Check out the October issue of BBC Countryfile magazine for my Welsh Border Seven Castle Challenge.
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This month’s theme is castles, and sitting on the border with the country with more castles per square mile than any other country in the world, I had to have a go at getting as many castles as I could into one article. In fact, I could have got many more, but these are the ones that I suggested you could visit in one day (although the magazine has suggested you may wish to make a weekend of it).
Acton Burnell
Parliament was held here twice – in 1283 and 1285. Read more about the castle here.
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Stokesay Castle
More of a fortified manor house, than a castle, it’s still an amazing sight.
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Ludlow Castle
Once the administrative centre of the whole of Wales and the Welsh Marches, this vast building houses entire festivals today, throughout the year.
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Richard’s Castle
Reputedly the sight of a rare, octagonal-shaped keep, there’s not much left of this castle, but there are some fine views to be had across Herefordshire here.
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Hopton Castle
Recently restored, this square keep sits beautifully beside a reflective pool.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.simonwhaley.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/img_1038.jpg?resize=700%2C467&ssl=1)
Clun Castle
At the centre of the Clun Valley, at an important intersection of the River Clun and the main roads through the valley, stands this enigmatic ruin.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.simonwhaley.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/fuji6494.jpg?resize=700%2C476&ssl=1)
Montgomery Castle
Overlooking the Severn Valley as it flows towards England, this castle sits close to the English/Welsh border.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.simonwhaley.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/img_0144.jpg?resize=700%2C467&ssl=1)