The Castle Rolls
Castles with walks.
73 castles where a visitor has described an actual walk - a coast path, a circular route, a woodland or lakeside trail - in their own Google review. Across every operator and all four nations, with what each of them said.
England - 34
Bagot's Castle
Warwickshire
“Great nature trail, walk and lots of seating places with picnic tables with view of river”
Photo: Snowmanradio at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Beeston Castle
Cheshire
“Walk up to the top part of the castle involved some steps and either a walk through the woodland or around the remaining curtain walls.”
Photo: TCExplorer, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Caister Castle
Norfolk
“There's an energetic climb up the tower, with amazing views of the area, a woodland walk and a s.all tearoom providing very light snacks”
Photo: John Fielding from Norwich, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Camber Castle
East Sussex
“You can access this from a footpath from Rye town.”
Photo: Barbara van Cleve, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Carlisle Castle
Cumbria
“We walked around the walls as well.”
Photo: David P from Lancaster, United Kingdom, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Castle Acre Castle and Bailey Gate
Norfolk
“We did a 6 mile circular walk which was lovely following the river, through forests all pretty easy level walking, dog friendly, not wet for us but would be during winter months.”
Photo: Richard Humphrey, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Cawood Castle
North Yorkshire
“No access to the gatehouse, but you can walk along the public footpath at the side where the medieval features are.”
Photo: Chris Heaton, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Chillingham Castle
Northumberland
“A nice fountain in the middle of the garden, and a woodland walk plus a lake at the back too Overall we really enjoyed our visit and we'll be coming back soon.”
Photo: TSP, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Cowdray Ruins
West Sussex
“Here, disabled parking is free but it is a kissing-gate walking path and is uneven/sandy -so a heavy wheelchair may struggle.”
Photo: Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Cromwell's Castle
Cornwall
“You will need to walk along a narrow coast path which takes about 30 minutes from the harbour.”
Photo: Paul, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Dartmouth Castle
Devon
“Lovely walk around headland and picked up coastal footpath.”
Photo: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Deddington Castle
Oxfordshire
“There's a decent walking path and field with grass.”
Eastnor Castle
Herefordshire
“Nice walk round the lake with places for the kids to play.”
Photo: Philip Pankhurst, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Grimsthorpe Castle
Lincolnshire
“Woodland walk, topiary and roses to smell.”
Photo: Wehha, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Hadleigh Castle
Essex
“Such beautiful landscape and walking trail 😻😻😻😻 you can even see the biggest buildings of London from here 😅”
Photo: Chris Beach from London, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Harewood Castle
West Yorkshire
“Loved visiting this little 14th century gem, Firstly its in the middle of a small woodland as others have suggested park at kite cottages and head down the public footpath.”
Photo: TJ Blackwell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden
Warwickshire
“The castle is a fine sight from the footpath to the east, very photogenic!”
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor, CC BY 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Kirby Muxloe Castle
Leicestershire
“We were allowed to walk round the grounds as that is open 24/7.”
Photo: Pahazzard, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Launceston Castle
Cornwall
“To walk round the grounds and read all info it will take about 45 minutes to 1hour 15mins.”
Photo: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Longtown Castle
Herefordshire
“A beautiful little castle ruin in a friendly and pleasant village with good walking routes in the surrounding area.”
Photo: John H Darch, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Lullingstone Castle
Kent
“The grounds are beautifully kept, with lovely parkland, small bridges over a little river, and attractive walking paths that make the whole place feel relaxing and picturesque.”
Photo: Marathon, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Lympne Castle
Kent
“Walked round the grounds of the church were there are more views from.”
Photo: N Chadwick, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Odiham Castle
Hampshire
“It's near a beautiful walking path and a great spot to check out.”
Photo: BabelStone, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Piel Castle
Cumbria
“Camping available at £5 per night ( with toilets) Had a nice walk around the island.”
