1. The Palace of Versailles

If you are staying in Paris for a portion of your visit, then just 20 kilometers away is situated one of the most opulent memorials to royalty – The Château de Versailles. Built by King Louis XIV, the palace is compromised of extensive landscaped gardens and sprawling, decorative castle grounds. It is recommended to take an audiotour of the castle grounds, or perhaps even a guided tour, as the history and stories behind the palace are both extensive and fascinating.

Garden at the Palace of Versailles, France by Urban

2. Bordeaux

The city of Bordeaux is listed as a World Heritage Site, as “an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble”. The city, and its surrounding region is famous worldwide for its excellent wines. It is also considered as France’s “Little Paris” thanks to its many cultural, architectural, and historical monuments. It is a lively town, with many young people as it contains the country’s largest university. Thanks to the youthful population, the town has a thriving cafe and night life scene. You will be raising your wine glass many times while visiting beautiful Bordeaux.

Saint Pierre Church, Bordeaux, France by Luidger

3. Provence

You haven’t seen the best of France until you have explored the Provence region. It is one of France’s most beloved regions, by tourists and locals alike. With a distinct Mediterranean atmosphere, it is also famous for its fields of lavender and rose wines. While in Provence, be sure to visit Verdon Gorge, one of the most beautiful gorges in all of the European continent. There are also several ancient castles in the region that should not be missed.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie village, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France by Nepomuk

4. Brittany

Located in the North west region of France, the region of Brittany is perhaps most famous for its prehistoric megalithic monuments at Carnac. The Lac de Guerledan lake is an artificial lake that is worth a visit for its prime scenic beauty. A drive along the Cote d’Emeraude coast would make a memorable road trip, as there are many varied and bustling fishing towns and villages along the way.

Kermario Carnac, Brittany, France by Odedr

5. Normandy

Most famous for the 1944 D-Day invasion by the Allied forces, there are many other things to see and do in this northern region of France. There are many posh resorts on the coast, as well as wild and rugged landscapes of the La Hague.

Port Arromanches, Normandy, France by Comité Régional

When visiting France from overseas by plane, you’ll arrive in the nation’s capital, base yourself in one of the many beautiful Paris apartments from Worldwide-Accom and live like the locals!

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Buckingham Palace & Queen Victoria Memorial / shining.darkness

Once checked into one of the many hostels London has to offer, head straight to the most popular royal site in the country, Buckingham Palace. Surrounded by beautiful parks, a visit to the Queen’s residence goes well with a picnic. Buckingham fountain sits in front of the palace gates, where every day or every other day at 11:30 a.m. depending on the time of year, crowds gather to watch the changing of the guard. If you’re in town September or August, you can even go on a guided tour of the state rooms inside. Otherwise, don’t miss the royal mews or the Queen’s Gallery royal collection of art.

The next best royal site, or the best, according to some, is the Tower of London. It ranks among the most imposing fortresses in the world, and its history as a locale of torture and death make its renown decidedly infamous. It was built by William the Conqueror, the Norman who changed the history not only of the island, but of the English language as well. You can take tours of the castle grounds, visiting, among other things, the crown jewels, the king’s royal bedchamber, and the tower itself.

Tower of London / S Pakhrin

Throughout the city you can find a number of memorials to royals who have passed away set up in London’s royal parks. The city boasts eight royal parks, including Hyde Park, wherein you will come across Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. It is a sobering memorial, particularly when you’re reminded of the great misfortunate that befell one of England’s most loved and youthful royals. Another memorial that you’ll find in a royal park, this time the Kensington Gardens, is the Albert Memorial. Albert was wed to Queen Victoria, and passed away in the year 1861. Hopefully you’ll visit it on a sunny day, which emphasizes the gloriousness of the memorial’s gold sheathing. Before leaving Kensington Park, visit the palace of the same name and have a cup of tea at The Orangery.

Finally, before your trip takes you out of London, immerse yourself in the lushness of Hampton Court Palace. The grounds are one of the palace’s most attractive features, as it is over 60 acres of gardens, including the world-famous maze. Henry VIII of the Tudors made this palace famous, and he made it his principle home. The state rooms are truly magnificent.

The list of royal beauty goes on, but this should get you started!

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Castle Coch

Located in the village of Tongwynlais just north of Cardiff, Coch Castle is favoured for its ideal fairy tale resemblance. Visitors are attracted right away by the fluted towers and charming drawbridge. Built upon the ruins of a former keep, the castle represents more of an impressive work of art than a military fortress. Designed in a Gothic Victorian style, the castle also features a beautiful ornate interior. The Lady Butte’s room is well worth checking out with its mirrored ceilings. From the top of the battlements, visitors can get splendid views across the Cardiff area. Surrounded by lush woodland, the castle grounds offer several walking and cycling trails and picnic spots.

