I recently went on a tour of castles along the Scottish border and Wales. 23 castles in two weeks. My top three were Beaumaris Dunstanburgh and Stokesay
Just me then? Come on, there must be some other Europeans (or Americans who travel) who like castles...
The last time I visited a castle was Neuschwanstein in Germany. Absolutely spectacular looking. Very much a fairy tale version of what a castle should look like. I understand Disney did a lot of borrowing from the look of Neuschwanstein.
The whole of Bavaria is a little like Disneyland and that is mainly due to the "Mad King" Ludwig, who built all kind of attractions in the province in the 19th century. Disney got fabulously wealthy, Ludwig was deposed and murdered, say most. Did you see the Grotto in Neuschwanstein? I've seen pictures and it has electric lights and looks very modern.
We've got two near us both within about 15 minutes drive I like Leeds Castle best.... ....its grounds are just perfect for sunny afternoon strolls....technically its not a "castle" but....who cares.... its a great place Also we have Rochester Castle...which is or at least was the real deal....apparently there's been a castle/fast there since before god was an embryo
Oh yeah, Rochester is a real castle. I've not been to it yet. I went to Hever castle last year which is in your neighbourhood. Great moated castle with Tudor interior. Very touristy but all the restored ones are. I prefer a good ruin myself where you can see the true age.
If you're down our neck of the woods its worth a pog around especially with the cathedral right next to it. Hever is a wee gem though especially the gardens and the lake walks. We used to go a lot when the kids were...well kids...it has a water maze and they liked it when we stopped for a cuppa at the tea room as it was right next to the potting shed which they could play in... There's another smaller one near Lamberhurst, Scottney Castle which again has some really nice grounds to wander in...its not really a castle but again if you're in Kent its a worth a visit
Lovenstein the central keep, some out buildings,...only one tower remains and the curtain wall is gone but still a good visit
St Angelo Castle Rome, emergency refuge for the Popes connected to Vatican with an escape route running above the streets
what's left of the Louvre Castle under the Louvre palace, interesting to see how high the city streets are now compared to back in the day when the castle was built, this was the main entrance between the towers, the square part is the support for the draw bridge
ate Oh that's beautiful. That tower is late 14th century state of the art. We've got a half moated 13th century fortified manor a couple of miles from home. St Peters Hall. Now an Inn attached to a brewery. I have worked there a couple of times in the past. Lovely old oak panelling inside.
Wow. All photos stunning and amazing. Shame what happened to Notre Dame. There are some (including Westerners) who despise our history and culture.