6 Castles Worth Planning a Trip Around: 2026 Prices and Booking Tips

A castle can turn an ordinary city break into a family adventure, but the best ones now need planning: book Neuschwanstein's timed tour, buy Warwick and Edinburgh tickets online to save money, and budget for Himeji's higher 2026 price. These six castles span England, Scotland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Japan and Colombia, and each one is easy to combine with a wider trip.

This guide was researched on 5 November 2026 using the castles' official websites where they could be reached. Prices and hours change by season, so check before you go.

The castles at a glance

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Warwick Castle, England

Warwick Castle, on the River Avon in the English Midlands, claims more than 1,100 years of history and is run as a full-day attraction, with shows, towers and grounds. Prices depend on when you book: one-day entry starts from £22 online in advance, against £39 on the day. A family ticket for four starts from £86, and under-twos are free. Castle entry runs from 10:00 to 16:00.

From 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, the castle hosts its Christmas event, so expect seasonal pricing. Warwick is an easy day trip from Birmingham or a stop between London and the Cotswolds.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Built on an extinct volcano above the city, Edinburgh Castle describes itself as the most besieged place in Britain. Its oldest building, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th century, and the Great Hall was completed in 1511 for James IV.

Adult tickets cost £23.50 online or £26.00 at the gate; children aged 7–15 pay £11.50 online. A Flexi ticket (£38 for adults) lets you choose any day within a week without a time slot. From October to March the castle is open from 9:30 to 17:00 (last entry 16:00); it closes on 25 and 26 December.

Neuschwanstein, Germany

King Ludwig II began Neuschwanstein in 1868, but he only ever saw it as a building site; parts were completed only in 1892. Today you can only see the interior on a timed, 30-minute guided tour. Tickets cost €21 for adults and are free for under-18s, who still need a ticket. Book online through the Hohenschwangau Ticket Centre (a €2.50 booking fee applies); any remaining tickets are sold on the day only.

From mid-October to late March the castle is open from 10:00 to 16:00; it closes on 1 January and on 24, 25 and 31 December. The Marienbrücke viewpoint can close in bad winter weather.

Prague Castle, Czech Republic

Prague Castle is less a single building than a walled district of palaces, churches and courtyards above the Vltava. The grounds and courtyards are free to walk through, usually from early morning to late evening. To go inside St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St George's Basilica and Golden Lane, buy the main circuit ticket, around 450 CZK for adults. Arrive early in the morning to avoid tour groups, and check current prices on the castle's official website.

Himeji Castle, Japan

Himeji Castle, west of Osaka, is Japan's best-preserved original castle and, with Horyuji, became the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Note the 2026 price change: since 1 March 2026, general admission for adults is ¥2,500 (up from ¥1,000), while Himeji residents still pay ¥1,000 and under-18s are now free. A combined ticket with Kokoen Garden costs ¥2,600.

The castle is open from 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:00) and closes on 29 and 30 December. Digital timed tickets are available, but they do not guarantee priority entry on busy days, so arrive at opening.

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Colombia

Cartagena's San Felipe de Barajas is the largest Spanish colonial fortress in the Americas, built to protect the port from attack. Its ramparts and tunnels are the highlight, and the views over the old city are excellent. It is open daily from 7:00 to 18:00; in 2026 local reports list the full adult price at 38,000 COP. Go early in the morning, as there is little shade in the afternoon heat.

Castles: FAQ

Which castle is best for children?

Warwick Castle, with its shows and activities, is designed for families. Edinburgh and Prague Castle are also easy with children.

Do I need to book Neuschwanstein in advance?

Yes. The interior can only be visited on a timed guided tour, and remaining tickets are sold on the day only.

Why did Himeji Castle's price go up?

Since 1 March 2026 non-residents pay ¥2,500, while Himeji residents keep the ¥1,000 price and under-18s are free.

Sources and planning checks

Prices and hours were checked on 5 November 2026 against Warwick Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Neuschwanstein and the City of Himeji. Prague Castle and San Felipe de Barajas could not be checked on their official sites; their details come from 2026 guides and local reports. For more castles, see America's strangest castles.