Castles of Europe

Bigger Than the Sandcastles of Your Childhood

The Six Best European Castles spotted in Feature Films and Television

Europe is a continent that is known for having a rich and luxurious history that dates back to before the Anglo-Saxon period. This rich history has romance and drama that has had heavy inspiration on much of cinema, theater, and television. 

Many of us grew up enjoying Disney Princess films as well as the Princess Bride and Monty Python. The settings and backdrops of these films consist of sophisticated stone castles. The sets seem so grand that one might assume that it is just a set. Nothing so beautiful could still be standing.

However, many of the large and old European castles you grew up watching on your screen do exist and even better yet you can visit them. 

Here is a list of six castles from films that you must visit while frolicking through Europe.

Doune Castle – Scotland

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Originally built in the 13th century, Doune has a rich but turbulent history.

 Located in the center of Scotland within the village of Doune, this castle has stood and witnessed medieval war and has been both a place of luxury and dilapidation. 

The majority of the 19th century it didn’t have a roof and was left as a relic until it was brought back to greatness during the 1890s. 

This castle is a place of pilgrimage for Monty Python fans as it is featured in several scenes in the Arthurian Legend parody film (1975). 

The Castle was also featured in the film Ivanhoe (1952) and the television series Game of Thrones and Outlander.

The Castle is open to tourists, but make sure you book online to ensure you’re able to adventure through this Medieval masterpiece.

Haddon Hall – Derbyshire, England

Films: The Princess Bride (1987), Jane Eyre (1996), Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Standing since the 11th century, Haddon Hall is a stunning medieval manor located in the center of Derbyshire, England. 

The hall has a rich architectural and family history, one including an heiress, Dorothy Vernon who has become a legendary figure of Haddon Hall.

 According to romantic legend Dorothy married John Manners in a secret elopement ceremony after many family members disapproved of the union.

 Vernon would inherit Haddon Hall and this legend has led to many literary and film dramatizations. 

This magical architectural structure has been featured in many films, most famously the 80s cult classic The Princess Bride. 

Channel your inner Princess Buttercup while touring the luxurious hall that was considered the most interesting structure of its time. 

Grab your tickets on the Haddon Hall website before visiting so you can ensure a magical adventure in this perfect medieval structure. 

Broughton Castle – Banbury, UK

Films: Shakespeare in Love (1998), Jane Eyre (2011)

Built in the 14th century and located in northern Oxfordshire, Broughton Castle is a medieval masterpiece built on an artificial island, giving Broughton Castle the classic moat surrounding the castle walls. 

Images of the fortified manor house look stunning, especially during golden hours, making one want to capture photos and experience the beauty. 

A fun fact about the stunning structure, is that it has been in the same family for centuries and that family is the Fiennes family, including actors Ralph and Joseph Fiennes. 

Although these actors did not grow up in the castle they are members of the bloodline. 

Joseph Fiennes starred in the Oscar Award Winning Film Shakespeare in Love with Gwyneth Paltrow. 

The castle is featured in scenes with an Elizabethan-styled Gwyneth Paltrow. 

Whether you’re a fan of the film or a fan of medieval architecture, you’re going to want to visit this marvelous masterpiece. 

Broughton Castle is only open to the public during the summer so plan accordingly.

Bamburgh Castle – Bamburgh, Northumberland

Films: Elizabeth (1998), Macbeth (2015), Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

Located on the northern coast of England. Bamburgh Castle scenically stands on lush cliffs looking out to the wide and expansive sea. 

The site of Bamburgh Castle has a long and intense history that dates back to the 400s. 

The castle was the property of the English Monarchy between the 11th and 19th century until it was purchased by an industrialist who completely restored it to greatness. 

This castle by the sea has been seen in endless films due to its undeniable scenic value. 

Not only can you purchase tickets and tour Bamburgh Castle, but you can utilize this space as a wedding venue! 

Yes, you can get married here and have all your favorite people celebrate your nuptials as well as explore all that Bamburgh has to offer. 

Channel your inner-Elizabethan while you’re at Bamburgh. 

Dover Castle – Dover, Kent

Films: Elizabeth (1998), Macbeth (2015), Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

Dover Castle is the quintessential medieval castle. 

Made of stone and featuring bell towers, chapels, and fortresses, Dover Castle has a rich history of war and English victory. 

Located on the coast of Kent, this castle stands on a cliff overlooking the blue ocean, similar to Bamburgh Castle. 

Dover has been the site of many wars and tribulations, including being burnt to the ground by William the Conqueror in 1066 and being a central location of the First Barons’ War in the early 13th century. 

This historical and stunning structure has been seen in many historical dramatic films and television shows including Wolf Hall (2015), The Other Boleyn Girl (2007), and Into the Woods (2014). 

When taking your pilgrimage to the great medieval castle make sure to book your tickets online to ensure your spot. 

This castle is filled with visitors and tourists due to how scenic and perfect it is to tourists everywhere. 

Castle Howard – North Yorkshire, England

Films & Television: Brideshead Revisited (2008), Bridgerton (2020)

Located in central southeastern England, Castle Howard is a structure that was built between the 18th and 19th centuries, giving it a modern vibe in comparison to most of the medieval castles on this list. 

Completed in 1811, Castle Howard almost feels Victorian. 

With a mixture of architectural styles, Castle Howard is absolutely luxurious and features detail-oriented decor. 

This castle might be immediately familiar and fresh in your memory as it was featured in the Netflix hit show Bridgerton which came out several years ago.

 It has been featured in the 2008 film adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s novel Brideshead Revisited. 

When visiting this castle, grab advanced tickets to see the castle and gardens online. 

Embark on Your European Castle Adventure:

These iconic castles are but a glimpse into Europe’s rich tapestry of history and culture. 

As you chart your course through the continent, let these cinematic landmarks guide your journey and inspire your imagination. 

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a film buff, or a romantic at heart, Europe’s castles offer an unforgettable experience that transcends time and place. 

So, plan your itinerary, pack your bags, and let the magic of Europe’s castles whisk you away on an adventure of a lifetime!