Nothing epitomises luxury and grandeur quite like staying in a castle and Britain boasts some of the most stunning and historically rich castles and stately manors, now transformed into opulent hotels.
These magnificent retreats offer a blend of modern comfort and old-world charm, perfect for travellers seeking a royal experience. Here are nine luxurious castle hotels that promise an unforgettable stay.
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Cliveden House
Castle Trinity
You’ll feel like you’ve woken in a Jane Austin novel when you take sole occupancy of this unique castle in Yorkshire. Located near the Peak District and offering a cornucopia of pleasures, Castle Trinity boasts 4.8 hectares of sprawling grounds bordered by a wild deer park, an indulgent hot tub for those chilly nights, and its own lake, as well as an indoor swimming pool, grand dining room and sweeping staircases leading to lavish sleeping quarters, home to five opulently designed double bedrooms, each with luxurious king-size beds; think golden hues, fur throws and velvet buttoned headboards as high as the sky.
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You can twinkle away at the ivory on the living room’s grand piano, have a private chef create dishes laced with ultra-local produce (or accompany them to the local village markets), and even draw the family together for a movie, presented on the sitting room’s 3D plasma television. If you’re feeling active, try your hand at duck herding, fishing and laser clay pigeon shooting like a true lord of the manor.
Ellenborough Park
A stunning 15th-century manor house in glorious parkland, Ellenborough Park is Gloucestershire’s only five-star hotel, just a few miles outside of Cheltenham and right on the gateway to the Cotswolds. This peaceful 36-hectare country estate has original stone flags and wooden beams, glorious vast open fireplaces that speak to its rich history, and 61 luxury guest rooms (all of which were recently refurbished).
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After borrowing a wax coat and a pair of Dubarry boots from the Boot Room for a stroll through the bucolic countryside, take afternoon tea in the Great Hall; choose from a rich menu of sumptuous dishes in The Restaurant; or dine alfresco in the Cedar Pavillion Tent or in one of the hotel’s quirky dining carriages, which fittingly reflect the equestrian influence of neighbouring Cheltenham. The hotel also has an Elemis spa as well as a luxury Spa Garden Retreat with a heated outside pool. And if you’re travelling with the family, book the Lodge, a spacious picturesque residence, perfect for a private retreat in the countryside, with the added bonus of five-star service.
Palé Hall Hotel
Perfect for foodies, Palé Hall Hotel is a beautiful country house with a Green Michelin star and a 3 AA Rosette restaurant, set in picturesque surroundings on the edge of Eryri in Snowdonia. Home to just 18 individually styled bedrooms plus four garden suites, two with hot tubs, this breathtaking 150-year-old Welsh retreat features a woodland garden rolling down to the banks of the River Dee while Snowdonia National Park is just minutes away.
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Independently-owned Palé Hall is steeped in history and tradition, and visiting feels like stepping back in time – past guests include Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill (both have suites named after them). After a day spent ‘rambling’ through villages such as Portmeirion and Betwys-y-Coed, nestled amongst deeply wooded valleys, with river walks and spectacular waterfalls at hand, make for the lounge for a well-earned tipple (there’s often a harpist playing) before arriving at dinner at the Henry Robertson Dining Room, helmed by head chef Sam Griffiths, Welsh chef of the year in 2021.
Thornemead Castle
Step back in time to a bygone era of burgundy smoking rooms and vaulted ceilings at this 240-year-old Gothic castle on the Somerset coast, which is available for sole occupancy stays, making it ideal for families. Within walking distance of Uphill Beach and the famous Donkey Bluebell Fields yet secretly hidden away within four hectares of grounds containing beehives and ancient trees, Thornemead Castle restored to full glory with the help of English Heritage, is ideally placed for exploring Bath and the Mendip Hills. Filled with fascinating antiques, including brass chandeliers and curved oak bookcases (as well as the same Pugin-designed wallpaper found throughout Westminster Palace), the castle boasts five bedrooms featuring Victorian fireplaces, views of the gardens and king-size zip-and-link beds.
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Return from a day’s adventures to a family snooker tournament on the full-sized table before feasting on a hearty dinner fit for Kings and Queens in the regal dining room (above). When the lights are dimmed, retreat to the library for some well-deserved hot toddies.
Ballygally Beach & Castle
Set along the breath-taking Antrim coast is scenic Ballygally Beach, in Northern Island, historic Ballygally Castle is one of the largest castle hotels on the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route. The castle dates back to 1625 and is unique in that it is the only 17th-century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland today. It is ideally situated near the Norman-era Carrickfergus Castle and Carnfunnock Country Park, a 191-hectare sanctuary located between Drains Bay and Ballygally. For Game of Thrones fans, guests staying here can visit key filming locations that are most obvious with a guided tour through Hastings Hotels.
