Great British Castle Rescue - Introducing the Castles

Rescued and reimagined

Across the UK, extraordinary castles are being rescued, restored and reimagined - and it’s all made possible by National Lottery players.

In Great British Castle Rescue, a new TV series presented by Rick Edwards, we spotlight the castles brought back from the brink. From dramatic ruins to restored landmarks, the series reveals hidden gems, powerful stories and the people working behind the scenes to protect them - all thanks to National Lottery players.

The series starts on Monday 9 March at 9pm on Sky HISTORY and HISTORY Play.

The vital restoration of Britain’s castles is made possible by National Lottery players, who raise an incredible £32 million every week for good causes.

Introducing the Castles

Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Fyvie Castle has stood for more than 800 years. Robert the Bruce once held court here, but today the building faces serious structural challenges, with cracks in its exterior and towers that are shifting. While Fyvie itself hasn’t received National Lottery funding, it’s cared for by National Trust for Scotland and will be welcoming visitors as part of National Lottery Open Week.

Hay Castle, Hay on Wye, Wales
A major fire in 1977 left Hay Castle badly damaged and at risk. Thanks to £5.3 million of National Lottery funding, its medieval and Jacobean buildings were rescued and conserved, the ancient gate restored and new exhibition spaces created - bringing the castle back into the heart of the town.

Lincoln Castle, Lincoln, East Midlands
Home to one of the original 1215 Magna Carta documents, Lincoln Castle has been transformed with £12 million of National Lottery funding. The castle walls have been restored, the prison buildings given new life and a purpose-built centre created to safely display Magna Carta - opening up the whole site for visitors to explore.

Gwrych Castle, Abergele, Wales
Gwrych Castle has seen royal ambition, wartime history and years of decline. National Lottery funding, including £150,000 for development and emergency support during the pandemic, has helped stabilise the site and support plans for its long-term restoration.

Norwich Castle, Norwich, East Anglia
Founded by William the Conqueror in 1068, Norwich Castle has recently undergone a £13.4 million redevelopment supported by National Lottery funding. For the first time in its 900 year history, visitors can explore all five floors of the Keep, from basement to battlements, with improved access throughout.

Lews Castle, Stornoway, Scotland
Restored with £4.6 million of National Lottery funding, Lews Castle has seen its exterior and ground floor brought back to life. A new museum space now shares the story of island life and the people who shaped it.

Astley Castle, Warwickshire, Midlands
Astley Castle was saved with £1.46 million of National Lottery funding and reopened in 2012. Rather than rebuild what was lost in a fire, the project blended historic ruins with contemporary design, securing the future of this 15th century landmark and giving it a new lease of life.

Because of You

Since 1994, £200 million of National Lottery funding has been invested into projects restoring, protecting and celebrating castles and their heritage.

Because of you, these historic places can continue to inspire future generations.

Watch Great British Castle Rescue, presented by Rick Edwards, from Monday 9 March at 9pm on Sky HISTORY and HISTORY Play and discover the incredible stories behind the castles you’ve helped protect.