Photo: Geni, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Powderham Castle
Devon
“Visited at May Half Term when the heatwave was subsiding, we had a lovely walk around the gardens and viewed deer in the parkland.”
Photo: Davepark, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Restormel Castle
Cornwall
“Within the walls you can climb up steep stone steps to walk around the walls and down the other side, which are stable wooden steps with hand rails.”
Sherborne Castle
Dorset
“The walking paths were easy, and I appreciated the informative signage describing trees that are over 100 years old.”
Photo: Mik Peach, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Kent
“Fantastic gardens with a couple of nice longer walking trails to do around the grounds.”
Photo: HARTLEPOOLMARINA2014, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Sizergh Castle
Cumbria
“Finally, a walk around the lake gives splendid views of the house, which then takes you to the Soil Exhibition.”
Photo: Christopher Down, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Spofforth Castle
North Yorkshire
“Also found a nice 30min circular walk route that I will try next time :)”
Photo: TJBlackwell, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Stafford Castle
Staffordshire
“Exploring the castle grounds is a treat in itself, with scenic walking paths that wind through the ancient walls and towers.”
Star Castle
Cornwall
“The grounds are lovely and the trail around the fort/castle made for a good hike.”
Photo: David Purchase, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Sudeley Castle
Gloucestershire
“Went for a quick walk around the gardens and castle and it was simply gorgeous.”
Photo: Wdejager, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Northern Ireland - 7
Belfast Castle
County Antrim
“The grounds are well-maintained, with lovely gardens and walking paths that are perfect for exploring at a comfortable pace.”
Photo: Trevor Caruth (Uploaded by Johnnykimble), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Carrickfergus Castle
County Antrim
“Beautiful wee castle and walking trails with food vans, toilets, plenty of parking and plenty of history.”
Photo: Adam Bishop, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Dundrum Castle
County Down
“Free parking is great too, and there's a short woodland walk you can take to get to the castle.”
Photo: Eschadew, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Dunseverick Castle
County Antrim
“And you can even walk from this castle to Dunluce castle its 12km walk if you have someone to pick you up.”
Photo: The original uploader was Pdean at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Glenarm Castle
County Antrim
“While walking around the garden there are lots of places to stop and enjoy the space and garden.”
Monea Castle
County Fermanagh
“The castle's gardens and grounds are equally impressive, with picturesque walking trails and scenic vistas.”
Photo: Jody McIntyre from Montreal, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Tully Castle
County Fermanagh
“We actually were there for a short walk of 2km.”
Photo: Otter, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Scotland - 20
Ballindalloch Castle
Moray
“The riverside walk is serene and beautiful.”
Photo: Mike McBey, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Balmoral Castle
Aberdeenshire
“The walking paths are numerous around the castle, grounds, and river.”
Photo: Stuart Yeates from Oxford, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Bothwell Castle
South Lanarkshire
“Beautiful walk along the river to the town of Uddingston and the train station.”
Photo: Pradeep, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Brodick Castle
North Ayrshire
“The walk through the woodland to the south of the castle is a must with lots of curiosities dotted along the route with statutes and interactive art installations.”
Photo: Sir Gawain, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Castle of Old Wick
Highland
“But the short walk along the coast with its wonderful rock formations and the views were really worth our time.”
Photo: Flaxton, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Craigievar Castle
Aberdeenshire
“Did not do the tour as we had our dog with us but did do the woodland walk”
Photo: Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Crathes Castle
Aberdeenshire
“After we completed the tour the heat from the sun guided us to the nearby ice cream vendor followed by a walk around the gardens.”
Photo: Lucas Kendall, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Culzean Castle
South Ayrshire
“And the woodland walk high in the trees was great, very cleverly made.”
Photo: Jamesx12345, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Doune Castle
Stirling
“The surroundings are incredibly lush, green, and peaceful, with lovely walking paths tracing around the castle.”
