Castles to visit on a narrowboat holiday
There are many castles close to canals and rivers in England and Wales
From prison cells and dungeon tours, to ramparts and banqueting halls, there are some great castles to visit on a narrowboat holiday.
1. Explore the 18th century prison cells at Oxford Castle & Prison
Cruising from our base at Lower Heyford on the Oxford Canal, it’s a tranquil 8-hour cruise to moorings at Hythe Bridge, close to Oxford Castle. The journey to Oxford and back travels 29 miles and passes through 20 locks (10 each way). Oxford Castle was founded by the Norman baron Robert D’Oilly the elder in 1071, but most of the fortress was destroyed in the English Civil War. By the 18th century, the remaining buildings had become Oxford’s local prison. Today, as well as exploring the castle’s tower, crypt and mound, you can take a guided tour of the old prison.
2. See the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle
You can visit Windsor Castle on a narrowboat holiday departing from Aldermaston on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Berkshire. It takes 2 days to reach Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. The journey travels 39 miles and passes through 22 locks. With 1,000 years of Royal history to discover, including Charles II’s magnificent State Apartments, Windsor Castle is packed with treasures from the Royal Collection. The Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays at 11am, is a colour spectacle of British pageantry.
3. Climb the ramparts at Warwick Castle
From Stockton on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire, it’s a 7-hour journey, passing through 20 locks, to Warwick Castle on the banks of the River Avon. This is an amazing castle to visit on a narrowboat holiday! Dating back to William the Conqueror, Warwick Castle has ramparts to climb, the spooky Castle Dungeon tour to experience and the Great Hall and Staterooms to explore. You’ll also find the sights, sounds and smells of the medieval period to witness in the Kingmaker exhibition. And there are soaring birds of prey displays to watch, landscaped gardens wonder through and regular special live action performances.
4. Find out about the siege at Skipton Castle
Cruising from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire, it takes around 3.5 hours to reach Skipton Castle. This 900-year old fortress is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England. And it’s very close to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, so it’s a great castle to visit on a narrowboat holiday. Skipton Castle withstood a 3-year siege during the English Civil War. Today, visitors can climb from the depths of the Dungeon up to the top of the Watch Tower, and explore the magnificent Banqueting Hall, Kitchen, Bedchamber and Privy in between.
5. Discover murder holes at Chirk Castle
From Chirk on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, it takes just 40 minutes to cruise to Chirk Bank visitor moorings. From there, it takes around 30 minutes to walk up to Chirk Castle. Owned by the National Trust, Chirk Castle is one of several medieval marcher fortresses built on the Welsh-English border. Started in 1295, Chirk Castle had the most up-to-date defences of the time. These include round ‘drum’ towers that allowed archers a wide firing field, and created a ‘killing zone’ where the fields of fire overlapped. Today, you can explore the Castle’s lavishly furnished rooms and Adam Tower, complete with two-level dungeons, medieval toilets and murder holes. There’s also 480 acres of parkland with walking trails to enjoy, and glorious gardens to stroll through.
