Top 14 Castles in Greater London
Castles in Greater London provide a glimpse into centuries of British history and architectural evolution. The region, characterized by its urban landscape and surrounding green spaces, hosts a collection of historically significant structures. These sites range from ancient royal fortresses to grand palaces and unique follies. They serve as important cultural landmarks within the diverse Greater London area.
Best castles in Greater London
- The most popular castles is Tower of London, a historical site that has served as a royal palace, fortress, prison, and armory. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for housing the Crown Jewels and its Yeoman Warders.
- Another must-see spot is Kensington Palace and Gardens, a historical site with extensive gardens. Visitors can explore the palace, which has been a royal residence, and enjoy the surrounding green spaces.
- Visitors also love Severndroog Castle, a historical site with a viewing tower. It offers panoramic views from its roof and includes a tearoom at its base.
- Greater London is known for its historic fortresses, royal palaces, and unique viewing towers. These sites offer a variety of experiences, from exploring ancient battlements to walking through opulent royal apartments.
- The castles in Greater London are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 800 upvotes and over 700 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: July 12, 2026
Tower of London
Highlight • Historical Site
Over the years, the tower has been a Royal palace, prison, execution chamber, armoury, and even a zoo. Today, the Tower of London is a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the tower, you can see the magnificent Crown Jewels, plus lots more.
Due to the popularity of this attraction, it is worth booking tickets in advance.
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Tower of London
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Kensington Palace and Gardens
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The gardens are fenced, unlike some of the other parks, and only open during daylight hours. There are more formal aspects to the gardens than other parks and they were once park of Hyde Park. The Italian Garden is one of the most curated areas, with its fountains and classical statues. The gardens are free to enter.
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Hampton Court Palace and the Thames Path
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Severndroog Castle
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Eltham Palace and Gardens
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The Castle Climbing Centre
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Ham House
Highlight • Historical Site
Originally built in 1610, Ham House is the creation of an enterprising courtier, William Murray, and his tenacious daughter Elizabeth.
As a boy, William was educated with the young Charles I. Remaining friends as adults; William was given the lease of Ham House and its estate as a gift from the King in 1626. William, and later his daughter Elizabeth, transformed Ham into the house we see today; a rare 17th-century survival of luxury and grandeur.
nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house-and-garden/features/the-history-of-ham-house
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Hampton Court Palace Gardens
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The White Tower – Royal Armouries Museum
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The White Tower was built between 1078 and 1100 by William the Conqueror to impress, subdue, and terrify Londoners, as well as deter foreign invaders. Along with the entire Tower Fortress, the White Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Grade II listed building. Each floor is filled with exceptional exhibits that demonstrate how this impressive building and the entire Tower have been used over the centuries.
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Lovely small viewing tower with its own cafe and small woods - Castle Wood. Part of much larger Oxleas Woods.
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The Tower of London is a historic fortress located on the north bank of the River Thames in London, next to Tower Bridge. The tower is located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, east of the City of London, in an area known as Tower Hill. Construction began around the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England. The White Tower, which gave its name to the entire castle, was built on the orders of William the Conqueror in 1078 and was seen as a symbol of the oppression inflicted on London by the ruling class. The castle was used as a prison as early as 1100. It also served as a grand palace and royal residence. The entire tower is a complex of several buildings surrounded by two concentric defensive walls and a moat. There were several phases of expansion, mainly during the reigns of Richard I, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. The general plan established at the end of the 13th century did not evolve despite subsequent activities within these walls
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Ham House is a 17th-century pile between the river and Petersham. It's had a long list of famous residents from the courts of many British kings and queens through the years. Its attractive red bricks are quite distinctive, so even if you just stop outside it's worth it.
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Severndroog Castle is an elegantly preserved Gothic tower situated on Shooter’s Hill, one of the highest points in London. Not an actual castle but an 18th Century folly. It has a cafe and viewing platform. The surrounding woodland is known as Castle Wood which is part of Oxleas Woods. Lots of tracks and trails, many fast and hilly, are located around the tower.
