by Jenny Underhill

The United Kingdom is blessed with dozens of majestic castles, each of which make a great day out for you and your family. In no particular order, here is a selection of the very best of these ancient buildings:

Leeds Castle, Maidstone

Sitting in the middle of a stunning lake, surrounded by over 500 acres of Kent parkland, Leeds castle is a truly magical place. Admission is £12.50 for adults and £9.50 for kids every day from 10am to 5.30pm. In the winter the castle closes a little earlier 3pm. For further details call 01622 765400 or visit www.leeds-castle.com

Things to do in Kent

Cardiff Castle, Cardiff

A majestic structure situated in the heart of the city, Cardiff Castle is one of the most popular attractions in Wales. Entry to the castle is currently £6 for adults and £3.70 for the kids from 9.30am till 6pm every day from March through to the end of October. During the winter months it closes an hour earlier at 5pm. For further details call 02920 878100 or go to www.cardiffcastle.com

Days out in South Wales

Warwick Castle, Warwick

Perhaps the greatest castle in middle England, Warwick was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. It's Warwickshire’s most visited attraction. Admission to the castle is £14.95 for adults and £8.95 for children (although these prices fluctuate slightly during the year) every day from 10am to 6pm. From October to March the castle closes an hour earlier at 5pm. For further details call 0870 442 20000 or visit www.warwick-castle.co.uk

Things to do in Warwickshire

Edinburgh Castle , Edinburgh

Sitting proudly above the Scottish Capital, Edinburgh Castle is without doubt one of the finest buildings in Great Britain. Entry to the castle is £9.50 for adults and £2 for children every day from 9am till 6pm. In the winter months the castle closes an a little earlier at 5pm. For further details call 0131 2259846 or go to www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Days out in Central Scotland

Windsor Castle, Windsor

Windsor Castle is one of the most impressive buildings in the world and little wonder the Queen still retains it as an official residence. Admission is £13.50 for adults and £7.50 for children from 9.45 to 5.15pm april through to October. In the winter, the castle closes an hour earlier. Reduced admission charges apply when the State Apartments are closed. For further details please call 0207 7667304 or visit www.royal.gov.uk

Things to do in Berkshire

Stirling Castle, Stirling

Stirling Castle may not be quite as imposing as the one found along the road in Edinburgh but it's certainly still worth a visit. It's hilltop position provides stunning views across the Scottish countryside. Admission is £8 for adults but only £2 for kids. The castle opens daily from 9.30am to 6pm and closes an hour earlier in the winter. For more information call 01786 450000 or go to www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Things to do in Central Scotland

Arundel Castle, Arundel

Arundel Castle sits majestically above the River Arun and is one of the most impressive buildings in the South of England. Admission is £9.50 for adults and £7.50 for children from April through October everyday except Saturday from midday to 5pm. For further details call 01903 883136 or visit www.arundelcastle.org

Things to do in West Sussex

Hever Castle, Edenbridge

The former home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle is a beautiful building dating back to the 13th century. However, it's the wonderful gardens that will have you coming back over and over again. It's a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. Admission is £8.80 for adults and £4.60 for the kids every day from 11am to 6pm March through to November. In March and November the castle closes at 4pm. For more information call 01732 865224 or go to www.hevercastle.co.uk

Days out in Kent

Alnwick Castle, Alnwick

Alnwick is the imposing medieval castle which many of you will recognize from the Harry Potter movies. The kids will absolutely love it! Entry to the castle is £7.50 for adults but completely free children. Opening times are 11am to 5pm every day from April to October. For further details call 01665 510777 or go to www.alnwickcastle.com

Things to do in Northumberland

Lulworth Castle, Wareham

Built in the early 17th century, Lulworth Castle was almost completely rebuilt in the late 1970s after a huge fire decimated the building in 1929. However, the castle is just as impressive as it ever was and well worth a visit. Admission to this castle is £7 for adults and £4 for children from 10.30am to 6pm. However during the winter months the castle closes at a couple of hours earlier at 4pm. For further details call 01929 400352 or visit www.lulworth.com

Things to do in Dorset

Ludlow Castle, Ludlow

A magnificent castle in a majestic setting, Ludlow is one of the most impressive ancient buildings in the West Midlands. Admission is £3.50 for adults and just £1.50 for children from 10am to 5pm every day of the week. In the winter the castle closes an hour earlier at 4pm but in August the doors stay open until 7pm. For further details call 01584 873355 or visit www.ludlowcastle.com

Things to do in Shropshire

Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh

Bamburgh Castle is one of the most impressive buildings in the North of England. It's spectacular coastal position on the edge of the North Sea commands stunning views. Admission is £5.50 for adults and £2.50 for children from 11am to 5pm from mid March to the end of October. For more information call 01668 214515 or go to www.bamburghcastle.com

Days out in Northumberland