1. St Andrew's Castle & Cathedral, Scotland
The castle of the Archbishops of St Andrews, in Fife, dating in part from the thirteenth century, now stands in impressive ruin but notable features include a 'bottle-dungeon' and extensive tunnels dug during a siege in 1546 remain. There is also an exhibition centre and a children's entertainer at the castle every Sunday.
The remains of Scotland's largest cathedral stand nearby and offer splendid views from the Romanesque St Rule's Tower as well as a museum.
Open: April-Sept 9.30am-6.30pm (Sunday 2pm-6.30pm)
Admission: Castle & Cathedral: Child £1.25/Adult £3.75
Tel: 01334 477196
2 Leeds Castle, Kent
Home to six medieval Queens of England and a favourite residence of King Henry VIII, this spectacular castle stands within impressive grounds . Entrance fee includes access to its interior, the extensive gardens and vineyards and a maze complete with secret underground grotto.
Open: March-Oct 10am to 5pm.
Admission: Children (5-15) £6, adults £9.50, family £26.
Tel: 01622 765400
3 Caernarvon Castle, Wales
With the best location of all, Caernarvon is on the shoreline at the southern end of the Menai Strait between North Wales and Anglesey, eight miles south-west of Bangor. In 1283 Edward I intended the castle to be not just scenic but strategically important in his conquest of Wales and the walls encompassed a medieval village. Prince Charles's Investiture took place here in 1969. It is now a World Heritage Site, open daily from 9.30am to 6pm.
Admission: adults £4.20, children £3.20, family ticket £11.60.
Tel: 01286 677 617.