Photo: Godot13, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Elcho Castle
Perth and Kinross
“Lovely drive to the site and a very interesting walk around the estate.”
Glamis Castle
Angus
“There was a play park for kids, Highland cows, gardens which will be lovely in bloom, they were all quite sparse today, fantastic woodland walk, italian garden was lovely.”
Photo: Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Inveraray Castle
Argyll and Bute
“The gardens particularly are lovely, and there is a little woodland walk at the rear which is great when the weather is fine.”
Photo: DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Kellie Castle
Fife
“You can walk around the gardens at your leisure.”
Photo: MaggieMayRose, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Kilmartin Castle
Argyll and Bute
“If you’re looking to adventure out of the castle there is a fabulous pub, museum, church, and plenty of beautiful walking trails nearby that our party all thoroughly enjoyed.”
Photo: Oldstonehomes, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Loch Doon Castle
East Ayrshire
“There are also plenty of scenic walking routes starting from the site, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding landscape.”
Photo: Graeme Maclean from Glasgow, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Lochleven Castle
Perth and Kinross
“The only down side was there were so many flies at that time of year it was impossible to do the woodland walk.”
Photo: Jonathan Oldenbuck, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Lochmaben Castle
Dumfries and Galloway
“Nice walk around the Loch to get here, really well set out with little fun things for kids to find and do.”
Photo: Jonathan Oldenbuck, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Ravenscraig Castle
Fife
“You may also take a rewarding walk to nearby Dysart with its harbour and Harbour Masters House Cafe along the Fife Coastal Path.”
Photo: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Roxburgh Castle
Scottish Borders
“Turn left and walk along the river for a short while.”
Thirlestane Castle
Scottish Borders
“If I wanted to, I could have walked miles on various walking trails but I stuck to nearer the house.”
Wales - 12
Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly
“Walking around the grounds gives you a sense of the size of the site, and there are lovely views from different angles across the lakes and walls.”
Photo: Balon Greyjoy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Chirk Castle
Wrexham
“The gardens and surrounding grounds are equally breathtaking, with lush greenery, peaceful walking paths, and stunning countryside views in every direction 🌿.”
Cilgerran Castle
Pembrokeshire
“It’s then a short walk along the river and up some stairs to get the castle.”
Photo: Waterborough, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Dinefwr Castle
Carmarthenshire
“The walk to it is a steep hill followed by a steep woodland walk.”
Photo: Daniel Phillips, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Llansteffan Castle
Carmarthenshire
“The footpath/road is uneven in places.”
Photo: Jacob Allen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Monmouth Castle
Monmouthshire
“Its a nice place to while away the hours or walk along the river minnow, and they have a nice selection of places to eat or drink and some nice shops too.”
Photo: Scribwik, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Oxwich Castle
Swansea
“Indeed, if you're feeling a little energetic, there is a downloadable 3.5 mile walk that takes in both Bay and Castle in a circular route.”
Penrhyn Castle
Gwynedd
“Outside, the grounds are peaceful with gardens, trees and walking paths.”
Photo: Hefin Owen from Wales, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Picton Castle
Pembrokeshire
“There are both formal and informal planted areas - plus a woodland walk we didn't have time for.”
Photo: Waterborough, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Ruthin Castle
Denbighshire
“Had a lovely walk around the grounds afterwards.”
Photo: Rosser1954, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Where this list comes from
Every castle here is listed because a real visitor described a walking route in a Google review, in their own words. The test excludes the most common thing people mean when they write "walk" in a review: the distance from the car park to the gate. A castle with a fine walk can still be missing simply because none of the reviews on file happened to mention it.
Always check before you book
These are visitors' accounts, not route guides. We hold no distances, waymarks, start points or gradients, and nothing here is a substitute for the operator's own information and an Ordnance Survey map. Coastal and clifftop paths are weather- and tide-dependent, some estate walks close for shooting or lambing, and a route that was open when someone wrote about it may not be today.