My Castle tour of England - Day 1

So I got to cross something off my bucket list (feels good to do it too). I was a history major in college and European history was my favorite. I've always been fascinated by castles and when I got the opportunity to take a mini "holiday" to England I jumped at the chance.

I did days of research looking for castles that were both your "touristy" types and those that were off the beaten path. I found it all, and I was like a kid in a candy store. I couldn't get enough. The list I had was some 15 strong, and I was planning on cramming all in in four days. The more I looked at my list the more I thought I was in over my head and I started to think that if I got to five or so I would be set. HA! Little did I know how driven I'd be to see as much as possible.

I modified the list halfway thru, but I wouldn't have changed anything. I can't wait to go back and continue touching the past!

Here's some of my favorites from Day 1 (day 1 I saw Arundle, Tonbridge, Hadlow and Amberley)

Arundle Castle

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/wafp/7202756248​/

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IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/wafp/7203003064​/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/wafp/7203288128​/

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IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/wafp/7212391994​/

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Those are terrific shots. A couple of years ago we visited several castles throughout Ireland & even spent the night in Cabra Castle. It was very cool!

Awesome pictures, enjoy your vac.

Looks like a good place for TS-E

Wonderful Series!

Rule Britannia!

You lucky dog, that should be a fun trip. Pembroke castle in Wales is worth a visit.

I like your first shot, have fun and keep posting.

WaFp wrote in post #14792479
I did days of research looking for castles that were both your "touristy" types and those that were off the beaten path. I found it all, and I was like a kid in a candy store. I couldn't get enough. The list I had was some 15 strong, and I was planning on cramming all in in four days. The more I looked at my list the more I thought I was in over my head and I started to think that if I got to five or so I would be set. HA! Little did I know how driven I'd be to see as much as possible.

LOL, yeah, five wouldn't be a problem in four days. You don't have to drive huge distances between them. There are over 1,500 castles in England and they are crammed into a pretty small nation (about a third the size of California). If they aren't enough, then there are another few hundred dotted around Wales and Scotland as well.

Like you, I love castles and am fascinated by their history, however I miss out on the same excitement as you because I have grown up here, and castles are part of the landscape along with village churches (many, many of which are also 700-1,000 years old and still in use) and even older historical sites dating from Roman times and earlier.

I have spent countless hours, throughout my life, wandering around and exploring ancient buildings (and ruins) and it has become fairly commonplace to me. I envy you your excitement at finally encountering some real castles, after a long wait.

I am glad you enjoyed your visit here, and I look forward to seeing which other castles you visited.

very nice shots, like the first and next to the last shot a lot

Nice castles!

Maureen Souza wrote in post #14792499
Those are terrific shots. A couple of years ago we visited several castles throughout Ireland & even spent the night in Cabra Castle. It was very cool!

Thanks! I spent most of my time in Kent. When I go back it's time for Wales!

daniel1223 wrote in post #14792511
Awesome pictures, enjoy your vac.

Looks like a good place for TS-E

Thanks! The holiday was amazing and I wish I had the coin for a TS lens

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #14792554
Wonderful Series!

Rule Britannia!

Thanks Jay!

bcd01 wrote in post #14792603
You lucky dog, that should be a fun trip. Pembroke castle in Wales is worth a visit.

I like your first shot, have fun and keep posting.

Pembroke is on my list for when I hit up Wales (and the Mach Loop)

sandpiper wrote in post #14792746
LOL, yeah, five wouldn't be a problem in four days. You don't have to drive huge distances between them. There are over 1,500 castles in England and they are crammed into a pretty small nation (about a third the size of California). If they aren't enough, then there are another few hundred dotted around Wales and Scotland as well.

Like you, I love castles and am fascinated by their history, however I miss out on the same excitement as you because I have grown up here, and castles are part of the landscape along with village churches (many, many of which are also 700-1,000 years old and still in use) and even older historical sites dating from Roman times and earlier.

I have spent countless hours, throughout my life, wandering around and exploring ancient buildings (and ruins) and it has become fairly commonplace to me. I envy you your excitement at finally encountering some real castles, after a long wait.

I am glad you enjoyed your visit here, and I look forward to seeing which other castles you visited.

I envy your backyard. I got the English Heritage guidebook and was awed by the diversity of the castles and the beautiful locations that surround them. I'll be back!

rick_reno wrote in post #14794441
very nice shots, like the first and next to the last shot a lot

Thank you!

Harm wrote in post #14795839
Nice castles!

Thanks!