castles Archives

Gravensteen, Ghent: Ticket prices, hours, parking & visitor guide (2026)

A 12th-century fortress rises in central Ghent, its grey stone walls and circular towers jutting above the Leie River. This is the Gravensteen, or Castle of the Counts, and it looks somewhat out of place in Belgium. Count Philip of Alsace built this stronghold in…

6 incredible European castles for your bucket list

Sometimes it’s about size, sometimes about history and sometimes about lavish decoration – but these six European castles are truly astonishing. Prague Castle, Czechia So large that it’s more a separate town on a hilltop than a mere castle, it’s easy enough to spend a…

Fort Point in San Francisco, California.

Fort Point, San Francisco: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide (2026)

Discover the history and visiting details for Fort Point National Historic Site, a Civil War-era fortification standing directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. Fort Point National Historic Site is notable for its position directly beneath the southern anchorage of the Golden…

Oxford Castle and Prison in Oxford, South-East England.

Oxford Castle & Prison: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide (2026)

The first thing that strikes you about Oxford Castle & Prison is how recent its prison past actually is. When I learned it only closed as Oxford's working prison in 1996, I did the maths – people who were locked up here could well be…

The Brimstone Hill Fortress in St Kitts.

Brimstone Hill Fortress, St. Kitts: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide (2026)

Discover the "Gibraltar of the West Indies" in St Kitts with this 2026 visitor guide to Brimstone Hill Fortress, covering ticket prices, history, and the steep climb to the top. When I first drove up the winding road to Brimstone Hill on St Kitts, the…

The vast lawn approach the the Castillo San Felipe del Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

El Morro, San Juan: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide (2026)

Stand watch over the Caribbean at the Castillo San Felipe del Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This 2026 guide covers cashless entry, tunnels, and avoiding the midday heat. When I first walked toward El Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the wind hit me…

Durham Castle, Durham: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide (2026)

Durham Castle in Durham, England is a Norman fortress and former palace that now serves as a college for Durham University. This 2026 guide provides key practical information for first-time visitors, including the latest opening hours, ticket prices, how to get there, accessibility and useful…

The view out over the bullring from Gibralfaro Castle in Malaga, Andalucia, Spain.

Gibralfaro Castle, Malaga: Ticket prices, opening hours & visitor guide

A practical guide to Gibralfaro Castle, Malaga. Find current ticket prices, opening hours, and visitor tips for exploring this historic fortress. When I first caught sight of Gibralfaro Castle from street level in Málaga, I'll admit I wasn't overly impressed. Just another fortress on a…

The Alcazaba of Malaga, Andalucia, Spain.

Malaga Alcazaba guide: Tickets, history, and best views (2026)

Discover the Alcazaba of Málaga, the city's best-preserved Moorish fortress. Explore tickets, opening hours, and how to find the secret panoramic views. Why visit the Alcazaba in Malaga: History and highlights The Alcazaba of Málaga is the city's most significant historical monument, and one of…

Carlisle Castle in Cumbria, North-West England.

Carlisle Castle: Ticket prices, opening hours & visitor tips

Carlisle Castle guide: Royal fortress near Scotland border. Ticket prices, opening hours, Mary Queen of Scots prison, accessibility, and visit tips. Overview: History, what to expect, and unique features of Carlisle Castle Carlisle Castle is a formidable royal fortress located in the city of Carlisle,…