Gatwick Airport is surrounded by some of England’s finest castles, each with its own perfect season for visiting between flights or on a dedicated castle tour.

Spring: Blooming Grounds at Hever Castle

Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, bursts into colour in spring when its famous gardens explode with daffodils, tulips, and rhododendrons. The castle itself is a double-moated beauty with original Tudor interiors, including Anne Boleyn’s prayer books and personal artefacts. Spring offers mild temperatures perfect for exploring the grounds, and the famous Italian Garden begins to reveal its full glory from April onward. The castle’s yew maze and water maze entertain families, while the lakeside walk provides a tranquil contrast to the airport bustle just 20 minutes away. Hever hosts an annual Easter egg trail and spring garden tours that highlight the season’s best blooms.

Summer: Full Splendour at Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle, often called the loveliest castle in the world, is at its most spectacular in summer. Its turrets and battlements reflect off the surrounding lake, and the extensive grounds are perfect for picnics and punting on the water. Summer events include open-air theatre performances, jousting tournaments, and hot air balloon festivals. The castle’s interiors are fully open, including the state rooms, the dog collar museum, and the underground tunnels. The maze and grotto are at their most inviting in warm weather. Summer crowds are substantial, so booking tickets online in advance is essential. Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy the grounds before the midday heat.

Autumn: Atmospheric Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle rises on a hilltop in West Sussex, its silhouette dominating the landscape for miles. Autumn is the ideal season to visit, when the surrounding trees turn gold and crimson and the low sunlight casts long shadows across the stonework. The castle’s library and drawing rooms are particularly atmospheric on misty autumn afternoons. The garden’s late-flowering perennials and autumn berries provide colour, and the festive season begins with Christmas market weekends in November. Arundel’s steep cobbled streets and antique shops make for a pleasant day out before or after your castle visit. The cathedral next to the castle is worth a look for its striking modern stained glass windows.

Winter: Festive Cheer at Dover Castle

Dover Castle, the key to England, stands guard over the narrowest point of the English Channel. Winter visits reveal the castle’s stark defensive purpose, with howling winds and dramatic skies adding to the atmosphere. The Secret Wartime Tunnels, carved into the white cliffs, offer a fascinating glimpse into the Dunkirk evacuation and Cold War operations. The Great Tower is decorated for Christmas with medieval feasting displays and roaring fires. Winter brings thinner crowds, meaning you can explore the underground hospital and the Roman lighthouse without queues. Wrap up warm; the castle’s clifftop position makes it significantly colder than the surrounding countryside.

Year-Round: Bodiam Castle’s Perfect Reflection

Bodiam Castle, a picture-perfect 14th-century moated castle in East Sussex, is a joy to visit in any season. Its square towers, crenellated battlements, and still moat create one of the most photographed castle scenes in England. Spring brings wildflowers to the moat edge, summer allows for guided boat trips, autumn frames the castle with fiery foliage, and winter frost clings to the stonework in magical patterns. The castle is a shell, roofless and empty inside, which adds to its romantic ruin quality. The tea room serves excellent scones and cream, a welcome treat after circling the moat. Bodiam is a quick detour from the A21, making it an easy addition to any Gatwick-area itinerary.

Which season do you think brings out the best in England’s castles, and which castle would you visit first?

Autumn: Warm Colours at Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle, a 35-minute drive from Gatwick, transforms into a spectacle of autumn colour when the surrounding woodlands turn gold and crimson. The castle itself is a magnificent medieval fortress with Victorian Gothic additions, seat of the Dukes of Norfolk for over 1,000 years. Autumn offers fewer crowds and the chance to explore the state rooms, armouries, and the Fitzalan Chapel at a leisurely pace. The gardens, while past their summer peak, display rich seasonal colours with late-flowering sedums and ornamental grasses. The castle hosts autumn-themed events including historical re-enactments and harvest festivals. The collection of paintings by Van Dyck, Reynolds, and Gainsborough is displayed year-round. Autumn light creates dramatic photographs of the castle towers against low-hanging clouds and golden leaves.

Winter: Festive Atmosphere at Dover Castle

Dover Castle, one hour from Gatwick by car, offers a unique winter experience with its cliff-top position overlooking the English Channel. The castle’s Great Tower, rebuilt by Henry II in the 1180s, is decorated for the Christmas season with period-accurate medieval feasting displays. Winter brings the lowest visitor numbers of the year, allowing unhurried exploration of the underground tunnels used during the Dunkirk evacuation and the secret wartime hospital. The views across the Channel to France are particularly clear on crisp winter days. The castle’s café serves warm mulled wine and minced pies, providing welcome shelter between exploring the ramparts. Winter opening hours are reduced, so check the English heritage website in advance. The castle closes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but opens throughout the New Year period.

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