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England’s Most Fascinating (and Haunted) Castles

For travelers who are planning to visit to England, here are several historical castles that may be of interest. Although, notes the staff of Interviews & News, the superstitious may not want to visit the Tower of London on All Hallow’s Eve.

With a 900-year history, England’s castles are famous for their amazing cultural – and often dramatic – pasts. They dot the countryside of green rolling hills and pastures and often give travelers a glimpse into a long-ago lifestyle. The English are proud of their castles, because they are such a part of the country’s unique heritage. They range from small castles that have been transformed into hotels or guesthouses to sprawling remains that have been partially swept out to sea as well as castles that are still functioning.

When thinking about England’s castles, it’s hard not to one of the most legendary – and that’s Tintagel Castle, the home of King Arthur. It’s located high on the rugged North Cornwall coast on a beautiful spot which is nearly an island but for one very small finger earth that connects it to the mainland. Although much of the castle has been lost to the sea, it still is one of the most iconic visitor attractions in England. Bonus: Merlin’s Cave is open to visitors.

Lindisfarne Castle in Northumberland is perched on a ragged crag on Holy Island and was originally built as a Tudor fort to protect the area from Scotland. From its construction in 1572 until now it has had varying purposes: border fort, country home to Edward Hudson (founder of Country Life magazine) and a coastguard station. On a clear day the view is unparalleled.

The Tower of London formed the basis of a residential palace and fortress for kings and queens. It has also been used as the royal mint and treasury, along with being a prison. The Tower of London has been guarded since 1485 by the Beefeaters, who were originally established to be the bodyguards for King Henry VII. However, because of its bloody history as a prison there are rumored to be many ghosts who reside there including Anne Boleyn, Sir Walter Raleigh, Thomas A. Becket and the Countess of Salisbury.  And it is said that no dogs will go near the Salt Tower in the complex – nor will the Beefeaters after nightfall.

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