© 1995-2008 Lise Hull
Every castle you explore will provide you with a new and fascinating
experience: each castle has a unique character of its own, owing to the extent of its
preservation (whether it is still in livable condition or completely ruinous), its history,
its location and its singular architecture. Not only do they offer the chance to climb
spiraling stairways to the tops of the battlements, castles offer secretive
passageways, unusual decoration, breathtakingly spectacular views, and the chance
to relive the past.
While some castles are freely accessible, many are open to the public through the
efforts of a castle trust or preservation agency. Expect to spend at least one or two
hours. In most cases, you will be allowed to roam freely, so be sure to pick up a
guidebook with a detailed map of the site - they are great aids in clarifying the
confusion you may feel and are also excellent keepsakes. It is your choice: some
castles may entice you into an extensive search through each and every corner (it
was my goal at many castles to go everywhere I could, to climb every step to the top
of every tower!); others are viewable without too much physical labor.
Some castles offer guided tours, particularly those that are privately owned or lived-in, or have a wealth of treasures on display. (You may even run into the Lord of the Manor showing the electrician around!) Some castles offer audio tours. Take advantage of these; you walk around at your own pace and see as little or as much as you like, without an escort to move you along. Mostly, you will be left to your own devices, to touch each rock, to amble through every room, to wind up every staircase, to examine the overall design of the place (exterior and interior), and to experience the bird's-eye view of an architect's dream.
When travelling through Britain, become a member of one of the heritage societies
and receive free entry and/or discounts to all monuments in their care. English
Heritage, CADW: Welsh Historic Monuments, and Historic Scotland offer reciprocal
programs of membership discounts at each other's sites. The National Trust also
offers membership discounts, but maintains fewer castles than the others listed
above. While saving yourself some money, you will also be making a great
contribution to the preservation of these timeless, special places.
Both English Heritage and the National Trust also have branches in the U.S. for individuals interested in receiving their literature and membership discounts and it is easy to join while in Britain.
Many castles have excellent gift shops (for the serious castle explorer and the
general public), as well as wonderful cafes or restaurants for sampling the local
cuisine. Castles are grand places to spend your day - and your life!
