The Castle Rolls
Coastal castles.
38 castles that visitors describe by the sea, on the coast or with clifftop and sea views - drawn from publicly available Google reviews across every operator and all four nations.
England - 16
Bamburgh Castle
Northumberland
“…simply someone who appreciates stunning coastal vistas, Bamburgh Castle delivers an unforgettable experienc…”
Photo: Matthew Hartley, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Berwick-upon-Tweed Castle and Ramparts
Northumberland
“…round the city. We just did the section overlooking the sea. You cannot access the ruins. Wonderful views to be had.”
Photo: Rosser1954, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Burgh Castle Roman Fort
Norfolk
“This is the remains of a Roman coastal fort. Just off the road is a controlled parking area. It n…”
Photo: Ashley Dace, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Calshot Castle
Hampshire
“…isit run by English Heritage. Fantastic views over the sea. Castle itself very interesting though alot of steps so war…”
Photo: Geni, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Dartmouth Castle
Devon
“…vely walk around headland and picked up coastal footpath. Smashing to find National Trust had toilets open…”
Photo: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Deal Castle
Kent
“Deal Castle is a historic coastal fortress located in the seaside town of Deal in southeast E…”
Photo: Lieven Smits, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Dunstanburgh Castle
Northumberland
“…e castle is very relaxing, with amazing coastal views along the way. If the weather is nice, it’s a perfec…”
Photo: Tim Simpson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Kingswear Castle
Devon
“…you live in a Castle right on the rocks by the sea for a few days. Inside it's cozy and warm (well, the living…”
Photo: Nilfanion, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Knaresborough Castle
North Yorkshire
“…card come to life. Perched right on the clifftop, the ruins have a really romantic, historic feel to them, b…”
Photo: Redvers, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Pendennis Castle
Cornwall
“…few stairs. But the cattle is nice, the sea view is nice too. But the barracks don't offer much. And the cas…”
Photo: Chris Holifield, https://www.geograph.org.uk/profile/21337, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Piel Castle
Cumbria
“…ic other worldly feeling place. Amazing estuary views. The castle ruins are the largest in the NWest. Well worth…”
Photo: Geni, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Portland Castle
Dorset
“Stout Tudor fortress on the coast of Portland, with good views across the water and some well…”
Photo: Ajsmith141, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
St Mawes Castle
Cornwall
“…Cornwall, is one of the best-preserved coastal artillery fortresses from the Tudor period. Constructed bet…”
Photo: Kernow Skies, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Tynemouth Priory and Castle
Tyne and Wear
“…c ruins, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful sea views make it look truly special. It seems like the perfect place…”
Photo: Thenorthmannn, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Upnor Castle
Kent
“…amatic Dutch raid that reshaped English coastal defences.”
Photo: Phil Pead, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Northern Ireland - 6
Ballygally Castle
County Antrim
“Stayed for one night with a friend in a coastal deluxe room and the entire experience was first class. Chec…”
Photo: Kenneth Allen, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Carrickfergus Castle
County Antrim
“…f is very nice, with lovely scenery and sea views along the route.”
Photo: Adam Bishop, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Dundrum Castle
County Down
“Beautiful, big castle. Great view of the sea and mountains. Big parking”
Photo: Eschadew, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Dunluce Castle
County Antrim
“A truly awe-inspiring clifftop ruin with one of the most dramatic settings of any castle i…”
Photo: Iain Irwin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Glenarm Castle
County Antrim
“…pods! If you're visiting the Causeway Coastal Route, make this a priority stop. You won't regret it. 🏰🌿”
Scotland - 11
Broughty Castle
Dundee City
“…beautiful historic castle with amazing sea views. The atmosphere is very peaceful, and the background music…”
Photo: Euan Nelson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Caerlaverock Castle
Dumfries and Galloway
“…ly wooded walk 🌲 to the bird hide, with coastal paths 🌊 in both directions, we even saw some squirrels play…”
Photo: Simon Ledingham, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Castle of Old Wick
Highland
“…k then when it was still standing. Here on the coast, looking over the sea. It's not the longest thing to visit…”
Photo: Flaxton, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Culzean Castle
South Ayrshire
“…and gifts. The combination of dramatic coastal scenery, well-maintained grounds, and the impressive castle…”
Photo: Jamesx12345, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Dunnottar Castle
Aberdeenshire
“…redible, with dramatic cliffs, stunning sea views, and endless photo opportunities. If you're planning to go…”
Photo: Anne Burgess, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel
Argyll and Bute
“…troll the surrounding grounds and small coastal bays where centuries ago ships used to berth. The ruins of…”
Photo: Raibeart MacAoidh, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse
Aberdeenshire
“…s, or anyone who appreciates Scotland’s coastal charm. It’s a hidden gem on the northeast coast that deserv…”
Photo: Sagaciousphil, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Lauriston Castle
City of Edinburgh
“…n sit and enjoy the sweeping, panoramic views of the sea. This combination of manicured greenery and rugged coastal…”
Photo: User:Supergolden, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Portencross Castle
North Ayrshire
“…ly popular with dog walkers. Along that coastal route you also see the magnificent 3 sisters rock formation…”
Photo: Rosser1954, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Wales - 5
Criccieth Castle
Gwynedd
“…ast of the Llyn peninsula. It has great views of the coast and the mountains of Snowdonia. Steep climb to get to it so…”
Photo: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Harlech Castle
Gwynedd
“…o visit. An amazing building. Wonderful views over the coast and surrounding area. A good cafe, but somewhat limited if…”
Photo: Pymouss, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Llansteffan Castle
Carmarthenshire
“…ing is in the small village with lovely sea views. A steep but straightforward walk up the hill takes about 1…”
Photo: Jacob Allen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Manorbier Castle
Pembrokeshire
“…are a stones throw from the beach and coastal walks.”
Photo: Ainslie, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
St Donat's Castle
Vale of Glamorgan
“…and Nash Point Lighthouse and is on the coastal path.”
Photo: cowbridgeguide.co.uk, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped
Where this list comes from
Every castle here is listed because a real visitor described the sea, the coast, or clifftop and sea views in a Google review. It's a list built from what visitors actually saw and said, not from a map, so it captures the castles people genuinely experience as coastal.
Always check before you book
Coastal castles can mean exposed cliff paths and weather-dependent access - some island and clifftop sites are tide- or ferry-dependent. Check the castle's own page (linked from every entry) and the forecast before you set out.