The best castle hotels in England you must visit
- What makes castle hotels in England unique?
- Which castle hotel is the most popular in England?
- Are themed castle stays available?
- What activities can I enjoy at a castle hotel?
- Is staying in a castle hotel suitable for families?
- How can I book a stay in a castle hotel?
- What should I pack for a castle hotel stay?
Key Takeaways
- These elegant castle hotels indeed offer the best of both worlds – luxury and history. Guests pamper themselves with high-end amenities such as spas and golf courses. They adopt the age-old customs of afternoon tea and members-only fine dining.
- Visitors are welcome to indulge in sumptuous regal accommodations. You can relax in massive four-poster beds. Marvel at the splendor of period décor while enjoying the modern comforts of contemporary living.
- With a multi-sensory approach, guests can explore through immersive experiences. It’s here that they’ll learn why traditional castles are so steeped in history and charm. These experiences run the gamut from magical themed adventures to interactive historical journeys that truly transport you through time.
- Castle hotels also offer the perfect rural retreat and they are well suited to a relaxing escape. They’re ideal for anyone looking for a peaceful getaway in stunning country landscapes.
- To accommodate all types of people, castle hotels offer a range of themed breaks. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family holiday, they provide a stay like no other that’ll enrich your experience.
- They also put on other immersive experiences like falconry and chef-led culinary courses. As part of their stay, guests can immerse themselves in unique activities that highlight the castle’s deep heritage and culture. Visitors have the chance to luxuriate in the natural beauty that surrounds the landscapes.
Visiting the best castle hotels in England is truly a trip back in time with all the modern luxuries, of course. Majestic structures regularly dot the picturesque English landscape. With a slice of genuine history paired with sumptuous creature comforts, they provide an unforgettable, immersive experience.
Guests will experience lavish accommodations and exquisite cuisine. They will be mesmerized by magical scenery that brings forth all the splendor of the English countryside. Each castle provides a unique story to tell, majestic banqueting halls and ancient stonework lending to the ambiance.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend retreat or an exciting weeklong adventure with the kids, these remarkable castle hotels are sure to deliver an unforgettable experience. The incredible style and luxury available in England’s castle hotels only add to what makes them such an incredible accommodation experience.
They’re perfect for travellers who enjoy a unique dose of history with their leisurely pursuits. Visit the glory of England’s past in stylish and comfortable castle hotels.
Overview of Castle Hotels
Castle hotels in England are the ultimate in luxury and fairy-tale charm. Guests are encouraged to enter the atmosphere of aristocratic life. These regal settings are replete with world-class amenities, from serene spas to majestic golf courses.
Afternoon tea and extraordinary dining further sweeten the deal. This is the kind of quality that gets stars, as in the high-flying kind found at the Capital. Whether hiking or playing golf, active pursuits in scenic settings only add to a special experience.
Luxurious Regal Accommodations
The grandeur of castle bedrooms is immediately apparent in features like four-poster beds and period furnishings. Contemporary comforts pervade the capacious and stylish visitor lodgings.
These opulent touches seamlessly blend with contemporary luxuries to honour the crown’s rich history. Unique architectural details, such as vaulted ceilings and ornately carved fireplaces, create a truly special romantic escape.
Classic styling and warm inviting colours create a soothing ambience, perfect for an indulgent retreat.
Traditional Castle Experiences
Eyes need to discover the colourful pasts of these transformed fortresses. They can engage in exciting, hands-on activities such as murder mystery dinners and living history tours.
Multi-course dinners in cavernous ballrooms with palatial décor allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the grandeur and history. A tour of these castle grounds and gardens, many as old as the 11th century, makes for a surprisingly spellbinding trip back in time.
Serene Rural Getaways
The soothing magic of rural England and the grounds of these castle hotels are ideal for recharging your inner battery. Walk amid the wildlife and play in the wonders of tropical forests.
Most of these excursions provide breath braking views through gorgeous harbours or national parks. Exploring beautiful nearby attractions, including cosy villages, is the perfect complement to the peaceful setting, creating an experience fit for a royal retreat.
Top Castle Hotels in England
When vacationing in the best castle hotels in England, such as Lumley Castle and Thornbury Castle Hotel, a comparative glance at important attributes by area helps make the choice process smooth.
Featuring star ratings, historical significance, and local unique offerings, the table below is a great quick reference guide for future visitors.
|
Castle Hotel |
Star Rating |
Historical Significance |
Unique Offerings |
Region |
|
Hever Castle |
4 |
Childhood home of Anne Boleyn |
Tennis, lake walks, gardens |
Kent |
|
Thornbury Castle |
5 |
Tudor architecture, royal connexions |
Dungeon restaurant, historical tours |
Gloucestershire |
|
4 |
900-year-old structure |
Fine dining, romantic walks |
West Sussex |
|
|
Warwick Castle |
5 |
Key site in English history |
Interactive experiences, family activities |
Warwickshire |
|
Langley Castle |
4 |
Mediaeval charm |
Kielder Observatory trips |
Northumberland |
1. Majestic Castle in Kent
Hever Castle, our charming hotel brimming with Tudor history, was Anne Boleyn’s childhood home. As one of the top castle hotels in England, it provides regal lodgings that guarantee a royal stay.
