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"Perched on volcanic rock and transformed from hill fort to royal castle around 1093, this is among Europe’s oldest fortified places, repeatedly rebuilt after sieges and reputedly the most besieged spot in Britain—perhaps why tales of restless spirits persist. A favorite legend follows a piper sent into tunnels to play so he could be tracked from above; midway, the bagpipes stopped and the boy vanished, the passage later sealed, yet faint piping is still heard between the castle and palace. Open daily, it merits at least two hours to take in the main attractions." - Nicole Kliest