Nestled amid thick forest on a hilltop overlooking Cardiff you'll find the fairy tale-like Castell Coch, a Victorian folly built by one of the world's then-richest men.
Cardiff: Discover fairy tale Castell Coch and Fforest Fawr
Loire Valley: Château d’Amboise
Set high on a rock overlooking the historic market town of Amboise and the River Loire, this former royal château is home to Leonardo da Vinci's tomb.
Loire Valley: The beautiful village of Montrésor
Thanks to its quaint medieval streets, charming château and idyllic walk along the River Indrois, it's not surprising Montrésor has been named one of les plus beaux villages de France.
Loire Valley: The château and gardens at Chaumont-sur-Loire
Possibly my favourite château in the Loire. It may not have the architecural flourishes of Chenonceau or Chambord, but it's a delightfully charming affair surrounded by acres of stunning gardens.
Loire Valley: Château de Chambord
The biggest and grandest château in the Loire Valley is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, boasting 440 rooms and an ingenious double helix staircase.
Loire Valley: Château de Chenonceau
Thanks to its distinctive arched bridges spanning the River Cher, Chenonceau is the prettiest, most fairytale-like of the châteaux of the Loire.
Norfolk: Castle Rising
With its extraordinarily well-preserved keep that's surrounded by tall earthworks, Castle Rising is home to one of the UK's most memorable and unusual castles.
Nunney Castle
This small, picturesque ruin, some three miles outside Frome, is a delightfully romantic affair.
Kraków: Wawel Hill and Okól
Perched on a limestone crag above the Vistula River, Kraków's fortified royal centre is home to an impressive castle, a showstopping cathedral and archaeological remains.
Criccieth Castle and the Lloyd George Museum
A ruined 13th century castle built by a powerful Welsh prince overlooking Tremadog Bay and a small museum dedicated to the life of former British Prime Minister David Lloyd George.
Harlech Castle
Perched on a rock overlooking the Meirionydd coast and Eryri National Park, Harlech Castle is one of four major castles built by Edward I in north Wales.
South Wales walks: Merthyr Mawr and Candleston Castle
Boasting spectacular scenery, two castles and a secluded sandy beach, this circular walk through the sand dunes of Merthyr Mawr makes for a great day out.
Little Old World 