by For those who want to experience something a little out of the ordinary, nothing beats the charm of a castle stay. And many of the UK’s best castles combine centuries-old architecture with the comforts of an elegant hotel, provided, where possible, with original authentic features, furnishings and events to really enhance the experience. You’ll also find that castle stays in the UK include extra touches, such as free guided tours or private access to the grounds outside of normal hours.
Due to their place in history, many fortifications are located in the wildest of landscapes, from the beautiful mountainous and wooded areas of County Armagh to the warm coasts of the Isles of Scilly, adding that extra layer of remote and poetic mystery to their holidays. Expect stunning medieval military architecture, baths behind hidden walls, jousting tournaments and the occasional friendly ghost in our pick of the UK’s best castle holidays.
how we review
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are usually hosted for free. They stay a minimum of one night, try at least one meal, and try other experiences the hotel has to offer.
England
This 13th-century double-moated castle in Kent’s High Weald was Anne Boleyn’s childhood home before ending up in the hands of Anne of Cleves. As a guest, expect to find historical items such as the Queen’s executed prayer books and the finest collection of Tudor paintings in England after the National Portrait Gallery, along with the occasional four-poster bed, claw-foot bathtub and threaded chaise longue. gold in the rooms. . They’ll also be able to explore the grounds (with an ancient yew maze, a beautiful croquet lawn and a spicy rose garden) after hours. Jousting and reenactments liven up the atmosphere in summer.
A warlike medieval knight named Ralph Lumley built this imposing castle overlooking the River Wear. He was a bit of a troublemaker and was executed for plotting to overthrow King Henry IV. This is not a property that does things by halves, with its bombastic silk flower arrangements, its heraldic wall coverings and its staff running around in medieval attire. The rooms feature four-poster beds and original details such as garlands and borders. Some have bathrooms behind hidden doors. The dining room is well-suited for romance – think soft candles, stone pillars and vaulted ceilings.
Augill Castle is a rather histrionic testament to the power of sibling rivalry. John Bagot Pearson, “a gentleman of leisure and considerable means”, built it in 1841 to outdo his brother. And because he could. The result is a splendid array of steep turrets, sweeping mahogany staircases, and barred windows as intricate as French lace. The rooms, all large in size, are furnished in the style of a ramshackle farmhouse, with rugs on wooden floors, acres of billowing curtains, antique furniture and the occasional contemporary accent. It may not be suitable for shy and withdrawn people, but it is ideal for families and anyone who likes adventures.
You’ll get much more than just a bed for the night when you stay at Warwick Castle. Guests can choose from two rooms in Caesar’s Tower, one of which is the Rose Suite, which once housed King Edward IV and features a door to the battlements. Certain peculiarities of approximately 600 years of English history are visible in the castle’s architecture and design, some of which date back to its origins in the 14th century as a Norman motte-and-bailey castle. Other benefits include a complimentary all-day dining card, access to the Castle Dungeon, and a private after-hours tour led by one of the historians.
With its battlements and two-metre-thick walls, this 14th-century castle is one of the last British castle hotels still retaining its original fortifications. Expect exposed stone walls, wrought iron chandeliers, suits of armor and numerous gilt-framed portraits. The most expensive rooms are in the castle and are completely medieval, with four-poster beds, luxurious decorations and window seats set against thick stone walls. The food is taken seriously, serving seared halibut with squid ink arancini, parsnip velouté and paprika squid in a bisque cream, or duck breast with confit potatoes in a spiced port juice.
Amberley Castle is initially imposing, with a rare functional portcullis (lowered nightly) within its 60-foot-high walls. The 900-year-old castle began life as a hunting lodge in 1103 and became a fortified manor house some 400 years later, passing through the hands of bishops and royalty, and hosting the likes of Henry VIII in 1526 (seeking divorce counseling). Charles II in 1660 and Isabel II as princess. Inside, however, the styling is comfortable and simple, albeit with armor scattered throughout. Some rooms are traditional, with a canopy; others more contemporary.
Dating back some 900 years, Leeds Castle is surrounded by 500 acres of glorious Kentish parks and gardens. As well as self-contained cottages and medieval-style glamping tents, there are a handful of elegant b&b rooms in the 1930s Stable Courtyard and 16th-century Maiden’s Tower. Breakfast and dinner are served in the 17th-century, half-timbered and beamed Castle View Restaurant, which, as its name suggests, overlooks the castle. Guests can also explore the exhibition centres, treetop adventure course and children’s playgrounds, as well as free entry to the castle and out-of-hours access to the grounds.