Guests can unwind with relaxing pursuits such as tennis, and peaceful walks around the beautiful lake. These immersive experiences truly enrich their stay at the magical Tudor castle.
The wonderfully landscaped gardens will tempt you to explore their wonders, ensuring an incredibly calming escape in this storybook-end castle. Soak up the spectacular scenery and fascinating history that Hever has to offer!
2. Historic Castle in Gloucestershire
Thornbury Castle, known for its spectacularly preserved Tudor architecture, offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience in its medieval-themed dungeon restaurant.
With the allure of romance surrounding them, they are ideal for other special occasions such as honeymoons. Costumed historical tours help immerse guests into the castle’s rich past, making their experience even more memorable.
3. Picturesque Castle in West Sussex
Amberley Castle features gorgeous gardens and provides exceptional fine dining. With an excellent restaurant on-site and beautiful grounds, this historic property is a superb romantic hideaway.
Guests are encouraged to spend their days luxuriating in leisurely walks and activities including a game of tennis or croquet. The experience is only enhanced by the 900-year-old structure, which offers every kind of historical charm, making it truly immersive.
4. Iconic Castle in Warwickshire
For a history lover, Warwick Castle is simply a dream, making the past come vividly alive with grand displays, highly immersive interactive attractions and seasonal events.
From its tall walls and towers, the views are magnificent. Family-friendly activities ensure there’s always an unauthorized fun-ship in port – excitement awaits visitors of all ages.
5. Enchanting Castle in Northumberland
With its mediaeval romance and noble history, extravagant lodgings can be found in Langley Castle. Special after-dinner trips to Kielder Observatory are the icing on the cake.
The romantic atmosphere lures couples seeking a dreamy getaway. All the outdoor action you could want is just a stone’s throw away, and visitors are surrounded by Northumberland’s dramatic landscapes.
Themed Castle Stays
Themed stays, such as at Lumley Castle and Thornbury Castle Hotel have a deep and colourful history.
Weddings: Enchanting settings perfect for exchanging vows.
Family Holidays: Fun-filled experiences catering to all ages.
Romantic Escapes: Intimate moments in serene environments.
Ideal Wedding Venues
With their expansive grounds and photogenic turrets, castle hotels are enchanting venues for nuptial festivities. From picture-perfect rose gardens to historic candlelit interiors, chapters and authors alike can create memorable ceremonies and celebrations.
Many of these venues even have in-house wedding planners to ensure that every detail goes just as it should. Guests can capture magical moments amidst stunning surroundings, with castles like the 13th-century Mingary Castle offering a Gothic atmosphere, often seen in films.
Family-Friendly Castle Options
For families, castles provide a mix of history and adventure in one place. Enjoy adjoining rooms and family-friendly, multi-bedroom spaces, like those at Glengorm Castle.
Our experienced staff are standing by to help plan day trips and adventure tours. They’ll make your family experience the most fun and memorable adventure for kids of all ages!
Romantic Retreats for Couples
There are romantic packages available for couples, with items such as spa treatments and candlelit dinners. Inverlochy Castle, renowned for its lavish spa amenities, welcomes contented surroundings made to create calm.
Private tours and exclusive dining further elevate the intimate experience.
Group-Friendly Castle Stays
Spacious accommodations accommodate big groups, ideal for corporate retreats or celebrations. So to ensure your seclusion, make sure to reserve private spaces.
Dalmunzie Castle provides a rich bounty of diverse pursuits, boasting its own 9-hole golf course and guided hill walks. It can just as easily accommodate a bigger crowd in style.
Unique Castle Experiences
Aside from the unique luxury, enchanting or otherwise, staying at an English castle hotel will give you a chance to take part in experiences that are anything but ordinary. Guests can enjoy activities like falconry, where you can observe majestic birds in flight, or archery, which harks back to the days of knights and tournaments.
Almost all castles have their own impressive historic re-enactments. They do all this with such great care and vibrancy that the past really does come alive in dramatic and compelling fashion.
Whether you’re wandering the castle grounds or exploring the town, you’ll find history upon history. Explore the crumbling 13th-century stone walls of Mingary Castle in Scotland and the infamous guest list at Cliveden House.
Culinary classes and wine tastings intoxicate with their allure. They usually focus on local ingredients and the talented artisans that turn those ingredients into something special.
