What better way to escape the ordinary and celebrate life’s extraordinary moments than by immersing yourself in the enchanting experience of staying in a castle?
In a world filled with fast-paced living and modern amenities, an enduring allure draws us back to the charm and grace of a bygone era.
What makes a stay in a castle so special?
Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a milestone celebration, a wedding or a special event, the grandeur and history encapsulated within castle walls create a backdrop of unparalleled luxury and timeless elegance.
Explore the unique atmosphere, regal retreats, and cultural immersion that make staying in a castle the epitome of luxury, creating memories that linger in the heart long after the occasion has passed.
Perfect for weddings
Castles offer a majestic setting for weddings, providing grand halls, outdoor gardens, and picturesque surroundings. With their historic charm and stunning architecture, castles create unforgettable backdrops for ceremonies and photos.
Perfect for a relaxing and indulging treat
Castles typically offer a variety of spa and relaxation facilities to provide guests with a luxurious experience. These may include on-site spas with massage rooms, saunas, and Jacuzzis, as well as fitness centres, swimming pools, and yoga classes.
Perfect for fine dining
Many castles also offer fine dining options, enhancing their overall relaxation experience amidst the castle’s historic charm and scenic surroundings.
If you’re interested in staying in a castle, it’s a good idea to research specific castle hotels, check their amenities and reviews, and make reservations in advance. Keep in mind that availability, services, and facilities can vary from one castle hotel to another.
Best Castles to Stay in the UK
The UK is blessed with castle stays across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
Castle hotels offer a range of experiences, from luxurious accommodations to fine dining to historical charm.
Here are our top picks of castles to say in the UK.
Castles in England
- Amberley Castle
- Thornbury Castle
- Langley Castle
- Swinton Park
- Lumley Castle
- Peckforton Castle
- Augill Castle
- Bovey Castle
- Hever Castle
- Dalhousie Castle
- Hazlewood Castle
- Walton Castle
- Leasowe Castle
- Tregenna Castle
- Clearwell Castle
Amberley Castle
A medieval gem surrounded by stunning gardens, Amberley Castle offers luxurious accommodations and an award-winning fine dining experience.
- Location: West Sussex, England
- Best Known For: Historic charm and picturesque surroundings.
- Type of Restaurant: Award-winning fine dining.
- Type of Rooms: Luxury rooms and suites.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with beautiful gardens.
- Spa Facilities: N/A
- Other Facilities: Historic tours, events.
- Website: Amberley Castle
Bovey Castle
Nestled in Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle offers a championship golf course, luxury accommodations, and locally inspired dining.
- Best Known For: Championship golf and luxury.
- Location: Devon, England
- Type of Restaurant: Fine dining with local ingredients.
- Type of Rooms: Luxury rooms and self-catering lodges.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with a stunning estate backdrop.
- Spa Facilities: Elan Spa.
- Other Facilities: Championship golf, outdoor activities.
- Website: Bovey Castle
Leeds Castle
Often referred to as the “loveliest castle in the world,” Leeds Castle provides guests with a historic stay amid beautiful grounds and the option to dine on-site.
- Location: Kent, England
- Best Known For: Stunning grounds and medieval grandeur.
- Type of Restaurant: Various dining options on the estate.
- Type of Rooms: Castle bedrooms and Maiden’s Tower suites.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with historic and scenic settings.
- Spa Facilities: N/A
- Other Facilities: Gardens, events, falconry displays.
- Website: Leeds Castle
Lumley Castle
Lumley Castle, with its medieval charm, is not just a historic stay but also an ideal venue for events and weddings, offering accommodations and on-site dining.
- Location: County Durham, England
- Best Known For: Medieval grandeur and event hosting.
- Type of Restaurant: Elegant dining in the castle.
- Type of Rooms: Unique castle chambers.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with medieval grandeur.
- Spa Facilities: N/A
- Other Facilities: Events, afternoon tea.
- Website: Lumley Castle
- How to Book: Reservations available on the website.
Peckforton Castle
A medieval-style castle, Peckforton Castle provides accommodations and on-site dining, offering a unique stay with a focus on outdoor activities.
- Location: Cheshire, England
- Best Known For: Medieval-style architecture and outdoor activities.
- Type of Restaurant: Fine dining with a focus on local produce.
- Type of Rooms: Castle and contemporary-style rooms.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with a medieval-style banqueting hall.
