Castles and Palaces

Arundel Castle has nearly 1,000 years of history within its walls and has been the location for many historical films. The castle was built on a hill in West Sussex overlooking the Arun River by the then Earl of Arundel in the 11th century and has since served as a family home. Today, the Duke of Norfolk lives in the castle with his family. Large parts of the Arundel Castles are open to visitors for a fee, only the private rooms of the Dukes are excluded from the visit. In addition, a visit to the walled gardens of the castle is highly recommended. Eight different gardens, including the award-winning Earl's Collectors Garden, feature a variety of plants, shrubs and flowers.

Image credit: VisitBritain

Join DFDS on a discovery tour and visit the many castles and palaces of southern England. We take you on an impressive journey to the most beautiful, historic castles in the region.

The moated castle Leeds Castle is located about six kilometers southeast of Kent. The castle and its lands were named after the small village of Leeds, to which they adjoin. Incidentally, this village should not be confused with the city, which is about three hundred kilometers north. It was gradually used as a Norman fortress over the centuries, as the residence of six medieval queens, as the palace of Henry VIII, and as a sanctuary for the rich and powerful. In the more than 1,000 years of its existence, the castle has survived many battles, housed powerful statesmen and inspired numerous artists.

Image Credit: Holly Buggins, VisitKent

Windsor Castle is the largest private and oldest continuously inhabited castle in the world. Together with the Buckingham Palace and the Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, it is one of the official main residences of the British monarchs. Below the castle, the Thames flows on its way to London. Queen Elizabeth II spends many weekends of the year at Windsor Castle. She uses the buildings both for receptions of the state and for private purposes.

Windsor Castle is the largest private and oldest continuously inhabited castle in the world. Together with the Buckingham Palace and the Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, it is one of the official main residences of the British monarchs. Below the castle, the Thames flows on its way to London. Queen Elizabeth II spends many weekends of the year at Windsor Castle. She uses the buildings both for receptions of the state and for private purposes.