During the Middle Ages, castles were huge impregnable structures built to house kings and queens. These impressive feats of human construction sprung up across the globe and were often the center point of royal lands and featured in many famous wars and battles. While many of these ancient castles are still intact today, there are hundreds that have fallen into disrepute over the centuries. These abandoned castles have been left to ruin, slowly falling apart as the elements eat away at these once magnificent creations. Just like abandoned hotels and mental institutions, abandoned castles attract people from all over the world. Some of these castles are famous and are open to tourists, where you can visit and soak up the rich history, while others are crumbling ruins urban explorers investigate and document for people to watch on YouTube. Many of these abandoned castles have fascinating backstories and some are even said to be haunted. With that in mind, here is a look at 12 famous abandoned castles and the history behind them. 12 Famous Abandoned Castles From Around the World
- Bodiam Castle, East Sussex, England
One of the most famous castles in the United Kingdom is the spectacular Bodiam Castle. Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward III, constructed the castle in 1385. Surrounded by a moat, this quadrangular castle was built as a key defensive position. It had several different owners and went through many wars before finally being stripped and left for ruins in the early 1600s. It was purchased by John Fuller in 1829, who started to restore parts of the castle before he sold it to George Cubitt, 1st Baron Ashcombe, and later to Lord Curzon. It has been in the care of The National Trust since 1925, and while still very much in ruins, you can tour parts of the castle and grounds. 2. Heidelberg Castle, Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg Castle is one of the most impressive abandoned castles in the world. Despite being over 800 years old, the castle still retains much of its mythos, especially considering it received much damage during the Thirty Years’ War. An architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance, Heidelberg Castle had several famous residents over the centuries, including the “Winter King” Frederick V, Elizabeth Charlotte, Princess Palatine, and Charles de Graimberg. The castle was eventually destroyed by the French in the War of the Grand Alliance during the 17th, with several lightning strikes in 1764 damaging the grounds even further. Now a world-famous heritage site, visitors can walk through part of the ruins and the lush gardens surrounding the castle. 3. Bannerman Castle, Beacon, New York
It’s hard to imagine but there is an actual castle in New York. Situated on Pollepel Island on the Hudson River, Bannerman Castle was built by Francis Bannerman VI in 1900, who not only lived at the castle but also used it to store weapons and ammunition from Bannerman’s expanding military surplus business. Bannerman continued to improve the castle and build upon the original structure until his death in 1918. Two years later a large fire, started by ammunition left in the castle, burnt down a large section of the structure. It was eventually abandoned and left in ruins before “The Bannerman Castle Trust, Inc,” took over in the 21st century. While still abandoned, people can now take tours of the island and safe areas of the castle and discover more of the history behind Bannerman Castle. 4. Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
After a breakdown in communication between former friends Earl Thomas of Lancaster and King Edward II, the Earl decided to build Dunstanburgh Castle to keep himself safe from attack. As well as being a military stronghold, Lancaster made sure to make a statement with the castle, using it to showcase his wealth and status. A big F you to King Edward II, Lancaster only got to visit the castle once before he was captured and executed. John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster, took control of the castle, but he didn’t fare much better. The castle was a major stronghold during the Wars of the Roses and after many sieges and attacks, was left severely damaged in places. While various people continued to live on the grounds, the castle slowly turned to ruins over the years and is now managed by the National Trust, with visitors able to walk around what is left of Dunstanburgh Castle. 5. Pidhirtsi Castle, Pidhirtsi, Ukraine
Pidhirtsi Castle is a must-visit for film buffs once things settle down in the Ukraine. Containing one of the most valuable palace gardens, much of the 1978 movie, D’Artagnan and Three Musketeers, was filmed there. While it had many owners and residents throughout the centuries, it sustained damage to the interior when the Russians captured the castle during World War I. Looted of all its valuables, the castle stayed in Russian hands for several decades and was eventually turned into a tuberculosis sanitarium after World War II. In 1956, it was almost completely burnt down, resulting in $12 million worth of damages. Once Ukraine became an independent country again, there were talks of rebuilding the castle and turning it into a presidential residence, but it is now under the control of the Lviv National Art Gallery, which is trying to restore the castle to its former glory. 6. Corfe Castle, Dorset, England
Europe is full of abandoned castles and one of England’s most famous is Corfe Castle in Dorset. Built by William the Conqueror during the 11th century, it is one of the earliest castles to be built using stone. Partially destroyed in the English Civil War, the castle is now in possession of the National Trust and is a major tourist attraction. While much of the castle is in ruins, you can tour the grounds and Purbeck Hills, which is dotted with ancient burial mounds and offers amazing views over Poole Bay as far as the Isle of Wight.