- Spa Facilities: N/A
- Other Facilities: Outdoor activities, falconry.
- Website: Peckforton Castle
Swinton Park
Swinton Park is a grand country house with beautiful gardens, a spa, and luxurious accommodations, inviting guests to stay and savor fine dining.
- Location: North Yorkshire, England
- Best Known For: Grand country house and luxury accommodations.
- Type of Restaurant: Fine dining with estate-produced ingredients.
- Type of Rooms: Luxury bedrooms and suites.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with grand rooms and extensive grounds.
- Spa Facilities: Swinton Park Country Club and Spa.
- Other Facilities: Outdoor activities, gardens.
- Website: Swinton Park
- How to Book: Online reservations on the website.
Thornbury Castle
Thornbury Castle, a Tudor gem, offers accommodations fit for royalty and a restaurant in the Tudor Hall, creating a unique and historic experience.
- Location: Gloucestershire, England
- Best Known For: Tudor architecture and historic charm.
- Type of Restaurant: Tudor Hall restaurant.
- Type of Rooms: Tudor bedchambers.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, in a historic setting.
- Spa Facilities: N/A
- Other Facilities: Gardens, events.
- Website: Thornbury Castle
- How to Book: Reservations available on the website.
Augill Castle
Augill Castle boasts a family-friendly atmosphere and individually designed rooms. Guests can stay in this unique castle and enjoy on-site dining.
- Location: Cumbria, England
- Best Known For: Family-friendly atmosphere and unique design.
- Type of Restaurant: On-site dining with a variety of options.
- Type of Rooms: Individually designed rooms.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with historic charm.
- Spa Facilities: N/A
- Other Facilities: Gardens, family-friendly activities.
- Website: Augill Castle
Dornoch Castle Hotel
With historic charm and proximity to the Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Dornoch Castle Hotel offers guests a delightful stay and dining in a historic setting.
- Location: Highland, Scotland
- Best Known For: Historic charm and golf proximity.
- Type of Restaurant: Fine dining with a focus on local ingredients.
- Type of Rooms: Comfortable and historic rooms.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with a historic backdrop.
- Spa Facilities: N/A
- Other Facilities: Whisky bar, golf activities.
- Website: Dornoch Castle Hotel
Langley Castle
Langley Castle, with its medieval fortress and unique octagonal shape, offers accommodations fit for a king or queen, along with award-winning on-site dining.
- Location: Northumberland, England
- Best Known For: Award-winning dining and medieval fortress.
- Type of Restaurant: Award-winning dining with a historic ambiance.
- Type of Rooms: Castle rooms with historic charm.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with medieval grandeur.
- Spa Facilities: N/A
- Other Facilities: Gardens, events.
- Website: Langley Castle
Tregenna Castle
Tregenna Castle provides guests with accommodations and the option to dine on-site while enjoying beautiful coastal views and the castle’s extensive facilities.
- Location: Cornwall, England
- Best Known For: Coastal views and extensive facilities.
- Type of Restaurant: On-site dining with a variety of options.
- Type of Rooms: Castle rooms and self-catering accommodation.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with coastal views.
- Spa Facilities: Leisure facilities and spa treatments.
- Other Facilities: Golf course, outdoor activities.
- Website: Tregenna Castle
Clearwell Castle
Often chosen for weddings and events, Clearwell Castle also offers accommodations for guests, providing the opportunity to stay and dine on special occasions. –
- Location: Gloucestershire, England
- Best Known For: Wedding venue and grand halls. –
- Type of Restaurant: Catered dining for events. – Type of Rooms: Limited availability for guests during events. –
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with grand halls and gardens. –
- Spa Facilities: N/A –
- Other Facilities: Gardens, events. –
- Website: Clearwell Castle –
- How to Book: Contact details are available on the website.
Castles in Scotland
- Inverlochy Castle Hotel
- Glenapp Castle
- Fonab Castle
- Dalhousie Castle
- Glenborrodale Castle
Glenborrodale Castle
Glenborrodale Castle offers a secluded retreat on the shores of Loch Sunart. Guests can stay in the castle and experience on-site dining in a tranquil setting.
- Location: Highland, Scotland
- Best Known For: Secluded retreat and loch views.
- Type of Restaurant: On-site dining with loch views.
