The Hotel Guru
The 15 Best UK Castle Hotels

The 15 Best UK Castle Hotels

The United Kingdom is well know for its rich culture and history and so a holiday in one of its iconic castles is the perfect way to truly experience the British countryside. From 'small' family-owned properties to grand stays fit for a King, the Hotel Guru has compiled a list of the best castle stays in the UK. For those looking for that quintessential historic grand stay complete with numerous opportunities to partake in country pursuits or others in search of a laid-back family friendly property, you will find a wide choice of options. Why not browse through our list of the best castle hotels in the UK to start planning your trip?

For a traditional castle stay

Langley Castle, in Northumberland, is everything you could wish for when booking a castle stay in the UK. Still traditionally dressed and packed with antiques this hotel is every bit as grand as it was in its heyday.
Lumley Castle in County Durham is a picture-book castle that oozes atmosphere, from the tower bedrooms to the vaulted dining room. Expect thick walls, lavish decorations, four-poster beds, plus a touch of drama with the costumed staff and evening banquets.
Cornwall's Pentillie Castle is a picture-perfect castle set within beautifully manicured gardens. Individually designed rooms remain true to the property's style with antique furniture, chintz fabrics and the best have four-posters. This is a grown-up property perfect for an decadent rural escape.
Amberley Castle is an historic stay amidst the West Sussex countryside, with fine dining to boot. You'll find atmospheric rooms and a moat, not to mention a resident peacock, acres of manicured grounds, and several suits of armour!

For a family friendly castle

Augill Castle is an imposing building set in spectacular Cumbrian countryside. Interiors are traditional, yet homely; filled with antiques. A family owned property the welcome is always warm and the stay feels personalised and laid-back. An ideal property to bring all the family, with numerous activities, including children's cookery classes, on site.

For a castle B&B

Leeds Castle Stable Courtyard B&B is (as the name suggests) a B&B in the converted stableyard of 900 year old Leeds Castle in Kent. The bedrooms benefit from contemporary design yet still with a good dollop of history. Castleview restaurant is just a walk away, meaning you hardly need to leave the estate. Ideal for a cosy rural weekend away.

For a regal stay

Hever Castle B&B is a luxurious stay in the grounds of Hever Castle (the former home of many-a-royal). Interiors are suitably grand, filled with antiques and the best rooms boast free standing baths. Perfect for an indulgent weekend away.
Gloucestershire's Thornbury Castle dates back to the 16th century and has welcomed such hallowed guests as Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in its past. The interiors still have the grandeur of bygone days yet with modern amenities. The walled garden and working vineyard are welcome additions.

For a wedding venue

Rowton Castle near Shrewsbury is more than just a pretty facade.The elegant reception rooms, fantastic restaurant, stunning rural setting in 17 acres of parkland and experienced staff make this an ideal wedding venue.

For groups

Castle of Park is a beautifully kept castle standing in acres of manicured gardens and woodlands in rural Aberdeenshire. The interiors are traditional and decadent while with just three bedrooms availailable this is an ideal place to rent out with friends.

For a coastal castle

Amhuinnsuidhe Castle is an imposing property overlooking the rugged coastline of the Hebridean Isle of Harris. The surrounding estate also offers a number of country pursuits from salmon fishing to stalking.
Castell Deudreath is one of two hotels in a village that now functions entirely as a luxury hotel. Ideally placed on the coast of Snowdonia this is an undeniably scenic spot. A perfect choice for a romantic break for two.
Roch Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking Wales' Pembrokeshire coast, is a 12th century castle boasting sleek and stylish accommodation. Spend days on the beach before enjoying lovely dinners at the sister hotel. As an adult only property it is also ideal for a romantic break.

For a rural escape

Crossbasket Castle is a stunning 17th-century castle just south of Glasgow, lovingly renovated into a luxury hotel. An elegant restaurant overseen by the legendary Albert and Michel Roux Jr is a welcome treat after a day spent enjoying some of the many country pursuits on offer.
Glenapp Castle is a family owned and occupied baronial castle in the south west of Scotland's historic lowlands. Underneath its fairytale turrets and towers there are oak-panelled rooms, rich fabrics and fine antiques, as well as modern award-winning cuisine and impeccable service. An idyllic country escape.