See more about - 12 Castles You Can Actually Rent On Airbnb
- Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven, Scotland
Dunnottar Castle is the type of thing you see in the movies. Perched atop a 160-foot rock and surrounded by the sea on three sides, this majestic stronghold played an important part in Scottish history. Due to its defendable position, the castle was involved in many wars. It is best known for being the place where the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish crown jewels), were hidden from Oliver Cromwell and his invading forces. The castle was dismantled and sold off in 1720 after former resident Lord Marischal fled the UK and his titles and estates, including Dunnottar, were sold off. The castle, which still consists of 12 different buildings, was partially restored in the 20th century and is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations. 8. Ballycarbery Castle, Kerry, Ireland
This isolated castle sits on a grass hill facing the ocean. Built in the 16th century, the castle was believed to have been owned by the McCarthy Mor clan. Donal McCarthy More was the first owner before Sir Valentine Browne took over after his death. In 1652 it took damage after being hit by canon fire from Parliament forces during the War of the Three Kingdoms. Neglected for decades, the castle slowly went to ruins. You could once visit and walk amongst the ruins, but it is now privately owned and has been fenced off from the public since 2017. 9. Hearthstone Castle in Danbury, Connecticut CT Flyer/YouTube You know you’re going alright when you can build a castle as a holiday home. That’s exactly what architect Ernest G. W. Dietrich did for photographer E. Starr Sanford, the first owner of Hearthstone Castle. The castle was made using woodwork brought over from Italy and the interior includes wrought iron chandeliers, lamps, and wall sconces. The three-story structure has 17 rooms, including nine bedrooms, a library, and a billiard room. Construction finished in 1985 and since then there have been several different owners of the American castle until it was eventually declared a National Historic Place in 1987 and sold to the local government. It is currently fenced off in the public Tarrywile Park but is said to be under renovation. 10. Gwrych Castle, Abergele, Wales
Constructed in the 15th century by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh as a tribute to his mother, Gwrych Castle is an expansive building in the Welsh highlands. Apparently visited by Queen Victoria several times, the castle contains “128 rooms including 28 bedrooms, an outer hall, an inner hall, two smoke rooms, a dining room, a drawing room, a billiards room, an oak study, and a range of accommodations for servants.” Another key feature of the castle is the 52-step marble staircase. During the mid-1900s the castle was open to tourists complete with a zoo and medieval reenactments, but it was soon closed in the 1980s. There have been several attempts to tune the castle into a hotel since, but to no avail. It is now owned by the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust, which is slowly trying to bring the castle back to its former glory. 11. Criccieth Castle, Gwynedd, Wales
Located on a headland overlooking Tremadog Bay, Criccieth Castle was built by Llywelyn the Great of the kingdom of Gwynedd in the 13th century. It was used mainly as a prison, with Llywelyn the Great imprisoning Gruffudd ap Llywelyn ap Iorwerth and Owain Goch, his son and grandson, in the castle not long after its construction. The castle was captured by Edward 1 in 1283 and came under English rule until the Welsh fought back in 1404, taking back the castle during the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr. But instead of repairing the damage caused by the battle, the Welsh destroyed the walls and set fire to the remains. What’s left of the castle is now open for tourists to visit. 12. Carew Castle, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Wales is home to more castles than you might think. Carew Castle is a stone keep along the banks of the Carew River in Wales. Originally a Norman stronghold, the Carew family has owned the castle since it was built more than 900 years ago. While it has gone through many different family members and survived several wars, the castle was eventually abandoned during the late 1600s. The National Park Authority began restoring the castle in 1983 and has turned it into a tourist attraction that attracts thousands of people every year.
