Castles · CASTLE GARDENS & GROUNDS
Grounds-only tickets cost a fraction of full admission and, at a surprising number of castles, hold the better half of the visit. These 15 say exactly what is and is not included.
Spend a full day at De Haar Castle, the Netherlands’ largest castle. Walk through lavish rooms, see where famous visitors stayed, and follow garden routes through formal French planting, ponds, canals, bridges, and wooded parkland. Entry includes the castle, exhibitions, gardens, and an online walking map. An audio tour costs extra.
“the castle is very nice, beautiful gardens but there are many stairs.”
Meet your English-speaking guide near Versailles train station for a small-group walk through the grand gardens, fountains, Tapis Vert, and Grand Canal. Then enter the palace with timed admission and explore the Royal Chapel, King’s State Apartments, and Hall of Mirrors at your own pace. Guides such as Aaron, Toby, Mado, and OJ are known for lively historical stories.
“Our tour guide Toby was phenomenal! Super knowledgeable and full of stories; not only for the tour but also about the town and culture! He went our pace, athletic, and it was amazing! He took photos of us, and gave us extra inside knowledge on other things around the area and our future plans!”
Meet your guide in Paris for a 30-minute RER ride to Versailles. Walk the gardens with guides such as Aaron, OJ, Mado, or Toby, then enter the palace independently with timed admission. Train tickets, a small group, and flexible return time make this a practical half-day visit.
“Our guide, Aaron, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the history of the gardens of Versailles. He made it fun and enjoyable (even though it was raining!). Would definitely recommend this tour for incoming tourists”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Starbucks beside Wadakura Fountain Park, then walk through the park and Imperial Palace East Gardens. You’ll see Edo Castle ruins, gardens, ponds, and former castle grounds while guides such as Kenta, Glenda, Sato, Kei, and Miko explain Japan’s samurai, shogun, and imperial past. The palace buildings are not open to the public.
“Our guide Glenda, originally from Singapore, was extremely knowledgeable on Japan's history and especially, in relation to the Emperor's, Shogun's, Samurai's and the Imperial palace and gardens. Her English language was perfect and she spoke clearly and slow, unlike some other guides we have had in Japan. Glenda also gave us many recommendations for other sights to visit. The tour had a maximum of 10, making it an intimate experience. I strongly recommend this tour and ask for Glenda.”
Meet your English, French, or Spanish-speaking guide at the fortress entrance on Avenida del Alcázar. In about one hour, you’ll visit the former royal residence, selected rooms, and formal gardens, including the Avenue of the Monarchs. Guides such as Carmen and Paquita have been praised for lively explanations, but confirm the fortress is open before booking.
Visit New Zealand’s only castle at your own pace. Admission includes the restored house, written guides, a garden map, and a native plant trail. Allow at least two hours for the castle, gardens, café, and rooftop lookout. You will need your own transport from Dunedin, and the short tower climb is steep.
“Lovely self guided tour inside Lanarch Castle and walking around the surrounding gardens. Very beautiful and peaceful. Very detailed information provided about the history of the castle. Great way to spend the weekend. We spent about 2 hours there.”
Spend a full day walking the grounds of De Haar Castle near Utrecht. Your ticket covers the maze, Roman Garden, deer park, forest, ponds, bridges, and picnic meadow, but not the castle interior. Travel by bus, bicycle, car, or rented e-bike from Utrecht or Vleuten.
Spend about two hours exploring Kenilworth Castle and its restored Elizabethan garden in Warwickshire. See the marble fountain, ornate aviary, Tudor stables, Elizabethan bedroom, Oak Room fireplace, and mighty castle keep. Interactive displays, dress-up clothes, trebuchet balls, and a family ticket make this a strong choice for history-minded visitors with children.
“Great day out and reasonably priced compared to some “ places of visit “ ! Lots to see and do! Cater very well for children and lots of grassed areas to have a picnic coupled with the on site cafe and picnic tables. All in all a great day out !”
Travel from Kutaisi to Batumi with an English or Russian-speaking guide, stopping at Petra Fortress, Batumi Botanical Garden, and the city’s old and modern sights. Guides including Saba, Zura, George, and Georgi have tailored routes for guests. Transport, bottled water, Wi-Fi, and a guide are included, while entrance fees are extra.
“Our guide Georgi was great, very chill and always willing to answer questions. Yet, I think that the Botanical gardens stop was a bit of a failure. Very expensive only to be driven for 10 minutes through the gardens with a very unfriendly and non-English speaking driver. Either remove this stop or make it worth the 30 lar per person. I also didn't like the restaurant but that's just a personal taste since I didnt appreciate how pushy the owner was. An overall recommended experience but not necessarily a value-for-money option”
Begin near Old Town Square, cruise the Vltava and Devil’s Stream, cross Charles Bridge, explore Kampa Island, then take a tram to Prague Castle. Your English-speaking guide, possibly Martin or Allen, explains Prague’s past in a small group of up to 15. The tour visits the castle grounds, not the interiors.
“Very knowledgeable guide Allen, an American who has been here a while. Luckily we were in a small group so easy to hear him.”
Spend a full day exploring Hillsborough Castle’s 100-acre gardens in County Down. Walk the Lime Tree Walk, Granville Garden, woodland paths, waterways, Ice House, Lost Garden, and restored four-acre Walled Garden. Castle entry is not included. A Peter Rabbit family trail ran until 1 September 2024.
“I bought a ticket on line but wasn't aware I would not get a tour of the house. Staff were very friendly and the grounds were amazing”
Spend a full day exploring Larnach Castle, its historic tower, stables, ballroom, and seven acres of gardens. You receive a written guide in several languages and explore independently, at your own pace. Bring your own transport for the 20 to 25 minute drive from Dunedin. Food, guided tours, and accommodation cost extra.
“Despite the inclement weather we had an enjoyable time learning all about the castle and exploring the gardens. The turret room was fabulous. Afternoon tea in the grand hall with three open fires all lit was very cheerful on a damp cloudy day. Many thanks.”
Travel from Kutaisi to the Black Sea with an English-speaking guide, visiting Petra Fortress, Batumi Botanical Garden, Batumi Boulevard, Ali and Nino, the Alphabet Tower, and Europe Square. The 10-hour small-group tour includes transport, water, and a guided Batumi walk. Guides such as Jemali, Teona, Saba, and Alex are praised for their care and local insight.
“The guide (Alex) was very good, we exchange a lot of stories and curiosity from respective country! And the fish from Batumi was super good :)”
Spend 2.5 hours with an English-speaking local guide exploring Blarney Village, the 15th-century castle, and its gardens. Timed entry gets you onto the grounds, while guides such as Anne, Maryna, Cass, and Karen bring the site to life. Finish at Blarney Woollen Mills, with time for Irish crafts and gifts.
“Karen was fabulous! Not only knowledgeable and passionate but so supportive of us and others touring the castle given cramped and slippery conditions. The castle, gardens and surrounding town are beautiful.”
Meet your English- or Japanese-speaking guide at JR Himeji Station, then spend two hours exploring Himeji Castle’s six-story tower and its traps, repairs, and history. Finish with an hour in Kokoen Garden. Guides Chiyuki, Junko, and Rie-san are praised for making the visit clear, lively, and personal.
“We really liked our kind and knowledgeable guide who gave us a deep understanding of the castles history and beauty. Chiyuki was very fun and helpful, and we really enjoyed the tour with her.”
By the kind of castle day, rather than the country.