Photo released under public domain. Source: wikipedia

Carreg Cennen Castle

Located in the village of Trapp, a few miles south of Llandeilo is the spectacular castle of Carreg Cenne. The castle is well noted for its strategic defence position atop a steep limestone cliff. Human remains found at the castle area have presented evidence of people living at the site as far back as prehistoric times. Rich in history, the castle has seen its share of sieges and battles and even being damaged during the War of the Roses. Visitors can tour the square court surrounded by high towers, the drawbridge and even explore a cave tunnel beneath the castle. Stunning views of the area can be seen from the tower and battlement tops.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by zingyyellow…wish I could bend space/time

Caernarfon Castle

Built in 1284, this Norman castle is one of the most popular attractions in Wales. The architectural beauty, hexagonal towers and imposing presence set it apart from other castles. It was here that the fourth son of Edward I was born and crowned as Prince of Wales. The castle was used in 1969 for the investiture of Charles, Prince of Wales. The castle features everything one expects in a castle from its lovely turrets, towers, interesting passageways and murder holes. From the tower top, visitors can see across the Menai Strait with its elegant suspension bridge and lovely countryside.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Bladeflyer

Pembroke Castle

Located in the west of Wales, the castle is well noted for its significance in Britain’s history as the birthplace of Henry VII. Founded in 1093 by Roger of Montgomery, it was also the residence of the Earl of Pembroke. The castle is so huge that it can take up to a half of a day to tour it. Here, visitors can explore corridors and rooms featuring tables that depict the history of the castle. Wander the outside grounds and feed swans at a nearby pond.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Wendy Mann

Conwy Castle

Located on the north coast of Wales, this beautiful castle was originally a stronghold built by Henry III and later replaced by King Edward I. Built on a high rock precipice, the castle is said to be haunted by an earlier resident. Featuring high curtain walls and eight round towers, the castle presents a dominating presence. Climb to the top for incredible views of the area. Children can learn about the castle’s history through a children’s trail and interactive displays.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Phillip Capper

Written by www.worldwidetravelguide.co.uk

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Carisbrooke Castle is located in a strategically advantageous small hill. In the castle grounds were found remnants of a building of 3rd century, which had Roman style. In the 10th century, the fortification was built around the hills to protect from attacks of the Vikings. In the 11th century, the Normans used this fortification and built a strong castle. Over the next few centuries, the castle was extended and gradually grew.

The last descendant of the Redvers family, Countess Isabella, sold the Carisbrooke Castle to King Edward I in 1293, and so the castle became a royal property. The constant fear of French or Spanish invasions forced more and more owners to build more and more stronger castle. In 1601, a strong fortification has been completed. But there was never any assault occurred at Carisbrooke. Therefore, the castle was used as prison. The most famous prisoner was King Charles I, who was imprisoned for nearly a year here, and at least twice he tried to escape. Charles I was finally executed in London on the 30th January 1649.

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Carisbrooke Castle was the seat of governor of the island until 1944.

Today the castle houses an exhibition on the history of the Isle of Wight. Museum was first opened in 1898 by Princess Beatrice, who was the youngest daughter of Queen Victoria. Her husband became governor of the island, and after his death, Beatrice took over this function. She opened the museum in memory of her husband. The first exhibition was dedicated to King Charles I. In the 20 century, the collection gradually grew to archaeological finds on the island and another, mainly medieval artifacts. Visitors will love the beautiful and colorful garden of Princess Beatrice. In 2009 a garden was restored.

Donkeys at the castle
For hundreds of years, donkeys helped get water to the Carisbrooke Castle, so you can also see the demonstrations of the donkeys at work here.

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The Castle itself was originally built back in 1320. And although a number of additions have been added over the years, the original courtyard which can be found in the upper part of the Castle is the most well preserved part of the original construction.

Krasna horka castle, Slovakia by Janos Korom Dr.

During the times of the Turkish threat to Slovakia, several fortifications were added to the Castle including three canon bastions as well as a terrace. Then again in the 18th century, when the Chapel of Nativity of the Virgin Mary was constructed within the castle grounds, one of the canon bastions were also reconstructed.

Today Krásna Hôrka Castle is home to the Slovak National Museum which is dedicated to not just history but also the development of the Castle over the centuries. Anyone who chooses to visit the Castle will see just how rich and colourful history of the area actually is. There are sections of the Castle that are dedicated to the various aristocrats and owners of the property since the castle was first built back in the early 14th century.

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the Krásna Hôrka Castle is its amazing collection of arms. There are countless medieval weapons exhibits which can be seen within the museum. There are also several modern weapons as well. One of the most popular attractions in this section of the museum are a pair of bronze cannons, which were built back in 1547.

Entrance to Krasna Horka Castle, Slovakia by Bubamara

Upon entering into the Krásna Hôrka Castle, many people will notice the medieval style catapult which is situated near the front gate. This catapult was built in the late 20th century and is used every single year during the annual Castle Games. Just outside the nearby village of Krásnohorské Podhradie, you will also find a Muslim, which contains the sarcophagi of two members of the Andrássy family who are one of the most popular and famous owners of the Castle.

The castle was damaged by fire in 2012, therefore it is still closed and you will only be able to see it from outside. However you can already plan your visit for next year, when the reconstruction works are planned to be finished or you can also visit other attractions in its neighbourhood such as Betliar Manor House, Jasovská Cave, Domica Cave or hike through Zádieslká tiesňava Canyon.

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