See more about - 15 Creepy, Strange, and Wonderful Abandoned Places You Can Visit
During the Middle Ages, castles were huge impregnable structures built to house kings and queens. These impressive feats of human construction sprung up across the globe and were often the center point of royal lands and featured in many famous wars and battles. While many of these ancient castles are still intact today, there are hundreds that have fallen into disrepute over the centuries. These abandoned castles have been left to ruin, slowly falling apart as the elements eat away at these once magnificent creations. Just like abandoned hotels and mental institutions, abandoned castles attract people from all over the world. Some of these castles are famous and are open to tourists, where you can visit and soak up the rich history, while others are crumbling ruins urban explorers investigate and document for people to watch on YouTube. Many of these abandoned castles have fascinating backstories and some are even said to be haunted. With that in mind, here is a look at 12 famous abandoned castles and the history behind them. 12 Famous Abandoned Castles From Around the World
- Bodiam Castle, East Sussex, England
One of the most famous castles in the United Kingdom is the spectacular Bodiam Castle. Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward III, constructed the castle in 1385. Surrounded by a moat, this quadrangular castle was built as a key defensive position. It had several different owners and went through many wars before finally being stripped and left for ruins in the early 1600s. It was purchased by John Fuller in 1829, who started to restore parts of the castle before he sold it to George Cubitt, 1st Baron Ashcombe, and later to Lord Curzon. It has been in the care of The National Trust since 1925, and while still very much in ruins, you can tour parts of the castle and grounds. 2. Heidelberg Castle, Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg Castle is one of the most impressive abandoned castles in the world. Despite being over 800 years old, the castle still retains much of its mythos, especially considering it received much damage during the Thirty Years’ War. An architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance, Heidelberg Castle had several famous residents over the centuries, including the “Winter King” Frederick V, Elizabeth Charlotte, Princess Palatine, and Charles de Graimberg. The castle was eventually destroyed by the French in the War of the Grand Alliance during the 17th, with several lightning strikes in 1764 damaging the grounds even further. Now a world-famous heritage site, visitors can walk through part of the ruins and the lush gardens surrounding the castle. 3. Bannerman Castle, Beacon, New York
It’s hard to imagine but there is an actual castle in New York. Situated on Pollepel Island on the Hudson River, Bannerman Castle was built by Francis Bannerman VI in 1900, who not only lived at the castle but also used it to store weapons and ammunition from Bannerman’s expanding military surplus business. Bannerman continued to improve the castle and build upon the original structure until his death in 1918. Two years later a large fire, started by ammunition left in the castle, burnt down a large section of the structure. It was eventually abandoned and left in ruins before “The Bannerman Castle Trust, Inc,” took over in the 21st century. While still abandoned, people can now take tours of the island and safe areas of the castle and discover more of the history behind Bannerman Castle. 4. Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
After a breakdown in communication between former friends Earl Thomas of Lancaster and King Edward II, the Earl decided to build Dunstanburgh Castle to keep himself safe from attack. As well as being a military stronghold, Lancaster made sure to make a statement with the castle, using it to showcase his wealth and status. A big F you to King Edward II, Lancaster only got to visit the castle once before he was captured and executed. John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster, took control of the castle, but he didn’t fare much better. The castle was a major stronghold during the Wars of the Roses and after many sieges and attacks, was left severely damaged in places. While various people continued to live on the grounds, the castle slowly turned to ruins over the years and is now managed by the National Trust, with visitors able to walk around what is left of Dunstanburgh Castle. 5. Pidhirtsi Castle, Pidhirtsi, Ukraine
Pidhirtsi Castle is a must-visit for film buffs once things settle down in the Ukraine. Containing one of the most valuable palace gardens, much of the 1978 movie, D’Artagnan and Three Musketeers, was filmed there. While it had many owners and residents throughout the centuries, it sustained damage to the interior when the Russians captured the castle during World War I. Looted of all its valuables, the castle stayed in Russian hands for several decades and was eventually turned into a tuberculosis sanitarium after World War II. In 1956, it was almost completely burnt down, resulting in $12 million worth of damages. Once Ukraine became an independent country again, there were talks of rebuilding the castle and turning it into a presidential residence, but it is now under the control of the Lviv National Art Gallery, which is trying to restore the castle to its former glory. 6. Corfe Castle, Dorset, England
Europe is full of abandoned castles and one of England’s most famous is Corfe Castle in Dorset. Built by William the Conqueror during the 11th century, it is one of the earliest castles to be built using stone. Partially destroyed in the English Civil War, the castle is now in possession of the National Trust and is a major tourist attraction. While much of the castle is in ruins, you can tour the grounds and Purbeck Hills, which is dotted with ancient burial mounds and offers amazing views over Poole Bay as far as the Isle of Wight.
