Castles are some of the most beautiful architectural buildings we have seen in our travels. We love to visit them and hear the history behind them. No matter what, there’s always something unique and intriguing about each castle. They were all built for different purposes, for interesting people, and in some of the most beautiful places. Whether they are in ruins or still inhabited, the castles we’ve seen have all blown us away.
Hearst
In California, we visited the Hearst Castle. It’s one of the newer castles, being built in 1919 for William Randolph Hearst. It’s a beautiful castle, which is why we were both surprised when we were told that Mr. Hearst referred to it as “the ranch.”
The castle is up on top of beautiful California hill, and consequently, has spectacular views of the ocean and the landscape.
The pools were some of the most amazing parts to see. He had an indoor AND outdoor pool.
Buckingham
Just a few months ago, Claire was in London and saw where the Queen lives. Her “castle” is exactly what you expect when you think “royalty.” It doesn’t look like your typical castle, but we like to think of it as one, since all the royals have lived there since 1703.
The changing of the guards was the most spectacular thing to see at Buckingham Palace.
Heidelberg
Laura visited this Heidelberg castle in Germany which is in ruins but it was still amazing to see what was once a beautiful Renaissance and gothic-style castle, built around the 13th century:
Germany
On top of the hills of Germany was another beautiful castle:
Biltmore
Another castle we’ve visited is the beautiful Biltmore estate in North Carolina: (photo courtesy of Mike Miley on Flickr) It is the largest home in North America and the inside of this spectacular house is even more breathtaking! The history of it is even more amazing, so if you’re anywhere near North Carolina, we suggest you visit this one-of-a-kind castle!
Edinburgh
We hope to see the captivating Edinburgh castle in Scotland in the near future sometime. If you’re going to Edinburgh, you can check out Edinburgh hotels here.
{photo courtesy of beautifulplacestovisit.com}
What is your favorite castle you’ve visited and why?
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Laura and Claire have been best friends for over 16 years and have found a true passion for traveling the world! We also share an enthusiasm for photography and adventure. [read more] Sponsors
Gorgeous! Great pictures!
Thanks Adam! Castles always make for great photo ops!
Beautiful photos. I missed Hearst Castle on my trip down the coast of California, but seeing these pictures makes me realize what exactly I missed out on. It looks spectacular.
John’s most recent post: In Which John Outruns a Hurricane
Thanks, John! You will have to visit the Hearst Castle next time you go back!
My favourite thing to do in Germany is visit castles! It seems like every hill has an old fort, monastery of beautiful castle. I really enjoyed Heidelberg, it is such a magical place. :D
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Castles are also one of our favorite things to see! Glad you liked the Heidelberg castle too. Thanks Audrey!
I love castles!!! All my friends know this as well, haha. When I told my friends in Europe that I was coming to visit them last summer, they all pretty much took me to a castle on the first day :P
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Neat! We love them too because there’s so much history and they’re always beautiful! And Europe is one of the best places to see them.
My favourite castle has to be Dover castle. It’s on top of the beautiful, iconic white cliffs. It has World WarII tunnels in the cliff where the brains of britain protected England from and other mix of historic upgrades made to it.
To me it represents everything a British castle should look like. It’s wonderful driving through Dover and seeing the castle high above you, looming over the valley, I can’t believe something so old is still there.