The association of King Arthur with various castles and locations is deeply embedded in the legends and folklore of the Arthurian tradition.
There are two places called “Arthur’s Castle.” One, in Brittany, lies near the well-known megalithic site of Carnac. Another, also known by its Latin name (Castrum Arthur) is near Dumbarton.
Cadbury Castle | Somerset, England
Cadbury Castle, an Iron Age hillfort in Somerset, has been associated with Arthur. Some believe it could be the location of Camelot, Arthur’s legendary castle. However, there is no definitive archaeological evidence to support this claim.
Caerleon | Wales
Caerleon, located in Wales, is often identified with the legendary Camelot. The name Caerleon means “Fortress of the Legion,” and it was a Roman fortress that later became part of Arthurian folklore.
Camelot | Legendary
Camelot is the legendary castle associated with King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The exact location of Camelot is not specified in the legends, leading to various interpretations and associations with different places.
Carlisle Castle | Cumbria, England
Carlisle Castle, located in Cumbria, is said to have been one of Arthur’s strongholds, and the city of Carlisle itself is sometimes linked to Camelot.
Castle Rock | Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh Castle, situated atop Castle Rock, has been associated with Arthurian legend. Some traditions claim that Arthur fought battles in the area, and the rock itself has been suggested as a possible location for Camelot. (See Edinburgh.)
Dinas Emrys | Gwynedd, Wales
Dinas Emrys is a hill fort in Gwynedd, Wales, and is associated with Merlin and King Vortigern. It is said to be the place where the young Merlin thwarted the dragons and foretold the coming of King Arthur.
Dunadd | Argyll, Scotland
While not directly associated with King Arthur, Dunadd is an ancient fort in Scotland that has been suggested as a possible inspiration for the legends. It was a seat of power for the Kingdom of Dal Riata and has carvings and structures that some interpret in connection with Arthurian themes.
Glastonbury Tor | Somerset, England
Glastonbury Tor is a prominent hill in Somerset with a tower at its summit. In Arthurian legend, Glastonbury has been identified as the mythical Isle of Avalon, where Arthur was taken after being mortally wounded in battle.
South Cadbury Castle | Somerset, England
Similar to Cadbury Castle, South Cadbury Castle in Somerset has been suggested as a potential location for Camelot. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of a significant Dark Age fortification at the site.
Tintagel Castle | Cornwall, England
Tintagel Castle is perhaps the most famous site associated with King Arthur. The castle is located on the rugged coast of Cornwall and is linked to the legendary conception of Arthur.
Winchester | Hampshire, England
Winchester, the ancient capital of England, is mentioned in some Arthurian tales. Camelot is sometimes identified with Winchester, and the Great Hall of Winchester Castle has a Round Table on display, further fueling th connection.