See more about - 12 Castles You Can Actually Rent On Airbnb
- Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven, Scotland
Dunnottar Castle is the type of thing you see in the movies. Perched atop a 160-foot rock and surrounded by the sea on three sides, this majestic stronghold played an important part in Scottish history. Due to its defendable position, the castle was involved in many wars. It is best known for being the place where the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish crown jewels), were hidden from Oliver Cromwell and his invading forces. The castle was dismantled and sold off in 1720 after former resident Lord Marischal fled the UK and his titles and estates, including Dunnottar, were sold off. The castle, which still consists of 12 different buildings, was partially restored in the 20th century and is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations. 8. Ballycarbery Castle, Kerry, Ireland
This isolated castle sits on a grass hill facing the ocean. Built in the 16th century, the castle was believed to have been owned by the McCarthy Mor clan. Donal McCarthy More was the first owner before Sir Valentine Browne took over after his death. In 1652 it took damage after being hit by canon fire from Parliament forces during the War of the Three Kingdoms. Neglected for decades, the castle slowly went to ruins. You could once visit and walk amongst the ruins, but it is now privately owned and has been fenced off from the public since 2017. 9. Hearthstone Castle in Danbury, Connecticut CT Flyer/YouTube You know you’re going alright when you can build a castle as a holiday home. That’s exactly what architect Ernest G. W. Dietrich did for photographer E. Starr Sanford, the first owner of Hearthstone Castle. The castle was made using woodwork brought over from Italy and the interior includes wrought iron chandeliers, lamps, and wall sconces. The three-story structure has 17 rooms, including nine bedrooms, a library, and a billiard room. Construction finished in 1985 and since then there have been several different owners of the American castle until it was eventually declared a National Historic Place in 1987 and sold to the local government. It is currently fenced off in the public Tarrywile Park but is said to be under renovation. 10. Gwrych Castle, Abergele, Wales
Constructed in the 15th century by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh as a tribute to his mother, Gwrych Castle is an expansive building in the Welsh highlands. Apparently visited by Queen Victoria several times, the castle contains “128 rooms including 28 bedrooms, an outer hall, an inner hall, two smoke rooms, a dining room, a drawing room, a billiards room, an oak study, and a range of accommodations for servants.” Another key feature of the castle is the 52-step marble staircase. During the mid-1900s the castle was open to tourists complete with a zoo and medieval reenactments, but it was soon closed in the 1980s. There have been several attempts to tune the castle into a hotel since, but to no avail. It is now owned by the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust, which is slowly trying to bring the castle back to its former glory. 11. Criccieth Castle, Gwynedd, Wales
Located on a headland overlooking Tremadog Bay, Criccieth Castle was built by Llywelyn the Great of the kingdom of Gwynedd in the 13th century. It was used mainly as a prison, with Llywelyn the Great imprisoning Gruffudd ap Llywelyn ap Iorwerth and Owain Goch, his son and grandson, in the castle not long after its construction. The castle was captured by Edward 1 in 1283 and came under English rule until the Welsh fought back in 1404, taking back the castle during the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr. But instead of repairing the damage caused by the battle, the Welsh destroyed the walls and set fire to the remains. What’s left of the castle is now open for tourists to visit. 12. Carew Castle, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Wales is home to more castles than you might think. Carew Castle is a stone keep along the banks of the Carew River in Wales. Originally a Norman stronghold, the Carew family has owned the castle since it was built more than 900 years ago. While it has gone through many different family members and survived several wars, the castle was eventually abandoned during the late 1600s. The National Park Authority began restoring the castle in 1983 and has turned it into a tourist attraction that attracts thousands of people every year.
