Castles to visit Southeast

After Buckingham Palace, it is the second royal place in England, one of the main official residences of the royal family, which still comes here very regularly, usually at Easter and for a week at the end of June. The castle is located in the Thames Valley, west of London, in the city of Windsor in Berkshire. Built 900 years ago by William the Conqueror, 40 km from London, to defend its western access, Windsor Castle has been a royal residence since the 11th century. It was redesigned and enlarged many times: cloister, porte Henri VII, Saint-George chapel founded by King Edward in 1475... King Edward III of England made this chapel in Windsor the cradle of the Order of the Garter in 1348. You can admire many paintings and family portraits and an important collection of armour and weapons. As an anecdote, on 20 November 1992, an important part of the castle - including the Saint-George hall - was damaged by the fire. The fire broke out in the private chapel and caused significant damage to the northwestern part of the building. As the building had not been insured, several royal residences were open to the public in order to raise the 40 million pounds needed for repairs. Since then, the best craftsmen in Great Britain have worked on its restoration, and the work accomplished is superb. It is here that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married on May 19, 2018, in the St. George's Chapel. Another unforgettable event.

Built in 1119, this medieval castle stands in the beautiful Kent countryside. Once a stronghold, Leeds Castle has since been transformed into a royal residence, with the surrounding wall demolished. The tour includes the moat, now populated by white swans, and a yew labyrinth. The building is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, and houses the only known dog collar museum. You can also watch the celestial ballet of falconry birds of prey. It's a magical setting.

This great Norman fortress, partly in ruins, stands to the west of Oxford city center. The wooden fortifications on the motte castrale were replaced by stone in the ^11th century and, like many similar sites in England, the castle was largely destroyed during the English Civil War. In the ^18th century, what remained was converted into a prison. Today, guided tours take visitors into the bowels of the building to discover its varied and tormented history.

A symbol of the small town of Dover, it's one of Britain's most impressive castles. Along with the legendary White Cliffs, it's a must-see in the area. Erected on the cliffs by the Saxons, the building was altered under William the Conqueror, before Henry II rebuilt the fortifications in the ^12th century, giving it its present form. Its keep, enormous surrounding walls and underground passageways make it an extraordinary colossus, whose interest extends far beyond its medieval heritage. There's also a small military museum, reconstructed interiors and the top of the central tower, with its impressive panoramic views of Kent and France. But the highlight of the visit doesn't necessarily come from the Middle Ages, but rather from the Second World War. Ideally placed for the Battle of Britain, Dover Castle played a leading role in the conflicts and even served as headquarters, notably during Operation Dynamo, which saw the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk in 1940. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the military tunnels, with guided tours scheduled throughout the day. You can also explore the hospital in the same way. The rest of the site also features the First World War command post and, above all, the two doyens of the castle: the Saxon chapel Church of St Mary in Castro and the Roman Lighthouse, which dates back to the invasion of the country in 43 AD.

Now in ruins, Canterbury Castle was built by William the Conqueror's Normans from 1070 onwards, and in the ^13th century served as a prison for the entire region. It also served as a warehouse for a gas company during its long history. Little now remains of the building, but it still offers a fine view of the surrounding area from the top of its stairs. Informative panels describe the building's past, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine what it was like. An interesting visit, but not essential.

To the south-east of Tunbridge Wells, the tiny market town of Lamberhurst is home to this superb estate, with its Victorian mansion, small ^14th-century moated fort and picturesque 315-hectare gardens, which are a delight to explore in autumn or spring, when they're in full bloom. It's an ideal family outing, offering pleasant strolls among the rhododendrons and beautiful interiors. Guided walks are also available. A truly enchanting visit.