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The castle boasts just six large family rooms, many with sea views, as well as The Garden Restaurant, which is set within the original 17th-century walls and serves up a range of delicious bistro and table d’hote menus. Alternatively, stop by for Sunday lunch in the magnificent Kintyre Ballroom, home to traditional roasts – families can even book the atmospheric Room 1625 for a private dining experience fit for a king. There’s plenty to do, from walking the pristine beach to taking a picnic into the Glen or visiting the Giant’s Causeway, renowned for its polygonal columns of layered basalt and steeped in myth and legend, while parents might like to slip into Bushmills, Ireland’s oldest working distillery and home to one of the region’s best whiskies, for a guided tour and tasting session.
Temple Guiting Manor
Roch Castle
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a Norman lord, head for Roch Castle, a 12th-century fortress that sits atop a rocky outcrop on the west coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales. Meticulously restored in 2009, with just six guest bedrooms, Roch Castle’s historic footprint remains intact, from the circular entrance hall with exposed rock, to the strangely shaped room at the top, where the legend of the castle’s founder Adam de Rupe, lives on.
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The five-foot thick walls enclose an aristocratic dining room and intimate chapel as reminders of its past, while the enormous bathtubs, high-end luxury beds and bright Sun Room with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls, have preserved the castle for another century of life. For a fine-dining option, pop over to AA three rosette Blas restaurant in Twr y Felin, Roch Castle’s sister hotel in nearby St Davids.
Glenapp Castle
Glenapp Castle, an enchanting 21-bedroom Relais & Chateaux hotel located on the breathtaking Ayrshire coast in Scotland, boasts 44 hectares of private estate, manicured lawns, and local woodland. You’ll live like a Baron in the Glenapp Castle Penthouse Suite, which spans 418 sqm and can be configured with two or four guest rooms, making it ideal for families. The suite, which encompasses the entire top floor and is accessible through a private elevator, features a sauna, beauty and treatment room, library and games room, media room, period kitchen and a private dining and lounge area for up to 16 guests, while a private rooftop terrace offers 360-degree views of the estate and coastline.
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In addition to the vast hotel grounds, guests can escape to the majestic Scottish countryside for long romantic walks and beautiful views of Ailsa Craig and Northern Ireland or try their hands at the property’s more than 70 indoor and outdoor activities, ranging from perfume-making, archery, clay pigeon shooting, and stargazing, to foraging, beekeeping, mountain biking and even interactive falconry displays.
Lumley Castle
County Meath Castle
Cairngorms Castle
Langston Castle
Embrace the royal fantasy in the beautiful Langston Castle in Scotland, just an hour from Edinburgh. This historic home, belonging to the same family for nearly 600 years, has been restored and elevated to suit modern comforts while maintaining its lavish charm. The current home was developed in 1785, incorporating elements of the original castle, which dates back much further. From the serene Scottish Border landscapes to grand foyers, the home takes guests back in time.
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Featuring 12 bedrooms and bathrooms, a drawing room with a piano, a morning room, a billiard room and a dining room, there is never a dull moment in this expansive stately home. Spend leisurely afternoons playing croquet on the lawn and evenings laughing over a drink by the fireplace. The castle’s grand ballroom, lit up by two sparkling chandeliers, seats up to 86 guests at its banqueting chairs and tables, making it the ideal venue for elegant events and dinner parties. While the Langston Castle remains a private family home, it is available for exclusive fully serviced weekend, mid-week or weekly rentals.
Grove of Narberth
Grove of Narberth is an idyllic manor house hotel in Wales, situated in the picturesque Pembrokeshire countryside, offering an enchanting rural haven. This exceptional retreat offers the perfect base for exploring all the wonders of Pembrokeshire, a region known for its stunning landscapes, charming coastal towns, and pristine countryside. Here, guests can discover breathtaking beaches, captivating coastal trails, and scenic countryside walks, all showcasing the area’s natural beauty.
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The Grove of Narberth itself is a luxurious rural bolthole, nestled in picturesque surroundings that invite guests to immerse themselves in rich, unspoiled landscapes. Once a derelict country house, and now a lovingly restored, this independent country manor house hotel, which boasts 13 rooms and suites, invites guests to indulge in all that this picturesque corner of the country has to offer. Families will be most comfortable in one of the top-floor family suites, and don’t forget to leave time to visit the acclaimed Artesian Brasserie, famed for its three-course Sunday lunches.
Seaham Hall
Seaham Hall is a five-star, award-winning country house hotel, perched in an idyllic cliff-top position, overlooking Durham’s wild Heritage Coast. Recognised as the number one hotel in the North of England by the Sunday Times, Seaham Hall, whose rich history traces back to 1791, provides guests with striking views from inside this impressive Georgian country house that seamlessly blends heritage and modernity.
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Formerly the home of famed poet Lord Byron, the property’s enviable location is just one of its alluring aspects; combined with sheer understated luxury throughout its 24 chic suites and an award-winning 44,000 sqft Serenity Spa, offering treatments from Temple Spa and Ishga, this five-star hotel is a blissful location for a relaxing British escape. Be sure to visit the Dining Room, which offers a seasonal menu curated by executive chef Damian Broom that draws on flavours inspired by the region, which can be enjoyed against a stunning backdrop of the North Sea.