The 15 Best UK Castle Hotels

Cumbria (Cumbria)

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.

• 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.

Gloucestershire (UK)

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

• 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

West Sussex

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.

• 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

Porthmadog (Penrhyndeudraeth)

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.

• 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.

Ayrshire

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.

• 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

Chester-le-Street (County Durham)

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.

• Sights nearby - Durham Cathedral and Castle are architecturally impressive and historically interesting.
• Fishing - Catch a fish supper in the nearby River Wear.
• Restaurant
• Full of character

Lanarkshire (Lanarkshire)

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.

• 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.

Pembrokeshire (Roch)

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.

• 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
• Views

Kent (Kent )

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.

• 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

Shrewsbury (Shrewsbury)

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.

• 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

Kent (Broomfield Rd)

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.

• 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

Northumberland (Langley)

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.

• 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
• Traditional