Sleep in four-poster beds, dine alongside suits of armour, lounge in free-standing bath tubs and share a relaxed afternoon tea for two. We’ve put together our list of the best castle hotels in the UK, for a weekend break of being Baron and Baroness.
We’ve selected our favourite hotels to spice up your romance, think castle hotels, hotels with private Jacuzzi’s or luxurious city breaks where you can sip champagne in chic rooftop bars…
A stunning 17th-century castle, Crossbasket Castle has been transformed into a luxurious hotel just outside of Glasgow. Each of the nine en-suite bedrooms are decorated in a period style, including original antique chandeliers, dark wood furniture, ornate beds with plush bed dressings plus a spacious lounge area.
This 16th-century castle stands proudly among the stunning scenery of the Perthshire mountains, and despite feeling a world away from civilisation, is actually only a two hour drive from Edinburgh.
A classic country house, Dalmunzie prides itself on making guests feel at home, where relaxing lounges, rustic fireplaces and a peaceful atmosphere are the staples. Likewise, guestrooms are elegantly decorated with luxurious and comfortable furnishings. In fact, several boast a beautiful four-poster bed and others precious antique furniture – the perfect place to feel like a Scottish Laird.
Located between the historic cities of Durham and Newcastle is Lumley Castle hotel. Over 600 years old and surrounded by pristine parklands, the castle is a monument to a bygone age of chivalry, honour and medieval grandeur.
The rooms are all individually decorated and retain original features such as oak panelling, deep-set fireplaces and large window boxes. Book the Queen Anne room to have your own free-standing bath, or splurge on the King James suite with a 20ft high four-poster bed, a Jacuzzi bath, and its own reception room, all housed in what used to be the castle chapel.
This 16th-century castle lies on the edge of the Cotswolds and was once host to King Henry VIII and his new bride, Anne Boleyn.
Each room of Thornbury Castle is heavily textured, whether it’s the stone walls, hanging tapestries, rich fabrics of the upholstery or the carved ceiling on the four-poster bed. Every angle throws up new silhouettes and shapes, making every corner of the room a point of interest.
Set in the heart of the Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle is a hotel and golf resort built in the 1930s by Great Western Railways. The art-deco interiors and indulgent Elan spa make this castle hotel the perfect option for a romantic weekend of relaxation and old-world glamour.
Whether you spend your time exploring the surrounding moors or just lazing by the pool in the spa, Bovey Castle is a unique destination for some R&R.
Langley Castle Hotel is a 14th-century fortified castle nestled in the idyllic surrounds of Northumbria. Ideal for a romantic break you can spend your days exploring the surrounding countryside and villages, before returning for afternoon tea by an open fire.
Each of the rooms are decorated in a traditional style with medieval features such as hand-carved beds, dark wood furniture and thick full-length drapes.
A gorgeous 900-year-old castle located on the South Downs, Amberley Castle features 19 luxurious guest rooms with plenty of original features and in some cases an en-suite whirlpool bathroom.
Downstairs you’ll find the magnificent Queen’s Room with a barrel-vaulted ceiling dating back to the 12th century, with a large open fire and featuring high lancet windows.
A grand castle at the foot of the Yorkshire Wolds, this is the perfect retreat if you’re looking for some bucolic bliss. For those who like to spend their time outdoors Cave Castle Country Club boasts both an 18-hole golf course, and for those looking to completely relax, there’s always the luxury spa including an indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.
The Windsor restaurant is widely considered to be one of the best restaurants in the area, serving fine cuisine from an A la Carte menu or, if it’s a special occasion, why not opt for the table d’hote menu which changes daily.
Tregenna Castle Resort is a family friendly hotel offering both luxury accommodation and self-catering accommodation all at the picturesque seaside town of St. Ives. The resort covers a total of 72 acres and has perfect views over the town.
Each of the rooms have their own unique character and are designed to make you feel at home. Choose a room with a view to have commanding vistas of the surrounding coast.
Dubbed ‘the enchanted place on the hill,’ every inch of Boringdon Hall has been meticulously restored to its former glory, and the dramatic architecture plus luxurious modern touches makes for a hotel stay to remember.
One of the best features of Boringdon Hall is the opulent Gaia spa, a three-story contemporary building making the most of the scenic surrounds of Dartmoor.
The beautiful French-style Chateau Rhianfa in the heart of Anglesey, Wales, this fairy-tale castle is perfect if you are looking for a romantic break where you simply explore the spa, the grounds and the culinary delights available to you.
There’s plenty to keep you busy in this part of Anglesey and further out towards Snowdonia, from hiking and mountaineering to ziplining, white water rafting, kayaking, etc. But to be honest we wouldn’t blame you at all if you never left the hotel which has all the comfort, peace and quiet you need.
This gorgeous middle age castle was first built in 1195 and has since been the home of conquerors and courtesans. The castle was left to ruin after the civil war and rebuilt in 1900 making the most of the original architectural features.
Each of the castle rooms are decorated in a contemporary style making the most of the space and light from the lofty windows or skylights. Set high above the Pembrokeshire landscape, Roch Castle commands panoramic views over the bay of St Brides and the Preseli Hills.
Set in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Craig-y-Nos Castle is a 19th century Welsh castle that is known to be the most haunted castle in Britain and former home of the famous Victorian opera singer Adelina Patti.
The castle boasts 36 rooms, each warmly decorated with modern touches and boasting views over the surrounding mountains, lakes and rolling green hills.
Perched on top of the cliffs along the Causeway route, Ballygally is a stunning 17th century castle with views across the golden sands of the bay and the surrounding Irish sea. Boasting all the trimmings of a relaxing coastal retreat, you can enjoy modern interiors, fine dining, afternoon tea and a range of activities in the area.
The rooms feature contemporary décor, making the most of the architecture such as exposed wooden beams, sash windows, plus plush carpets, LCD TVs and modern en-suite bathrooms.