- Type of Rooms: Elegant rooms with traditional decor.
- Wedding Venues: Limited availability for intimate weddings.
- Spa Facilities: N/A
- Other Facilities: Gardens, boating activities.
- Website: Glenborrodale Castle
Fonab Castle
Fonab Castle, a contemporary castle with a blend of historic charm, offers luxurious rooms, fine dining, and picturesque views of Loch Faskally.
- Location: Perthshire, Scotland
- Best Known For: Luxury rooms and loch views.
- Type of Restaurant: Fine dining with a focus on local produce.
- Type of Rooms: Luxury rooms and suites.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with loch views.
- Spa Facilities: Spa facilities and wellness programs.
- Other Facilities: Gardens, outdoor activities.
- Website: Fonab Castle
- How to Book: Online reservations on the website.
Dalhousie Castle
With a rich history dating back to the 13th century, Dalhousie Castle provides a unique experience with historic rooms, falconry programs, and on-site dining.
- Location: Midlothian, Scotland
- Best Known For: Historical charm and falconry experiences.
- Type of Restaurant: On-site restaurant with varied menus.
- Type of Rooms: Historic rooms and suites.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with a castle setting.
- Spa Facilities: Aqueous Spa.
- Other Facilities: Falconry programs, events.
- Website: Dalhousie Castle
- How to Book: Online booking available on the website.
Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Inverlochy Castle Hotel offers breathtaking mountain views, gourmet dining, and luxurious accommodations, creating a memorable Highland retreat.
- Location: Highland, Scotland
- Best Known For: Mountain views and Michelin-starred dining.
- Type of Restaurant: Michelin-starred gourmet dining.
- Type of Rooms: Lavish and individually designed rooms.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with mountain views.
- Spa Facilities: N/A
- Other Facilities: Outdoor activities, gardens.
- Website: Inverlochy Castle Hotel
- How to Book: Reservations are available on the website.
Glenapp Castle
Nestled in the heart of Ayrshire, Glenapp Castle provides a secluded luxury retreat with elegant rooms, exquisite gardens, and an award-winning dining experience.
- Location: Ayrshire, Scotland
- Best Known For: Secluded luxury and award-winning dining.
- Type of Restaurant: Fine dining with a focus on local and seasonal produce.
- Type of Rooms: Luxury rooms and suites.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with a romantic backdrop.
- Spa Facilities: N/A
- Other Facilities: Gardens, outdoor activities.
- Website: Glenapp Castle
- How to Book: Online reservations on the website.
Castles in Wales
- Chateau Rhianfa
- Ruthin Castle Hotel
- Hensol Castle
- Roch Castle
- Craig Y Nos Castle
Chateau Rhianfa
Chateau Rhianfa is a fairytale-like castle with turrets and towers, offering luxurious rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy fine dining with panoramic views of the Menai Strait.
- Location: Anglesey, Wales
- Best Known For: Fairytale setting and panoramic views.
- Type of Restaurant: Fine dining with scenic views.
- Type of Rooms: Luxurious rooms and suites.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with fairytale surroundings.
- Spa Facilities: N/A
- Other Facilities: Gardens, private beach.
- Website: Chateau Rhianfa
- How to Book: Reservations available on the website.
Chateau Rhianfa
Chateau Rhianfa is a fairytale-like castle hotel set on the shores of the Menai Strait. With turrets and towers, it offers luxurious rooms and suites in a unique architectural setting.
- Location: Anglesey, Wales
- Best Known For: Fairytale setting and panoramic views.
- Type of Restaurant: Fine dining with scenic views.
- Type of Rooms: Luxurious rooms and suites.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with fairytale surroundings.
- Spa Facilities: N/A
- Other Facilities: Gardens, private beach.
- Website: Chateau Rhianfa
- How to Book: Reservations available on the website.
Ruthin Castle Hotel
Ruthin Castle Hotel is a medieval fortress surrounded by parkland. It offers a blend of historic charm and modern luxury with comfortable accommodations, a moat spa, and fine dining.
- Location: Denbighshire, Wales
- Best Known For: Medieval charm and historic surroundings.
- Type of Restaurant: Fine dining with a focus on local produce.
- Type of Rooms: Comfortable and uniquely decorated rooms.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with medieval grandeur.
- Spa Facilities: Moat Spa.
- Other Facilities: Gardens, events.
