Easter escapes to southern England's castles

If you are looking for family fun this Easter but want to stay in the UK then the south-east of England is the perfect place to go for castles.

The region has the highest density of the castles and historic buildings in the country, partly because it was an attractive entry point for invaders and needed to be fortified.

Some of them are well known, such as Windsor Castle in Berkshire, but there are plenty of others to explore if you are looking to discover somewhere new.

As well as having some spectacular coastline and rolling green countryside, Kent is the ideal place to spend the long Easter weekend if you plan to visit more than one castle as the county has four to see.

One of Kent's most impressive is Dover Castle, partly because it is ranks as one of England's biggest, but also thanks to its spectacular cliff-top location.

The castle also has a series of tunnels underneath it, which were still in use in the 20th century despite being dug nearly two centuries earlier during the Napoleonic Wars.

Also in Kent is Leeds Castle, close to Maidstone. Described as the loveliest castle in the world by Lord Conway, it is surrounded by pristinely kept, landscaped grounds and a large moat.

Inside, Leeds Castle is no less impressive as it has a Norman cellar, banqueting rooms, a chapel, and a collection of fine art, tapestries, paintings, furniture, porcelain and other historical objects.

The village itself is also worth stopping at, particularly for the George Inn, a friendly pub serving excellent food that is ideal for a Sunday lunch. Children are welcome and the pub also has a private dining area.

If the sun is shining and the spring-time weather is warm then Scotney Castle, also in Kent is one of the best places to spend an afternoon.

More greenery than actual castle, Scotney has landscaped gardens surrounding the ruins of the 14th-century moated castle, as well as parkland, woodland and a farm on the grounds.

If you are planning on visiting after Easter, then May and June is the best time to catch the flowers in full bloom.

For mazes, stepping stones and majestic gardens you can visit the childhood home of Henry VIII's third wife, Anne Boleyn.

Hever Castle in Kent dates back to the 13th century, and offers adventurous young explorers two mazes, one of which is water maze with circular paths made from stepping stones.

And for adults with green fingers there is a chance to admire the hard work that has gone into the castle's Italian garden.

For more information on castles, other historic attractions and accommodation in the south-east see www.visitsoutheastengland.com/fine-tradition