Period-themed events, each celebrating the culture and history of these stunning castles, immerse guests in the past.
Coastal Castle Retreats
If you’re looking for a beach honeymoon, one of these castle hotels on the water may be your ideal escape. Stunning coastal walks and scenic, action-packed water sports make for lifelong memories.
It’s the breath-taking coastal views that surround you that make these adventures so hard to resist. Dalmunzie Castle, with its miles-deep estate, combines dramatic coastal scenery and colorful historic appeal, ideal for the most tranquil of rejuvenating escapes.
Charming Castle B&Bs
Castle bed and breakfasts are usually more intimate, with many family-run castles adding even more personal, extra-special touches. Hearty breakfasts using local produce and guests enjoying life in the castle at a relaxed pace.
Sherbrooke Castle is another excellent example of this captivating style, located among the lush greenery of Glasgow’s suburbs.
Find Your Perfect Stay
- Assess location, amenities, and history
- Read reviews for insights
- Check for special offers
Practical Information for Visitors
Location Details and Accessibility
Castle hotels in England and Wales are found in the middle of some exceptionally varied, beautiful, and striking landscapes. Sculpted by ice and water, become lost in the untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Explore the charming villages that dot the landscape of the Cotswolds. Relax in the peaceful beauty of the Isle of Anglesey as a picturesque setting for your trip.
The majority of these hotels happen to be located in the hottest locations around tourist attractions. This configuration provides you unparalleled access to experience your new backyard.
A network of highly developed transport connections, with frequent buses and commuter trains, help make exploring so easy. You can get to virtually every corner without a big headache.
Smartphones fitted with quality maps and navigation apps can be indispensable tools. They ensure you get the most out of your visit and plot the most adventurous course.
Available Amenities and Services
|
Hotel Name |
Dining Options |
Leisure Facilities |
Wellness Services |
|
Fonab Castle Hotel |
Michelin-starred restaurant |
Golf, guided walks, croquet |
Spa |
|
Bovey Castle |
Traditional Scottish cuisine |
18-hole golf course, gardens |
Fitness centre |
|
Glengorm Castle |
Seafood-focused menu |
Stunning views, historical tours |
Massage services |
These hotels offer opulent getaways featuring cutting-edge in-house cuisine, leisure and wellness experiences.
Guided trails also provide unique experiences, such as the chance to immerse yourself in local history. These opportunities are the real icing on the cake.
Booking Options and Tips
For the best rates and packages, book directly through hotel websites. Make sure you’re booking well in advance and are members of loyalty programmes.
Joining any loyalty programmes you’re eligible for can provide even more extra value. Whether you’re planning a big family reunion or group vacation, booking in advance - especially during peak seasons—ensures you’ll secure the dates and accommodations you need.
So make sure to look at cancellation policies to steer clear of any unexpected surprises.
Top 10 hotel Castle
1. Hever Castle – Edenbridge, Kent
Historic Charm Meets Tudor Elegance
Nestled in the Kent countryside, Hever Castle boasts double moats and 125 acres of scenic grounds. This 14th-century gem, once home to Anne Boleyn, features Tudor paintings, antiques, and her personal prayer books. Guests stay in the Anne Boleyn or Astor Wing, designed as a Tudor village in 1903. Each room rate includes access to the castle and its magnificent gardens.
Price: From £230/night
Highlights: Historical artifacts, lush gardens, and intimate Tudor-style accommodations.
2. Amberley Castle – Amberley, West Sussex
Living History with Modern Comfort
Dating back to 1103, Amberley Castle blends medieval grandeur with fine dining and luxury. Once visited by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, this hotel retains its imposing portcullis entrance, ancient artifacts, and romantic 12-acre grounds.
Price: From £285/night
Highlights: Fine dining, historic artifacts, and a magical medieval ambiance.
3. Bovey Castle – Dartmoor, Devon
Rustic Luxury in the Heart of Nature
Set amidst Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle is a granite baronial country house with dramatic views. Its 275-acre grounds include an 18-hole golf course, falconry displays, and picturesque walking trails. Despite its grandeur, the castle welcomes muddy boots, children, and dogs.
Price: From £239/night
Highlights: Falconry, golf, and proximity to Dartmoor’s wild beauty.
4. Leeds Castle – Maidstone, Kent
Nine Centuries of Romance and Elegance
Leeds Castle sits amidst 500 acres of parkland, complete with lakes, gardens, and a Japanese retreat. Guests can choose between cosy B&B rooms or medieval glamping tents. The Castle View Restaurant offers meals with scenic views of this 900-year-old fortress.
Price: From £133/night
Highlights: Japanese gardens, falconry centre, and lakeside tranquillity.