Still not sure? Why don't you:

Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in United Kingdom?
Refine your search to our Guru's recommendations for the UK's best country house hotels? Or unusual hotels in the UK? Or the most romantic hotels in the UK?
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- Glenapp Castle Ayrshire 20 rooms from £295
  
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  Tennis  -  An outdoor tennis court, rackets and balls are all available at the hotel
  Fishing  -  Salmon and trout fishing can be organised from the hotel
  Full of character
  Outstanding location
  Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux
  
  A family owned and occupied baronial castle in the south west of Scotland's historic lowlands. Underneath its fairytale turrets and towers there are oak-panelled rooms, rich fabrics and fine antiques, as well as modern award winning cuisine and impeccable service. The perfect country escape. See More
  
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- Crossbasket Castle Glasgow, Lanarkshire 9 rooms from £256
  
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  Weddings  -  A stunning backdrop to a wedding, with a large ballroom and conveniently close to Glasgow too.
  Country Escape  -  Live in splendour at this spectacular castle. The perfect place to get away from it all.
  Great walks  -  Take a scenic walk through the Falls of Clyde and find pretty forests, waterfalls and plenty of wildlife to spot.
  Fishing  -  Fish for Brown Trout on the hotel's section of River Calder. Salmon fishing is also available nearby.
  Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels
  
  Stunning 17th-century castle, lovingly renovated into a luxury hotel. Well proportioned rooms and suites feature large sash windows, floral motifs and antique furniture. An elegant restaurant run by the late Albert and now Michel Roux Jr, and plenty of country pursuits make a spoiling rural retreat. See More
  
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- Roch Castle Hotel Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire 6 rooms from £170
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Be sure to check out Carew Castle, Manorbier Castle, Haverfordwest Castle and St David's Cathedral
  Great walks  -  Enjoy long relaxing walks along the coast and marvel at the stunning sea views
  Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Recommended by  -  Michelin Travel
  
  Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the coast, the 12th century Roch Castle boasts sleek and stylish accommodation with en suite facilities. Spend your days on the beach before enjoying lovely dinners at the sister hotel. It's adults only, so an ideal spot for a romantic getaway. See More
  
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- Hotel Portmeirion & Castell Deudraeth Porthmadog (Penrhyndeudraeth) 55 rooms from £149
  
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  Architectural  -  The hotel was built on a wooded peninsula by the architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in 1926
  Great walks  -  See the dawn break over the mountains of Meirionnydd
  Sights nearby  -  Portmeirion Village offers fantastic garden visits.
  Other Activities  -  Organic Spa Treatments at Castell Deudraeth.
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
  
  This eccentric resort was built by the architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis to show how a naturally beautiful site could be developed without spoiling it. Hotel Portmeirion and Castell Deudraeth each have a unique design and give a fantastic opportunity to stay in this charming village and explore. See More
  
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- Rowton Castle Shrewsbury 19 rooms from £124
  
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  Weddings  -  The elegant reception rooms, stunning setting and experienced staff make this an ideal wedding venue.
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the nearby Wattlesborough Castle dating back to the 13th century.
  Great walks  -  take relaxing strolls through the parkland and surrounding woods.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  
  A stunning 17th century castle set in 17 acres of picturesque parkland. Atmospheric bedrooms are filled with heavy antique furniture, traditional paintings and chandeliers. Elegant reception rooms, a fantastic restaurant and rural setting make this an ideal wedding venue or country escape. See More
  
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- Thornbury Castle Bristol, Gloucestershire 26 rooms from £269
  
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  Other Activities  -  Discover the Severn Valley's charm, a tapestry of countryside beauty, just a stone's throw from regal luxury
  Active Holiday  -  Dive into Tudor history with falconry, archery and axe throwing, an ideal blend for the spirited adventurer
  Restaurant  -  Feast on artful cuisine, a blend of history and modernity, where every bite tells a story of royal banquets
  Wildlife Area  -  Engage in falconry, feeling the weight of history on your arm, as majestic birds soar over ancestral lands
  Recommended by  -  Fodors, Relais & Chateaux
  
