There are many breathtaking castles in the world; it is almost impossible to pinpoint the most beautiful or the most history-rich among them. These historic buildings, which once served the needs of royal families with their sprawling gardens, aesthetic architecture, well-designed interiors, manicured landscapes, fountains and walks, which now have been converted into museums, restaurants or into rich party halls, have yet another dimension to their existence. Let’s walk down memory lane and revisit some of the places that changed the world!

 

Hylton Castle, Sunderland

 

This 14th century castle is not only an imposing building, but it is also a historic building that played a major role in shaping the world. Unknown to many people, the castle and the grounds were utilised by the 3rd Reserve and the 4th Extra Reserve Battalions of the Sherwood Foresters during the First World War as an army training camp.

 

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

 

This royal castle, constructed in 1090, has been dominating the skylines of Edinburg for a long, long time. The iconic Scottish building, thanks to its intelligent construction and its strategic location, played an important role during World War I. It served as a recruiting depot, garrison, prison, hospital and military training centre at different times during the war. It also holds the name for furthering British war efforts.

 

Stirling Castle, Scotland

 

This castle served as both a royal place of residence and a place to show off the military strength of Scotland’s rich monarchs. It retains an iconic status in the history of Scotland for being associated with the Wars of Independence, and the castle was used as a depot during the First World War — it housed reservists and many new recruits when they made their way to the war front. It also served as a resting place for recruits when they made their journey to and from duty.

 

Wrest Park, Bedfordshire

 

This rich and stately house was once used as a convalescent home for wounded soldiers, where they were housed and nursed back to health. Recovering soldiers were also kept here before they were sent off to battle during the First World War.

 

Pendennis Castle, Cornwall

 

This huge castle acted as a key defence structure during the First World War, where it served as a manned battery and training centre for the armed forces.

 

Dover Castle, Kent

 

The Dover Castle at Kent has always been a military strong point and has served as a key structure for almost a thousand years. The First World War saw the castle being used as a garrison, command post, battery and signal station.

 

Highclere Castle

 

The Highclere Castle turned into a hospital where patients started arriving from Flanders in 1914. The castle also played an important role during the Second World War; it was briefly transformed into a home for evacuee children of London.

Most castles, if not all, have played an important role during the World Wars. If some of them served as make-shift hospitals, others were converted into signal stations and training camps, and some became military bases where the tough decisions by leaders were made.

kate and toms have several castles that you can actually stay in, or if you prefer to just visit some of these castles whilst staying in a nearby property the choice is yours!

Head over to our property page for more information.