Olavinlinna Castle, Savonlinna

Advantages: Free admission. Full of historical information.
Disadvantages: Scant remains. Poor visitor centre.

...Standing amid the scant ruins of Pontefract Castle as it is pummelled by the persistent precipitation that dominates this year in Yorkshire, it is somewhat difficult to imagine that this castle was once one of the strongest and most resilient castles in England. Today, Pontefract Castle stands a little forlorn and forgotten, yet Pontefract Castle was once mighty and played an important part in English history. During the civil wars, the castle was besieged three times and was the last Royalist stronghold only surrendered after Charles 1st was beheaded. It was also a prison for a number of important prisoners and a place of execution; employed as an armoury and finally as a storehouse for liquorice!!! Once heavily fortified and stringently guarded, the castle now lies open to visitors (free of charge) from 8.30 a.m. until dusk. A two... Read review

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Advantages: First gothic folly to be built in Europe, an immense and varied history, its haunted....
Disadvantages: Been allowed to decay by an absentee owner, neglected by the local authorities, continues to fall into disrepair by the day, parts are now collapsing

...= = = Introduction = = = First things first, for you English folk, Gwrych (pronounced gw’reek, kind of, obviously you need to learn how to pronounce ‘ch’ in Welsh to give it the real pronunciation!). Gwrych means hedge in Welsh. = = = Where is Gwrych Castle? = = = Gwrych Castle can be found in Abergele, North Wales. Overlooking the sea and the main route in North Wales (the A55) you can’t fail to miss Gwrych Castle as you pass by. = = = History = = = The foundation stone for Gwrych Castle was laid on the 13th June 1819 and was built by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford Hesketh. The expertise of Thomas Rickman was utilised in the design of Gwrych and its many cast iron windows. Gwrych Castle once had an Outer Hall, an Inner Hall, two Smoke Rooms, Dining Room, a Drawing Room, a Billiards Room, an Oak Study... Read review

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Advantages: Outstandingly Beautiful and Romantic Setting. Interesting History. A Great day Out.
Disadvantages: Difficult to Find - Otherwise None!

...If you do not know the East Sussex / Kent borders country very well I will warn you that the village of Bodiam, where this castle is situated, can be devilishly difficult to find. Like so many other hidden treasures though, you may find it well worth seeking out. As this is a National Trust site, I will extrapolate their slightly less than helpful directions from the 2006 Handbook. On Foot, located on the Sussex Border path. By Ferry, Bodiam ferry from Newenden Bridge (A28). By Bus, Arriva 254 Tunbridge Wells to Hastings - stops at Wadhurst (5 miles away!!!!). By Road 3ml S of Hawkhurst , 3ml E of A21 Hurst Green. OK I've been there probably half a dozen times, and all that means precious little to me, I still need a map to find the place! Here, for those of you who are interested or have GPS, are the grid coordinates: 199:TQ785256... Read review

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