- Website: Ruthin Castle Hotel
- How to Book: Reservations available on the website.
Hensol Castle
Hensol Castle is a 17th-century stately home-turned-castle hotel, surrounded by picturesque grounds. It offers elegant rooms and suites, a spa, and on-site dining.
- Location: Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
- Best Known For: 17th-century architecture and picturesque setting.
- Type of Restaurant: On-site dining with a variety of options.
- Type of Rooms: Elegant rooms and suites.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with historic charm.
- Spa Facilities: Vale Spa.
- Other Facilities: Golf course, events.
- Website: Hensol Castle
- How to Book: Online reservations on the website.
Roch Castle
Roch Castle is a historic Norman castle transformed into a boutique hotel. Perched high above St. Brides Bay, it offers luxurious accommodations with panoramic views and modern amenities.
- Location: Pembrokeshire, Wales
- Best Known For: Boutique luxury and panoramic views.
- Type of Restaurant: Fine dining with locally sourced ingredients.
- Type of Rooms: Luxurious and individually designed rooms.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with a unique castle setting.
- Spa Facilities: N/A
- Other Facilities: Gardens, events.
- Website: Roch Castle
- How to Book: Reservations available on the website.
Craig Y Nos Castle
Craig Y Nos Castle is set within the Brecon Beacons National Park, offering a historic retreat with comfortable accommodations. Known for its opera house, it provides a unique castle experience.
- Location: Powys, Wales
- Best Known For: Brecon Beacons location and historic charm.
- Type of Restaurant: On-site dining with a variety of options.
- Type of Rooms: Comfortable rooms with historic features.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with scenic views.
- Spa Facilities: N/A
- Other Facilities: Opera house, events.
- Website: Craig Y Nos Castle
- How to Book: Reservations available on the website.
Castles in Ireland
- Ashford Castle
- Dromoland Castle
- Waterford Castle Hotel
- Adare Manor
- Lough Eske Castle
Ashford Castle
A fairytale destination, Ashford Castle offers opulent rooms, gourmet dining, and stunning surroundings, making it a popular luxury retreat.
- Location: County Mayo, Ireland
- Best Known For: Opulence and lakeside views.
- Type of Restaurant: Gourmet dining experiences.
- Type of Rooms: Opulent rooms and suites.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with grand settings.
- Spa Facilities: Luxury spa and wellness center.
- Other Facilities: Golf course, outdoor activities.
- Website: Ashford Castle
- How to Book: Reservations available on the website.
Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle is a medieval castle turned luxury hotel set on the shores of Lough Corrib. Known for its opulence and history, it offers lavish accommodations with regal interiors and stunning views.
- Location: Cong, County Mayo, Ireland
- Best Known For: Opulent luxury and rich history.
- Type of Restaurant: Fine dining with a variety of culinary options.
- Type of Rooms: Luxurious rooms and suites with period features.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with grand halls and lakeside settings.
- Spa Facilities: The Spa at Ashford Castle.
- Other Facilities: Golf, outdoor activities, events.
- Website: Ashford Castle
- How to Book: Reservations available on the website.
Dromoland Castle
Dromoland Castle is a 16th-century castle hotel set on a vast estate. Renowned for its elegant interiors, it offers luxurious accommodations, a championship golf course, and a range of activities.
- Location: County Clare, Ireland
- Best Known For: Elegant interiors and championship golf.
- Type of Restaurant: Fine dining with a focus on Irish cuisine.
- Type of Rooms: Luxurious rooms and suites with period furnishings.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with historic charm.
- Spa Facilities: The Spa at Dromoland.
- Other Facilities: Golf, outdoor activities, events.
- Website: Dromoland Castle
- How to Book: Reservations available on the website.
Waterford Castle Hotel
Waterford Castle Hotel is located on a private island on the River Suir. This castle hotel offers elegant accommodations, a golf course, and an intimate setting surrounded by nature.
- Location: Waterford, Ireland
- Best Known For: Private island setting and intimate atmosphere.
- Type of Restaurant: Fine dining with river views.
- Type of Rooms: Elegant rooms and suites.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with a riverside backdrop.
- Spa Facilities: The Spa at Waterford Castle.
- Other Facilities: Golf, outdoor activities, events.
- Website: Waterford Castle Hotel
- How to Book: Reservations available on the website.
