Wander With Wonder – Discovering Wow Moments Around the World or Across the Street
Explore UK coastal castles—medieval fortresses by the sea that guarded Britain’s ports and still welcome visitors just steps from the shore.
Imagine stepping off a ferry or ship, walking a few minutes from the quay, and finding yourself face-to-face with a medieval fortress. In the United Kingdom, several port towns still carry living history—castles built centuries ago that guarded coasts and trade routes, now welcoming modern travellers. In 2025, these sites offer more than ruins: they tell stories of maritime defence, royal ambition, and coastal life. Let’s take a voyage along these harbour castles – and learn tips so you can plan a visit.
Dover / Deal / Walmer: The Cinque Ports Strongholds
Starting in southeast England, the iconic Dover Castle overlooks the Channel and still dominates the coastline. But less well-known are Deal Castle and Walmer Castle, both part of the Cinque Ports network. In July 2025, the King visited Deal and Walmer to review restoration works overseen by English Heritage. The Castle gardens and walls are being revitalized, making them even more attractive for visitors.
From the dock area in Deal, it’s just a short walk to Deal Castle. From there, one can explore the perimeter, walk the walls, and imagine the soldiers watching for invasion ships. A short stroll or bike ride along the coast takes you to Walmer Castle, with its manicured gardens and sea views. Together, these three form an accessible trio of coastal castles in the south.
Portsmouth & Gosport: Forts Guarding the Solent
In the Solent area – between the south coast and the Isle of Wight—a visitor docking at Portsmouth or nearby Gosport can reach Portchester Castle within minutes. Originally a Roman fort, it later became a Norman stronghold, with walls enclosing a large keep, gatehouse, and residential quarters. The site is well preserved, with informative displays about its role in naval history.
A visitor docking at Portsmouth or nearby Gosport can reach Portchester Castle within minutes. Photo by matbennett courtesy of iStock via Getty Images
A short ferry or water taxi ride across the water brings you close to Southsea Castle, which Henry VIII commissioned to guard Portsmouth Harbour. Perched right at the waterfront, its cannons look out over the Solent. Together, Portchester and Southsea let you trace medieval and Tudor coastal defense without long overland travel.
Hull’s South Blockhouse: A Revival in 2025
On the east coast of England, the port town of Hull is bringing a forgotten fortress back to life. The South Blockhouse, ordered by Henry VIII around 1541 to guard the River Hull, was mainly demolished in the 19th century. In recent years, archaeologists uncovered its ruins, and in 2025, Hull City Council approved plans to build mesh “ghost structures” over its footprint.
Visitors arriving by ship can walk toward The Deep aquarium, and a few steps further may reveal the outline of the blockhouse, interpreted through modern architecture.
This hybrid ruin-and-reconstruction approach offers a new way to experience coastal castles—not always full towers, but visible echoes of what once stood. It’s a creative modern touch to medieval history by the sea.
Broughty Ferry (Dundee), Scotland: Castle by the Dock
Venturing north into Scotland, the harbour town of Broughty Ferry, at the mouth of the River Tay near Dundee, hosts Broughty Castle right beside its promontory. It’s a short walk from the ferry pier. However, in late 2024, the local authority considered closing it.
In 2025, a community‑led “Save the Castle” campaign secured funding and public support, keeping it open (though with reduced hours). The lively local campaign adds to the castle’s appeal – it’s not just a relic, but a part of a living community.
While you explore, take the time to enjoy the riverside walk, views of passing ships, and the way the castle’s stone walls rise directly from the water’s edge.
Corfe Castle and Coastal Dorset Links
Though Corfe Castle in Dorset is not strictly in a port, it sits high on a hill overlooking a valley that was once tied to the coast and trade routes. In 2024, King’s Tower opened to the public for the first time since the English Civil War (since 1646). Now in 2025, the experience is even richer: you can climb up to vantage points, hear the stories of sieges, and imagine how maritime routes below connected to inland trade.
For those docking in nearby Swanage or Poole, a short drive or local bus can take you to Corfe. Combined with coastal walks, this offers a unique blend of medieval and coastal experiences.
Challenges of Coastal Castles in 2025: Erosion and Climate Threats
One cannot write about castles by the sea without acknowledging the environmental challenges they face. Rising sea levels, stronger storms, and coastal erosion threaten many structures built centuries ago. Hurst Castle in Hampshire, built in the 1540s, may become cut off from the mainland under proposed rewilding and flood‑protection plans. (2025 news) Other vulnerable sites include Tintagel Castle in Cornwall or Calshot Castle near Southampton, which English Heritage warns face an increasing risk.
When planning a coastal castle trip in 2025, check ahead for access restrictions or path closures due to erosion control work or weather damage. Many heritage bodies now update visitor pages with daily alerts or restricted zones.
Travel Tips & Practical Advice for 2025
Ports & transport connections matter: When booking a cruise, ferry, or coastal ship, study the timetable and local transit. Many castles are reachable from the nearest pier on foot, by local bus, or by shuttle.
Buy tickets in advance: Renovated sites like Norwich Castle (reopened in August 2025 after a £27.5 million makeover) now offer timed entries. (news of restoration reopening)
Look for combined heritage passes: Many regions bundle castle, museum, and coastal attraction entries at a discount.
Season & weather awareness: Coastal wind, rain, or tides may affect access or visibility; autumn or late spring often balance good weather and fewer crowds.
Visa & travel documents: For many travellers from non-UK nations, there will be requirements for the UK ETA visa waiver, which you should check well ahead of your trip.
Sample Itinerary: A Day Dock & Castle Cruise
Morning: dock at Deal, walk to Deal Castle and Walmer Castle.
Midday: ferry or drive to Portsmouth / Gosport, visit Portchester Castle and Southsea Castle.
Afternoon: sail toward Bournemouth or Swanage, take local transport to Corfe Castle.
Evening: return to the ship, pass by coastal lookouts, enjoy castle-lit sea views.
From Dover to Dundee, from the Solent to the Humber, the UK still holds magical places where medieval stone meets salt air. For travellers in 2025, these are not just ruins but living museums—with fresh restoration, new presentations, and ongoing community life. Whether you’re a history lover, a coastal wanderer, or a curious visitor stepping off a dock, these castles‑by‑the‑sea ports promise a rich blend of past and present.
Few things spark the imagination more than walking just minutes from a ship’s dock to towers built in the Middle Ages. These coastal castles let us connect with history on the water’s edge and appreciate the stratagem and drama of sea‑based defence.
Few things spark the imagination more than walking just minutes from a ship’s dock to towers built in the Middle Ages. Medieval fortress Dunnottar Castle (Aberdeenshire, Scotland). Photo by tane-mahuta courtesy of iStock via Getty Images.
In 2025, they face challenges—from climate pressure to funding—but also renewal, community passion, and clever reinterpretation. As you plan your UK coastal journey, give yourself time to linger at the walls, feel the wind off the sea, and let the stones tell their stories.
Exploring UK coastal castles is like walking through a living timeline of Britain’s maritime story. From Dover’s cliffs to Dundee’s harbor walls, these fortresses stand as enduring testaments to centuries of coastal defense and craftsmanship. Whether you’re docking by ferry or strolling seaside paths, each castle connects you to a legacy shaped by salt air and stone. For more journeys through history and heritage destinations, check out our Personalized Travel Itineraries on Wander With Wonder.
.
The post UK Coastal Castles: Where Medieval History Meets the Sea appeared first on Wander With Wonder.