5. Warwick Castle Caesar’s Tower Suites – Warwickshire
An Exclusive Royal Experience
Stay in one of only two suites in this iconic 14th-century castle. With a history spanning 600 years, Warwick Castle offers guests behind-the-scenes access after hours. State Rooms feature royal furnishings, including Queen Anne’s bed.
Price: From £475/night
Highlights: Exclusive access, royal-themed rooms, and historical tours.
6. Augill Castle – Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria
Family-Friendly Gothic Splendor
Built as a Victorian retreat, Augill Castle boasts towers, turrets, and quirky staircases. The grand rooms feature bold wallpapers and vintage furniture. It’s perfect for families and adventure lovers seeking a mix of history and fun.
Price: From £193/night
Highlights: Neo-Gothic architecture and family-friendly accommodations.
7. Lumley Castle – Durham, County Durham
Step Back into the Medieval Era
Rich in medieval flair, Lumley Castle features heraldic-patterned walls, flagstone floors, and grand four-poster beds. Enjoy fishing on the River Wear or explore the castle's secret bathrooms and lavish drapes.
Price: From £90/night
Highlights: Medieval-themed decor and unique events.
8. Langley Castle – Northumberland
A Knight’s Retreat
Langley Castle’s 14th-century walls house rooms adorned with four-poster beds, exposed stone, and wood panelling. Guests can enjoy guided tours of the battlements and savour gourmet meals in its traditional dining room.
Price: From £155/night
Highlights: Historical tours and medieval-style luxury.
9. Cave Castle Hotel – South Cave, Yorkshire
Victorian Grandeur Meets Modern Amenities
This turreted hotel offers a health club, indoor pool, and spa facilities amidst its Victorian architecture. Explore centuries of history while enjoying contemporary comforts.
Price: From £87/night
Highlights: Leisure facilities and late Victorian charm.
10. Peckforton Castle – Tarporley, Cheshire
A Victorian Fantasy
Peckforton Castle, a 19th-century marvel, features sandstone battlements and spiral staircases. Its period-style rooms include fireplaces for cozy winter nights, while its hilltop location offers stunning views.
Price: From £83/night
Highlights: Victorian design and scenic hilltop views.
Conclusion
Castle hotels in England offer a fairy-tale getaway imbued with legacy, luxury, and magical merriment. Whether you want a bustling stronghold or a romantic retreat, every single castle offers you an incredible story to discover.
Whether you crave majestic pampering or seek exclusive adventures within ancient strongholds, these accommodations promise extraordinary escapades. On the ground practical tips help you make the most of the visit, experiencing it in the best possible way without all the stress.
Dive deep into England’s incredible history and create your own history in some of these amazing locations. Now are you ready to plan your own royal escape!
Book your castle lodgings now and get ready to step into a world where history meets luxury in a truly royal fashion. Your incredible journey, full of enduring attractions and filled with quintessentially English welcome, is just a click or two away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes castle hotels in England unique?
Staying at the best castle hotels in England, such as Lumley Castle and Thornbury Castle Hotel, provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience fit for royalty. These lodgings effortlessly combine vibrant heritage with exquisite opulence. Visitors to this castle hotel can fully soak in incredible medieval architecture and lavish interiors.
It’s the stunning scenery that makes the stay so special, enveloping guests in a world of total comfort and indulgence.
Which castle hotel is the most popular in England?
Of these, Thornbury Castle in Gloucestershire is a firm favourite. Famous for its Tudor castle history and lavish lodgings, it offers a unique, regal luxury stay.
Are themed castle stays available?
Many of the finest castle hotels in England like Lumley Castle and Thornbury Castle Hotel offer specially themed weekends. From medieval banquets to historical re-enactments, visitors can turn back the clock to a much earlier era.
What activities can I enjoy at a castle hotel?
Activities are many, from guided tours of historic castles like Lumley Castle to falconry and archery. You can also enjoy luxurious spa treatments. Some even offer wine tasting or cooking classes, turning your stay into an experience that’s as enriching as it is entertaining.
Is staying in a castle hotel suitable for families?
Most castle hotels, like Lumley Castle and Thornbury Castle Hotel, offer family-friendly amenities. These include spacious family rooms and child-friendly activities, enhancing the luxury experience for all.
How can I book a stay in a castle hotel?
You can plan a trip and stay at incredible hotels such as Lumley Castle by booking directly on their websites. Alternatively, you can book directly through booking.com or other online travel agents.
As always, we advise booking in advance, especially during high season, to guarantee you the most desirable dates.
What should I pack for a castle hotel stay?
Make sure to pack some smart-casual clothing for enjoying dinner at the splendid castle hotel. Save a pair of your most comfy walking shoes for daytime exploration across Pembrokeshire.
Definitely pack a camera to catch those jaw-dropping backdrops!
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