See more about - 15 Creepy, Strange, and Wonderful Abandoned Places You Can Visit
During the Middle Ages, castles were huge impregnable structures built to house kings and queens. These impressive feats of human construction sprung up across the globe and were often the center point of royal lands and featured in many famous wars and battles. While many of these ancient castles are still intact today, there are hundreds that have fallen into disrepute over the centuries. These abandoned castles have been left to ruin, slowly falling apart as the elements eat away at these once magnificent creations.
Just like abandoned hotels and mental institutions, abandoned castles attract people from all over the world. Some of these castles are famous and are open to tourists, where you can visit and soak up the rich history, while others are crumbling ruins urban explorers investigate and document for people to watch on YouTube.
Many of these abandoned castles have fascinating backstories and some are even said to be haunted. With that in mind, here is a look at 12 famous abandoned castles and the history behind them.
12 Famous Abandoned Castles From Around the World
1. Bodiam Castle, East Sussex, England
One of the most famous castles in the United Kingdom is the spectacular Bodiam Castle. Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward III, constructed the castle in 1385. Surrounded by a moat, this quadrangular castle was built as a key defensive position. It had several different owners and went through many wars before finally being stripped and left for ruins in the early 1600s.
It was purchased by John Fuller in 1829, who started to restore parts of the castle before he sold it to George Cubitt, 1st Baron Ashcombe, and later to Lord Curzon. It has been in the care of The National Trust since 1925, and while still very much in ruins, you can tour parts of the castle and grounds.
2. Heidelberg Castle, Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg Castle is one of the most impressive abandoned castles in the world. Despite being over 800 years old, the castle still retains much of its mythos, especially considering it received much damage during the Thirty Years’ War. An architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance, Heidelberg Castle had several famous residents over the centuries, including the “Winter King” Frederick V, Elizabeth Charlotte, Princess Palatine, and Charles de Graimberg.
The castle was eventually destroyed by the French in the War of the Grand Alliance during the 17th, with several lightning strikes in 1764 damaging the grounds even further. Now a world-famous heritage site, visitors can walk through part of the ruins and the lush gardens surrounding the castle.
3. Bannerman Castle, Beacon, New York
It’s hard to imagine but there is an actual castle in New York. Situated on Pollepel Island on the Hudson River, Bannerman Castle was built by Francis Bannerman VI in 1900, who not only lived at the castle but also used it to store weapons and ammunition from Bannerman’s expanding military surplus business.
Bannerman continued to improve the castle and build upon the original structure until his death in 1918. Two years later a large fire, started by ammunition left in the castle, burnt down a large section of the structure. It was eventually abandoned and left in ruins before “The Bannerman Castle Trust, Inc,” took over in the 21st century. While still abandoned, people can now take tours of the island and safe areas of the castle and discover more of the history behind Bannerman Castle.
4. Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
After a breakdown in communication between former friends Earl Thomas of Lancaster and King Edward II, the Earl decided to build Dunstanburgh Castle to keep himself safe from attack. As well as being a military stronghold, Lancaster made sure to make a statement with the castle, using it to showcase his wealth and status. A big F you to King Edward II, Lancaster only got to visit the castle once before he was captured and executed.
John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster, took control of the castle, but he didn’t fare much better. The castle was a major stronghold during the Wars of the Roses and after many sieges and attacks, was left severely damaged in places. While various people continued to live on the grounds, the castle slowly turned to ruins over the years and is now managed by the National Trust, with visitors able to walk around what is left of Dunstanburgh Castle.
5. Pidhirtsi Castle, Pidhirtsi, Ukraine
Pidhirtsi Castle is a must-visit for film buffs once things settle down in the Ukraine. Containing one of the most valuable palace gardens, much of the 1978 movie, D’Artagnan and Three Musketeers, was filmed there. While it had many owners and residents throughout the centuries, it sustained damage to the interior when the Russians captured the castle during World War I.
Looted of all its valuables, the castle stayed in Russian hands for several decades and was eventually turned into a tuberculosis sanitarium after World War II. In 1956, it was almost completely burnt down, resulting in $12 million worth of damages. Once Ukraine became an independent country again, there were talks of rebuilding the castle and turning it into a presidential residence, but it is now under the control of the Lviv National Art Gallery, which is trying to restore the castle to its former glory.
6. Corfe Castle, Dorset, England
Europe is full of abandoned castles and one of England’s most famous is Corfe Castle in Dorset. Built by William the Conqueror during the 11th century, it is one of the earliest castles to be built using stone. Partially destroyed in the English Civil War, the castle is now in possession of the National Trust and is a major tourist attraction.
