Liverpool dates back to the 13th century and though the city that guests of family hotels in Liverpool will see today did not grow until the 19th century, the area changed a lot before the industrial revolution even started. One of the ways to experience this massive change is to enjoy a day out at one of the many castles in and around the county.
Liverpool’s castles and fortresses may be derelict today, but they are located in beautiful areas of natural beauty as well as in the heart of the city itself. Whatever your reasons for visiting hotels near Concert Square in Liverpool, the castle culture of northwest England provides a sense of rugged adventure that must be seen to be believed.
This blog will explore some of the best castles in and around Liverpool, providing context to the city’s long and tumultuous past, as well as great days out for family, friends and history buffs the world over.
Leasowe Castle
Just 20 minutes drive from Liverpool, Leasowe Castle is a 16th century castle built by Ferdinand, the 5th Earl of Derby, 2nd in line to the English throne. The Stuart family and William III are amongst the historic guests who visited this coastal castle, now a hotel but still retaining its original 16th century atmosphere and design. Guests of the Heeton Concept Hotel should make sure to take a walk along the nearby Leasowe Beach, a charming lighthouse clad wharf just 20 minutes drive from Liverpool.
Liverpool Castle
Though a fuller yet incomplete replica of the castle has been built in Rivington, Liverpool Castle’s monumental plaque is still worth guests of Heeton Concept Hotel Liverpool visiting the nearby Lord Street for. Based in the heart of the city, this was an important castle between the 13th and 18th century and was the focus of civil war sieges in the 17th century. You can learn more about Liverpool Castle at Museum of Liverpool in the nearby Royal Albert Dock
Rhuddlan Castle
Built as an “iron ring fortress” by Edward I in the 13th century, Rhuddlan Castle was designed to be a bastion of power against the Welsh and is notable for its canal feature, which leads right into the sea a whopping 3 miles away. Rhuddlan Castle is actually in Wales, but with Liverpool bordering the north of the nation, it’s still easy to reach via coastal roads and is definitely worth the drive. Thanks to the scenic surroundings and the concentric walled castle still having its exterior intact, Rhuddlan is a popular walking spot and tourist attraction in the North Wales area.
Mow Cop Castle
An hour and a half outside Liverpool, Mow Cop Castle dates back to the 18th century but it was originally designed as a summer house inspired by Medieval architecture and was once a decorative “folly”, now a National Trust site. Mow Cop Castle’s ruins now lie on the boundary between Cheshire and Staffordshire with scenic views over the surrounding forests and former quarrying sites.
