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Our expert writers are usually hosted on a complimentary basis to get the personal experience necessary for their review.
To stay in a castle is to wake up in one of England’s great historical acts. Blankets, suits of armor, mottled forts, heavy drapes, four-poster beds, beautiful follies and banquettes are the stuff of medieval dreams, and where these features were present, they were well preserved.
You’ll often find that a castle break in England comes with extras such as free admission to exhibitions and museum tours, or private out-of-hours access to the grounds. In addition, many of the following places come with mod cons, fancy restaurants, modern annexes and even smart spas. Here’s our pick of the best castle hotels in England, in locations including Yorkshire, Northumberland, Cornwall, Kent, Devon, Cheshire and Warwick and near London.
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.
At a glance, the best castle hotels in England
The two moated Hever Castle, set within 125 acres of grounds in Kent’s High Weald, dates back to the 1300s. Best known as Anne Boleyn’s childhood home, the castle rooms contain valuable furniture, tapestries, antiques, one of the finest Tudor painting collections in the country, and two prayer books inscribed and signed by Anne Boleyn. The accommodation can be found in the Anne Boleyn Wing and the Astor Wing, part of a ‘Tudor Village’ built around 1903 – each wing has its own dining area, fire-heated sitting room and intimate seating. All room rates include entry to the attractions of Hever Castle and its gardens.
The dramatic setting of Bovey Castle overlooks the lushly wooded hills of Dartmoor National Park. On the doorstep are miles of desert, heather-covered moorland roamed by wild horses, and villages lost to time. The granite baronial house, built in 1907, has retained all its magnificent features including massive stone fireplaces, sweeping mahogany staircases and mullioned windows. Despite its smart decor, it’s the least expensive luxury hotel imaginable: muddy dogs, children and walkers are welcome. Outside, on the 275 acre grounds, there is an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, croquet pitch, archery and rifle range, and beautiful lakeside walks. Most mornings there is a free falcon display on the garden terrace.
Once a real-life castle with a rich history dating back to the 12th century, today Amberley is part of the Relais & Chateaux group and offers fine dining and trails filled with museum-worthy artefacts. The current building dates back in part to 1103 and has passed through the hands of several bishops, kings and queens. Henry VIII visited in 1526 (seeking divorce advice), Charles II in 1660 and Elizabeth II as princess. A hotel since 1989, it still has a beautiful chapter entrance, a suit of armor on the landing and pike on the walls. The ruins of a great hall, ravaged in the Civil War, stand in the romantic 12 acre grounds.
Leeds Castle is nestled amongst 500 acres of glorious Kent parkland and gardens, including a lake, meandering river and Japanese garden. Dating back 900 years, the castle exudes history, romance and intrigue. As well as self-catering cottages and medieval glamping tents, the 1930s Stableyard and 16th-century Maiden’s Tower are home to a handful of elegant bed & breakfasts. 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 centers, falconry center, Go Ape treetop adventure course, and adventure playgrounds.
This is much more than a hotel – it’s an experience. With just two rooms to choose from, guests are given the opportunity to see behind the scenes of one of Britain’s most famous castles after the gates have closed and visitors have gone home. Dating back to the 14th century, the castle has been neglected and periodically renovated over the years, meaning that the architecture and design have quirks from around 600 years of English history. The State Rooms have a distinctly royal theme – including the bed in which Queen Anne is alleged to have died. Elsewhere, glamping and lodges are available.
This fun property – built in neo-Gothic style as a country retreat for a Victorian solicitor – has all the elements of a castle: turrets, turrets, battlements, leaded windows and unexpected staircases. Owners Simon and Wendy Bennett took the leap of faith in 1997 when they wanted a change from running a Mayfair restaurant, and found the castle empty. Rooms, on a grand scale, are furnished in a shabby country house style with rugs on wooden floors, acres of billowing curtains, bold wallpaper and a mix of antiques and well-loved pieces with a splash of modern. It may not be suitable for the shy and retiring, but it is perfect for families, and anyone who likes adventure.
Well, if you have a 14th century castle, you might as well go the whole medieval hog. It is rich, warm and dark, with heraldic patterned wall coverings, flagged floors, large drapes, staff in medieval costumes, and lots of red velvet. Without a doubt, the rooms of the castle have the most atmosphere with great tumping walls and deep wide windows, and are full of swags and pelmets; the most expensive motion bathrooms behind secret doors and heavily draped four-poster beds. The staff are extremely attentive and can arrange fishing on the nearby River Wear, arrange reduced rates at the nearby golf course and provide secure bike storage. The hotel has a full program of events.
The 14th century castle lives up to its medieval history well with its exposed stone walls, wooden panelling, wrought iron candelabra, suit of armor and gilded framed portraits and various heralds. There is an impressive staircase, a drawing room knee-deep in sofas, a traditional dining room, beamed, and acres of red-and-gold drapes. Guests (and non-residents) can take historical tours of the castle ramparts, as well as walking trails in the grounds. As for the accommodation, the rooms are the nicest in the castle and may have four-poster beds and window seats in thick stone walls. Food is taken seriously here too.
Expect generous portions of old-world character at this turreted country hotel, as well as an impressive range of leisure facilities. A big selling point is the health club, which has an indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna and gym, all of which are free for guests to use. There are also a handful of treatment rooms, as well as a salon and beauty salon. Fine buildings of various incarnations have stood here for centuries – it is claimed that George Washington’s great-grandfather once lived on the site – but the current construction is late Victorian. It’s worth noting that there are two newer wings nearby that offer a less baronial experience.
One of the most characteristic castles to stay in England. Built in the mid-19th century, Peckforton is a Victorian take on a medieval fort, complete with sandstone battlements, arrow slits and spiral stone staircases, and sits atop its own small wooded peak in the Peckforton Hills. The furnishings are in keeping with its historic character: the bare stone walls are lined with old French tapestries, surrounded by a suit of armour, and heavy red curtains emblazoned with the Peckforton coat of arms. In the rooms, the décor stays true to the feel of the period – think plenty of dark wood furniture and rich colors – and in some cases, fireplaces can be lit during the winter months.
Occupying a countryside location 15 minutes’ drive from the historic town of Shrewsbury, the beauty and tranquility of this beautiful 17th century castle will restore your faith in love and beauty. It is bursting with character and sophistication, and style with traditional decor, including wood paneled walls, stunning armchairs, large artworks and unusual murals. The hotel is primarily used as a wedding venue, although they do occasionally open up availability for overnight guests looking for a private countryside escape. The food is amazing, from the appetisers on the garden terrace, to the seasonal menu in the restaurant.
This striking star-shaped fortress, set within its original garrison walls amidst four acres of subtropical gardens, blends centuries-old character with contemporary charm. Built in the 16th century, the castle was originally the first point of defense for an approaching army that wanted to invade the island. It was converted into a hotel in 1933, and the Francis family took over the place in 2003, transforming it into a family-friendly retreat. The interior has a new contemporary vibe, with Robert Francis’ wife, Teresa, primarily responsible for the styling. Highlights include spectacular views from the turrets and ramps, locally produced wines, and lobster and crab caught daily by the owner.
Contributions from Suzie Bennett, Gabriella Le Breton, Suzanne King, Natalie Millar-Partridge, Caroline Mills, Helen Pickles, Sandra Shields, Penny Walker & Debbie Ward