During the reign of Elizabeth I, this star-shaped fortress was built in 1593 to defend the Isles of Scilly. Rooms have been packed crookedly into the eight points of the star, which only adds to the fun of exploring; Bag a garden room for beautiful French windows that open directly onto the lawn. The heritage elements spread throughout the spaces reflect the incredible history of the hotel; Think large wooden beams, open fireplaces and the original staircase by which captives descended into the dungeon. Eating here is also particularly atmospheric; The dining room was once the officers’ mess and guests can sample wine from the owner’s local vineyard.
Scotland
A fine example of 19th century Scottish baronial grandeur, set in a forest of giant redwoods overlooking the Irish Sea. The sandstone battlements seen from Azalea Pond and Italian Garden evoke a fairy tale, and the imposing public rooms with Austrian wood paneling, period furniture, wood-burning fireplaces and art objects create a warm and modern Victorian atmosphere. There is an all-weather tennis court, a croquet pitch and shooting (there are pheasants and partridges on the estate). The palatial suites feature four-poster beds with curtains, fireplaces and floral arrangements worthy of Old Master paintings. Don’t miss the seven-course dinners either.
This is the real McCoy, Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle with a turbulent history dating back to the 13th century. There may be musket shots embedded in the stone battlements, but the interiors have been transformed into a luxury hotel and spa with fine dining. Individually designed rooms feature tartan, tweed and twill plaid fabrics, plus spacious bathrooms; The Mary Queen of Scots Suite has a huge four-poster bed fit for royalty. You’re in good company too – Edward I spent a night here before marching to Falkirk to defeat William Wallace. Dine by candlelight among armor and battle axes in the Dungeon Restaurant for a truly authentic castle experience.
Queen Victoria said she “never saw a more beautiful or more romantic place” than Inverlochy Castle in 1873, and it remains as impressive as ever. Moving with the times means modern conveniences such as waterfall showers, Bang & Olufsen stereos and TVs hidden behind mirrors have been introduced, while the unabashed country house style and a pervasive sense of suspended time remain. Located at the foot of Ben Nevis, surrounded by a ring of mountain peaks, this is a place of quiet beauty, with no indication that the busy, bustling tourist town of Fort William is just a couple of miles up the road.
Welsh
A Liberal MP built this early Victorian castle (and former prep school) on a private peninsula on the Snowdonia coast. Gothic and Tudor styles collide: think slate floors, froufrou plasterwork and an ornate fireplace guarded by a fearsome stone knight. There are 11 castle rooms to choose from, from contemporary Castle Doubles with kitchen areas and tea trays with Welsh produce, to suites with separate lounges and folding beds. Enjoy an alfresco lunch on the sun-drenched terrace of the Victorian walled garden; After dinner, retire to the wood-paneled lounge for coffee by the roaring fire.
This mansion with fish-scale towers was built for Lady Sarah Hay Williams as a dowry gift from her husband, John (the name means “ladies’ abode”). The design is based on five castles in the Loire Valley, a region the couple loved. There are 27 rooms, 16 of which are in the main house and 11 next door in The Lodge, plus three self-catering cottages. Hotel facilities include a sauna, jacuzzi, tennis courts and gardens, and there are many rooms to explore, including a music room, lounge, cloisters and nooks full of interesting artefacts. Views of the Snowdon giants complete the picture.
North Ireland
An old castle with modern facilities, good food, friendly staff, open fires, sea views and a resident ghost. After James Shaw built the castle in 1625, he was so enraged when her wife Isabella gave birth to a daughter instead of a son and heir that he locked her in this room to starve. Distraught, she threw herself out of the window and guests reported seeing her ghost appear and disappear in her rooms, leaving a musty vanilla smell. Aside from that, Ballygally Castle is a welcoming base for exploring the north coast, not to mention several Game of Thrones filming locations.
Set in a beautiful hilly and wooded region, known as ‘Bandit Country’ during the Troubles and only now discovered by tourists, this listed castle from 1836 has been transformed into one of Northern Ireland’s finest hotels. Guests will find fabulous food and an excellent spa, and the property has won several national awards, including best romantic getaway, restaurant and chef de cuisine. The modern section has 45 rooms, while the castle has four extravagant Gothic-style bedrooms with four-poster beds. There is also a self-contained three-bedroom cottage.
Contributions from Telegraph Travel experts
