by For those who want to experience something out of the ordinary, nothing beats the desire to stay in a castle. And many of the UK’s best castles blend centuries-old architecture with the comfort of a smart hotel, dotted where possible with original features, furnishings and authentic events to really enhance the experience. You’ll also find that castle stays in the UK come with extra touches such as free guided tours, or private out-of-hours access to the grounds.
Due to their place in history, many fortifications are located in the wildest countryside – from the beautiful, mountainous, wooded areas of County Armagh to the warm shores of the Isles of Scilly – adding that extra layer of remote, poetic mystery to your visit. holiday. Expect massive medieval military architecture, bathrooms behind hidden walls, jousting competitions, and the odd friendly ghost in our pick of the best castle holidays in the UK.
How we review
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, and is usually hosted on a free basis. They stay for at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel may have.
England
This double moated 13th-century castle in Kent’s High Weald was the home of Anne Boleyn when she later became Anne Boleyn before ending up in the hands of Anne of Cleves. As a guest, expect to come across historic items such as the executed queen’s prayer books and the best collection of Tudor paintings since the National Portrait Gallery, along with the odd four-poster bed, roll-top bath, and gold thread chaise longue in the rooms. . You can also explore the grounds (with a maze of ancient yews, a handsome crocus lawn, and a pungent rose garden) outside of normal hours. Jousting and re-enactments spice things up in the summer.
This imposing castle that overlooks the River Wear was built by a pugnacious medieval knight named Ralph Lumley. He was a troublemaker and was executed for conspiring to overthrow King Henry IV. This is not a property that halves things, with its bombshell silk floral arrangements, heraldic wall coverings and staff scurrying around in medieval green. Boasting heavily draped four-poster beds and original features such as swags and pelmets. Some have bathrooms behind hidden doors. The dining room is well placed for love: think soft candles, stone pillars and vaulted ceilings.
Augill Castle is a historical testament to the power of sibling rivalry. John Bagot Pearson, “a gentleman of leisure and considerable means”, built it in 1841 to outshine his brother. And because he could. The result is a stunning ensemble of steep turrets, sweeping mahogany staircases and latticed windows as intricate as French lace. Rooms – all large in scale – are furnished in shabby country house style with rugs on wooden floors, acres of billowing curtains, antique furniture, and the odd contemporary touch. It may not be suitable for the shy and retiring, but it is perfect for families, and anyone who likes adventure.
You get much more than 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, once inhabited by King Edward IV and which comes with a door to the battlements. Certain quirks from over 600 years or so of English history can be seen in the architecture and design of the castle, some of which date back to its 14th century origins as a Norman moated and moated castle. Other perks include a free all-day dining card, access to Castle Dungem, and a private tour led by one of the historians.
With its seven-foot-thick ramparts and walls, this 14th-century castle is one of the last castle hotels in Britain to retain its original fortifications. Expect exposed stone walls, wrought iron chandeliers, suits of armor and gilded framed portraits galore. The most expensive rooms in the castle go the full medieval hog with four-poster beds, lavish swags and window seats in thick stone walls. Food is taken seriously, serving the likes of seared halibut with squid-ink arancini, parsnip velouté and paprika calamari in bisque cream, or duck breast with potato confit in a spicy port jus.
Amberley Castle is originally forbidding, with rare working portcullis (lowered every night) within its 60ft high walls. The 900-year-old castle began as a hunting lodge in 1103 and became a fortified manor 400 years later, passing through the hands of bishops and royalty, and hosting the likes of Henry VIII in 1526 (seeking divorce counsel). Charles II in 1660, with Elizabeth II as princess. Inside though, the styling is comfortable and understated, although there is a suit of armor throughout. There are some traditional rooms, with four posters; others more contemporary.
Dating back 900 years, Leeds Castle is nestled amongst 500 acres of glorious Kent parkland and gardens. As well as self-catering cottages and medieval glamping tents, there are a handful of elegant guest rooms in the 1930s Stableyard and 16th-century Maiden’s Tower. Breakfast and dinner are served in the Castle View Castle Restaurant which, as the name suggests, is oak-beamed and timber-framed, overlooking the castle. Guests can also explore the exhibition centres, tree adventure course, and playgrounds, as well as free entry to the castle and after-hours access to the grounds.