Adare Manor
Adare Manor is a Neo-Gothic masterpiece set amidst formal gardens. Renowned for its grandeur, it offers opulent accommodations, championship golf, and a Michelin-starred dining experience.
- Location: County Limerick, Ireland
- Best Known For: Neo-Gothic grandeur and Michelin-starred dining.
- Type of Restaurant: Michelin-starred dining and other culinary options.
- Type of Rooms: Opulent rooms and suites with modern amenities.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with grand halls and scenic gardens.
- Spa Facilities: The Spa at Adare Manor.
- Other Facilities: Golf, outdoor activities, events.
- Website: Adare Manor
- How to Book: Reservations available on the website.
Lough Eske Castle
Lough Eske Castle is set on the shores of Lough Eske with a backdrop of the Bluestack Mountains. Known for its luxurious accommodations, it offers a tranquil retreat with modern amenities.
- Location: County Donegal, Ireland
- Best Known For: Luxurious accommodations and scenic location.
- Type of Restaurant: Fine dining with a focus on local ingredients.
- Type of Rooms: Elegant rooms and suites with contemporary design.
- Wedding Venues: Yes, with scenic lakeside settings.
- Spa Facilities: The Spa at Lough Eske Castle.
- Other Facilities: Outdoor activities, events.
- Website: Lough Eske Castle
- How to Book: Reservations available on the website.
FAQ
Which part of the UK has the most castles?
Wales is often considered to have the highest concentration of castles in the United Kingdom. It is sometimes referred to as the “Castle Capital of the World” due to the large number of castles found throughout the country. Wales has over 600 castles, ranging from medieval fortifications to grand country houses.
This high density of castles is a reflection of the historical conflicts and power struggles that took place in the region during the Middle Ages.
Some notable castles in Wales include Conwy Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Harlech Castle, and Beaumaris Castle. These structures not only served as military fortifications but also played important roles in the history of Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
Can you stay in castles?
Yes, many castles have been converted into hotels, allowing visitors to experience a stay in a historical and often luxurious setting. Castle hotels are scattered across the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe.
They offer a unique and atmospheric accommodation option, combining the charm of medieval or historic architecture with modern amenities.
Castle hotels vary in terms of their size, facilities, and the level of luxury they provide. Some castle hotels are grand and opulent, offering guests a truly regal experience, while others may provide a more intimate and cozy atmosphere.
Staying in a castle hotel can be a memorable and immersive experience, allowing guests to explore the historical features of the castle, enjoy unique architectural details, and often take advantage of picturesque surroundings.
Where in the UK can I stay in a castle?
You can stay in a castle in various regions across the United Kingdom. Here are some specific locations where you can find castle hotels:
England:
- West Sussex:
- Amberley Castle
- Gloucestershire:
- Thornbury Castle
- Northumberland:
- Langley Castle
- North Yorkshire:
- Swinton Park
- Hazlewood Castle (near Leeds)
- County Durham:
- Lumley Castle
- Cheshire:
- Peckforton Castle
- Cumbria:
- Augill Castle
- Devon:
- Bovey Castle
- Kent:
- Hever Castle
- Somerset:
- Walton Castle
- Wirral, Merseyside:
- Leasowe Castle
- Cornwall:
- Tregenna Castle
- Gloucestershire:
- Clearwell Castle
Scotland:
- Edinburgh:
- Dalhousie Castle
- The Balmoral Hotel
- Inverness:
- Aldourie Castle
- Cawdor Castle
- Perthshire:
- Fonab Castle
- Taymouth Castle
Wales:
- Conwy:
- Ruthin Castle Hotel
- Powys:
- Craig Y Nos Castle
- Pembrokeshire:
- Roch Castle
Ireland:
- County Mayo
- Ashford Castle
- County Clare
- Dromoland Castle
- Waterford
- Waterford Castle Hotel
- County Limerick
- Adare Manor
- County Donegal
- Lough Eske Castle
Summary
Stepping into a castle is like stepping into a fairy tale – a world where history, romance, and opulence converge to offer an experience beyond the ordinary. In this introduction, we embark on a journey to uncover the reasons why staying in a castle is not just an accommodation choice but a transformative experience that elevates any special occasion to the extraordinary.
From the majestic architecture that whispers tales of centuries past to the personalized service that pampers you like royalty, a castle stay is a symphony of old-world charm and modern comfort.