Details of St Michael's Mount OS SW515 300 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Sutton Valence Castle   The ruins of a 12th century Norman castle. The best surviving part of the castle is the stone-built keep, of square design, which stands atop a tall mound, offering excellent views over the surrounding countryside. The keep may have been built by William le Gros, count of Aumale, possibly to control the main road running from Maidstone to Rye and Winchelsea on the coast. Rectory Lane, Sutton Valence, Kent, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: In Sutton Valence village, on the A274 about 5 miles south east of Maidstone. The castle is signposted from the village centre, but there is no parking on site and the road is narrow. Park along the High Street and follow a short footpath to the castle si Website: Sutton Valence Castle English Heritage - Photos of Sutton Valence Castle OS TQ653606 Heritage Highlight: Ruined castle keep in a superb location looking out towards the Weald Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

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