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Contains much of English military history
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Hampton Court Palace is a grade 1 listed royal palace on the banks of the Thames a few miles from London. The building began in 1514 by Cardinal Wolsey, who later gifted the palace to the king. It became one of Henry VIII's favourite residences and he enlarged it to suit him. The monarchs no longer use it, so it's open to the public and cared for by Historic Royal Palaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical significance do castles in Greater London hold?
Castles in Greater London offer a deep dive into centuries of British history. For example, the Tower of London has served as a royal palace, fortress, prison, and armory over nearly a thousand years, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Eltham Palace and Gardens, once a glamorous royal residence, was later transformed into an Art Deco home, showcasing different eras of history.
Are there family-friendly castles in Greater London?
Yes, many castles in Greater London are family-friendly. The Tower of London, with its Crown Jewels and Yeoman Warders, offers an engaging experience for all ages. Kensington Palace and Gardens provides extensive green spaces for families to explore, while Eltham Palace and Gardens also welcomes families with its unique history and award-winning gardens.
Which castles in Greater London offer great views or natural features?
Severndroog Castle is known for its viewing tower, offering exceptional panoramic views from its roof on a clear day. Kensington Palace and Gardens boasts vast green spaces, including the Italian Garden with its fountains and classical statues. Additionally, Syon House features a nice park with lovely views.
What outdoor activities can I do near castles in Greater London?
Many castles are close to areas with great outdoor activities. For instance, you can find easy hikes like the Jubilee Walkway or moderate hikes such as the Richmond Park circular near various historical sites. Mountain biking trails are also available in areas like Richmond Park and Epping Forest. You can explore more options in the Easy hikes in Greater London, Hiking in Greater London, and MTB Trails in Greater London guides.
What is the best time to visit castles in Greater London?
Visiting castles in Greater London is enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer (April to September) generally offer the best weather for exploring gardens and outdoor areas. However, many indoor attractions, like the Tower of London or Eltham Palace, are open and engaging even during cooler months, providing a less crowded experience.
Are there less crowded or 'hidden gem' castles in Greater London?
While popular sites can be busy, places like Severndroog Castle in southeast London offer a unique experience with fewer crowds, especially for its panoramic views and tearoom. Eltham Palace and Gardens is also considered one of South London’s best hidden gems, offering a blend of medieval and Art Deco architecture.
How can I get to castles near London by public transport?
Most major castles and palaces in Greater London are well-served by public transport. The Tower of London is easily accessible via the London Underground. Kensington Palace is also centrally located and reachable by tube and bus. For places like Eltham Palace, local trains and buses provide convenient access from central London.
Which castles have cafes or nearby amenities?
Severndroog Castle has a tearoom at its base, and you can find a cafe at Syon House. The Castle Climbing Centre, housed in a Victorian pumping station, also features a cafe. Many other castles are located within London's urban areas, providing easy access to various cafes, pubs, and restaurants nearby.
Are there dog-friendly castles or grounds in Greater London?
While many indoor castle attractions have restrictions, some grounds and parks associated with castles are dog-friendly. For example, the extensive gardens of Kensington Palace are generally welcoming to dogs on leads. Always check specific venue policies before visiting, as rules can vary for different areas within a site.
How long should I plan for a visit to Eltham Palace?
A visit to Eltham Palace and Gardens typically takes around 2 to 3 hours to fully explore both the unique Art Deco interior and the award-winning gardens, including the moat and Tudor Great Hall.
What can I expect to see at Hampton Court Palace?
Hampton Court Palace, a magnificent royal palace in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, showcases both Tudor and Baroque architecture. You can explore Henry VIII's Great Hall and impressive Tudor Kitchens, wander through 750 acres of gardens including a celebrated maze, and see the historic Astronomical Clock. It offers a rich experience of royal history and stunning grounds.
Are there any castles in Greater London that are particularly good for history buffs?
Absolutely. The Tower of London is a must-visit for history buffs, offering nearly 1,000 years of tales as a royal palace, prison, and armory, housing the Crown Jewels and the historic White Tower. The Jewel Tower, a surviving part of the medieval Palace of Westminster, also provides a fascinating glimpse into administrative history.
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