During the reign of Elizabeth I, this star-shaped fortress was built in 1593 to protect the Isles of Scilly. There are cam-shaped rooms crammed into all eight points of the star, which only adds to the fun when it comes to exploring; garden room bag for beautiful French windows opening directly onto the lawns. Heritage features throughout the spaces reflect the hotel’s incredible history; think large wooden beams, open fireplaces, and the original staircase leading down to the dungeon. Eating here also has a unique atmosphere; The dining room was once an officer’s 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 with views over the Irish Sea. Charming sandstone walls overlooking Azalea Pond and the Italian Garden evoke a fairy tale, while large public rooms with Austrian wood panelling, period furniture, log fires and objets d’art create a warm modern Victorian ambiance. There is an all-weather tennis court, croquet lawn, and shooting (there are pheasant and partridge on the estate). There are palatial suites with four-poster curtain beds, fireplaces and flower arrangements even Old Master paintings. Don’t miss the seven course dinners either.
This is the real McCoy Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland with a turbulent history dating back to the 13th century. A musket shot might be embedded in the stone walls, but the interior has been transformed into a luxury hotel and spa with fine dining. Individually designed rooms come with Scottish fabrics of tartan, tweed and twill, as well as spacious bathrooms; the mary queen of scots room 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 amidst suits of armor and battle axes in the Dungeon restaurant for a truly authentic castle experience.
Queen Victoria said she had never seen ‘a more beautiful or romantic place’ than Inverlochy Castle in 1873, and it is as impressive as ever. Moving with the times, it means that modern conveniences such as waterfall showers, Bang & Olufsen stereos and TVs hidden behind mirrors have come in, and the country house style is unabashedly timeless. while still suspended. Lying at the foot of Ben Nevis and a ring of high peaks, this is a place of quiet beauty, with no hint that the bustling tourist town of Fort is just a few miles up the road.
Wales
A Liberal MP built this early Victorian castle (and one-time prep school) on a private peninsula on the Snowdonia coast. Gothic and Tudor styles collide: thoughtful slate floors, froufrou plasterwork and an ornate fireplace guarded by a fearsome stone knight. There are 11 castle rooms to choose from, from contemporary Double Castles with kitchen areas and tea trays of Welsh produce, to rooms with separate rooms and pull-out beds. Enjoy al fresco lunch on the sun-kissed terrace of the Victorian walled garden; Retire to the wood-panelled lounge after dinner for a coffee by the roaring fire.
This fish-scale tower house was built for Lady Sarah Hay Williams as a gift from heaven 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 bedrooms, 16 in the main house and 11 next door in the Lodge, as well as three self-catering cottages. On-site amenities include a sauna, hot tub, tennis courts and gardens, and there are many rooms to explore, including a music room, drawing room, cloister, and nooks filled with interesting artifacts. Views of the giants of Snowdonia complete the picture.
Northern Ireland
An ancient 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 angry when his wife Isabella gave birth to a girl instead of a son and heir that he locked her in this room to starve to death. In distress, she threw herself from the window, and guests reported seeing her ghost appear and disappear in their rooms, leaving behind a musty vanilla scent. Otherwise, Ballygadhill Castle is a cozy base from which to explore the north coast, not to mention several Game of Thrones filming locations.
This 1836 listed castle, located in a beautiful, mountainous, wooded region – known as “Bandit Country” during the Troubles and only now being discovered by tourists – has been transformed into one of the most stylish hotels in North Ireland. Guests will find excellent food and a fine spa, and the property has won several national awards – including best romantic escape, restaurant and chef. There are 45 rooms in the modern part and there are four Gothic style bedrooms with four poster beds in the castle. There is also a self-catering three-bedroom gate lodge.
Contributions from Telegraph Travel experts
