Top Castle Shots & Locations

Here in the UK, we are very lucky to have so many magnificent castles still fairly intact for us to photograph. Here, we've selected five top shots of excellent castles that are well worth a visit. Plus, we've added a few words on how best to capture them with your Nikon equipment.

'Eilean Donan Castle  - Monday the 26th April 2010' - Sasanach

Eilean Donan Castle - This castle is probably most famous for being in the film 'Highlander'. It is in truly beautiful surroundings, and the waterside location allows for some really stunning photos. You might need to pack your Nikon telephoto for this one, as some lovely shots can be taken across the bay, as well as from over the drawbridge. A slower shutter speed will be ideal for twilight photography, where the castle is lit up by the setting sun behind it.

'Bamburgh Castle' - bart_hoga

Bamburgh castle - Bamburgh castle has been called the finest castle in the country and is situated in Northumberland. The castle is quite large and foreboding. Shooting from far away will add scale as well as depth to your castle image. The architecture of the castle means that wherever you shoot it from, you'll get a different looking shot, so explore until you find something to suit the look you're going for.

Skipton castle - Skipton castle is right in the heart of the quaint town of Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales. It may be small compared to other castles, but it has heaps of personality and is really well preserved. A great photo opportunity is in the courtyard, where there is a huge twisted gnarled tree that gives photos an out of this world feel. It has many rooms for you to explore and experiment with your photos, and the ornate carvings found on door and window frames offer an opportunity for some abstract close up and macro photography.

'Bodiam Castle' - Sezz

Bodiam castle - Bodiam castle is virtually surrounded by water, making for some lovely reflection shots. The symmetrical design also makes it very photogenic when photographing the whole castle from a distance. It is owned by the National Trust, and events such as falconry will add a little something different to your photo collection from the day. Pack a zoom lens and be prepared for some fast panning to capture those birds in flight.

'River side View of Warwick Castle' - ugly

Warwick castle - One of the biggest castles in the country, Warwick castle sets the standard in terms of events and activities. Expect period costumes and medieval markets galore, ideal for some candid portraits and action shots of jousting knights. Warwick has 60 acres of lovely grounds, as well as towers and a castle dungeon. The grand entrance makes for some great shots, as do the intricate shapes in the walls, which will make great macro shots. Another unique photo opportunity here will be the trebuchet fireball show.