While much of the castle is in ruins, you can tour the grounds and Purbeck Hills, which is dotted with ancient burial mounds and offers amazing views over Poole Bay as far as the Isle of Wight.
See more about - 12 Castles You Can Actually Rent On Airbnb
7. Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven, Scotland
See more about - 12 Castles You Can Actually Rent On Airbnb
Dunnottar Castle is the type of thing you see in the movies. Perched atop a 160-foot rock and surrounded by the sea on three sides, this majestic stronghold played an important part in Scottish history. Due to its defendable position, the castle was involved in many wars. It is best known for being the place where the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish crown jewels), were hidden from Oliver Cromwell and his invading forces.
The castle was dismantled and sold off in 1720 after former resident Lord Marischal fled the UK and his titles and estates, including Dunnottar, were sold off. The castle, which still consists of 12 different buildings, was partially restored in the 20th century and is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations.
8. Ballycarbery Castle, Kerry, Ireland
This isolated castle sits on a grass hill facing the ocean. Built in the 16th century, the castle was believed to have been owned by the McCarthy Mor clan. Donal McCarthy More was the first owner before Sir Valentine Browne took over after his death. In 1652 it took damage after being hit by canon fire from Parliament forces during the War of the Three Kingdoms.
Neglected for decades, the castle slowly went to ruins. You could once visit and walk amongst the ruins, but it is now privately owned and has been fenced off from the public since 2017.
9. Hearthstone Castle in Danbury, Connecticut
CT Flyer/YouTube
You know you’re going alright when you can build a castle as a holiday home. That’s exactly what architect Ernest G. W. Dietrich did for photographer E. Starr Sanford, the first owner of Hearthstone Castle. The castle was made using woodwork brought over from Italy and the interior includes wrought iron chandeliers, lamps, and wall sconces. The three-story structure has 17 rooms, including nine bedrooms, a library, and a billiard room.
Construction finished in 1985 and since then there have been several different owners of the American castle until it was eventually declared a National Historic Place in 1987 and sold to the local government. It is currently fenced off in the public Tarrywile Park but is said to be under renovation.
10. Gwrych Castle, Abergele, Wales
Constructed in the 15th century by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh as a tribute to his mother, Gwrych Castle is an expansive building in the Welsh highlands. Apparently visited by Queen Victoria several times, the castle contains “128 rooms including 28 bedrooms, an outer hall, an inner hall, two smoke rooms, a dining room, a drawing room, a billiards room, an oak study, and a range of accommodations for servants.” Another key feature of the castle is the 52-step marble staircase.
During the mid-1900s the castle was open to tourists complete with a zoo and medieval reenactments, but it was soon closed in the 1980s. There have been several attempts to tune the castle into a hotel since, but to no avail. It is now owned by the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust, which is slowly trying to bring the castle back to its former glory.
11. Criccieth Castle, Gwynedd, Wales
Located on a headland overlooking Tremadog Bay, Criccieth Castle was built by Llywelyn the Great of the kingdom of Gwynedd in the 13th century. It was used mainly as a prison, with Llywelyn the Great imprisoning Gruffudd ap Llywelyn ap Iorwerth and Owain Goch, his son and grandson, in the castle not long after its construction.
The castle was captured by Edward 1 in 1283 and came under English rule until the Welsh fought back in 1404, taking back the castle during the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr. But instead of repairing the damage caused by the battle, the Welsh destroyed the walls and set fire to the remains. What’s left of the castle is now open for tourists to visit.
12. Carew Castle, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Wales is home to more castles than you might think. Carew Castle is a stone keep along the banks of the Carew River in Wales. Originally a Norman stronghold, the Carew family has owned the castle since it was built more than 900 years ago. While it has gone through many different family members and survived several wars, the castle was eventually abandoned during the late 1600s.
The National Park Authority began restoring the castle in 1983 and has turned it into a tourist attraction that attracts thousands of people every year.
See more about - 15 Creepy, Strange, and Wonderful Abandoned Places You Can Visit
See more about - 15 Creepy, Strange, and Wonderful Abandoned Places You Can Visit