  An opulent castle hotel a stone's throw from Bristol. The regal décor transports guests to the Tudor era, with grand fourposters, ceiling frescos and decadent fabrics. Dine where kings did, in a garden-fed restaurant, and indulge in regal activities. A true escape into the past See More
  
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- Hever Castle B&B Edenbridge, Kent 25 rooms from £190
  
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  Country Escape  -  Stay within the grounds of an imposing British Castle. The very finest of country escape.
  Sights nearby  -  Take a tour of Hester Castle the childhood home of Anne Boleyn.
  Great walks  -  Stroll through the castle's beautifully manicured gardens.
  Four poster beds  -  For romantics.
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays
  
  A luxurious B&B situated in the grounds of the impressive Hever Castle, former home of a number of royals. Individually designed rooms are traditional in style with chintz fabrics, fireplaces and antique furniture. The best have free standing baths. The ideal choice for a weekend getaway. See More
  
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- Leeds Castle Stable Courtyard B&B Kingswood, Maidstone, Kent 17 rooms from £130
  
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  Country Escape  -  A quaint B&B set in the beautiful grounds of Leeds Castle.
  Great walks  -  Take a walk through the manicured gardens.
  Sailing  -  Go punting on the castle moat.
  Full of character
  
  A charming B&B comprising of seventeen rooms set in the old stables of Leeds Castle. Individually styled rooms are traditional yet unfussy with light hues, antiques and black and white photography. Castle View Restaurant is just a two minute walk away and offers good British fare. See More
  
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- Augill Castle Nr Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria 14 rooms from £160
  
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  Families  -  With fantastic facilities for kids, from cooking classes, to playgrounds, dressing up boxes and plenty of toys.
  Country Escape  -  Spectacular walking, wonderful views and whiskey in the drawing room old school weekend in the country vibes.
  Great walks  -  With national parks all around, this is the perfect spot to get on your walking boots.
  Cooking classes  -  The hotel has a wonderful cookery school for children.
  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays, Great Small Hotels
  
  Standing between the Lake District and the Dales rests this eccentric castle welcoming all the family into the countryside and the Eden Valley. Four poster beds and antique furnishings make up the comfortable rooms. Restaurant is open on weekends. Great hideaway and local exploring to be done. See More
  
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- Amberley Castle Nr Arundel, West Sussex 19 rooms from £315
  
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  Foodies  -  Award-winning dining, Amberley Castle serves a superb wine-pairing menu
  Country Escape  -  You'd struggle to find a more quintessentially English country stay
  Local markets  -  The charming village of Amberley is just a few minutes walk and has a pub, potters, tea shop, and a few small shops
  Sights nearby  -  Take a drive through to the nearby market town of Arundel, with its formidable castle and cathedral
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux, Michelin Travel
  
  A historic stay amidst the English countryside, with fine dining to boot. Atmospheric rooms, moat, and oak portcullis, not to mention a resident peacock, acres of manicured grounds, and several suits of armour. Enormous beds and sink into sofas ensure rooms are made for lingering. See More
  
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- Lumley Castle Chester-le-Street (County Durham) 73 rooms from £132
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Durham Cathedral and Castle are architecturally impressive and historically interesting.
  Fishing  -  Catch a fish supper in the nearby River Wear.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Full of character
  
  A picture-book castle that oozes atmosphere, from the tower bedrooms to the vaulted dining room. Expect thick walls, lavish decorations, four-poster beds, plus a touch of drama with the costumed staff and evening banquets. See More
  
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- Langley Castle Hexham, Northumberland 27 rooms from £100
  
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  Great walks  -  The castle has some lovely walking trails through the surrounding woodland.
  Sights nearby  -  If you want to see more castles visit Bywell or Prudhoe Castle.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Traditional
  
  Northumberland is known for its castles, and here you can stay in one: a 14th-century affair that won’t disappoint with its battlements, massive walls, grand rooms and huge fireplaces. Sprawl in the vast drawing-room, dine amidst candles and sleep either in the castle or with castle views. See More
  
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