Stay in a castle in the UK
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Stay in a castle in the UK
Castles offer unique and romantic getaways in the UK. You can experience the long history of the places you visit, complete with romantic four-poster beds and tasteful period furnishings. Whether you want your holiday to be fit for royalty or you’re looking to be transported into a yesteryear free of modern day stresses, regal castle stays offer an excellent chance to relax and unwind in style. Explore the nooks and crannies of centuries-old rooms or take a stroll across immaculately manicured stately gardens. Finish it all up with a dining experience fit for a duke and duchess.
1. Bovey Castle 5*
This spectacular early-twentieth-century mansion was built in a tasteful Neo-Jacobean style on 275 acres of immaculate, sprawling grounds. Despite being one of the younger castle hotels to choose from, it’s among one of the most luxurious stays in the UK. What’s more, it’s located in the truly idyllic Dartmoor National Park, an area of vast moorland and atmospheric medieval ruins. You're also close to the pretty Devonshire coastline, one of the prettiest — and warmest — beach regions in the UK. The dining experience in the hotel is fantastic, with a 3 AA Rosette restaurant and a more relaxed country brasserie to choose from. The castle also boasts an impressive golf course and wellness centre with a swimming complex.
2. Ruthin Castle 4*
Located in the heart of Denbighshire close to the majestic Snowdonia national park, Ruthin Castle dates back over 700 years. Surrounded by gorgeous gardens, this is an excellent romantic getaway. It is also ideal for outdoor enthusiasts; it’s close to a number of unforgettable experiences in the heart of rural Wales, from white water rafting to mountain climbing. The historic medieval sections of the castle date back to a period of Arthurian legend-making, and they have been well preserved and incorporated into a tasteful hotel complex which transports guests back in time. The rooms themselves are charmingly decorated with leather, wood and period furnishings, with a spectacular restaurant which holds 1 AA Rosette.
3. Swinton Park 4*
This luxury castle hotel in the heart of North Yorkshire is surrounded by a magnificent 20,000-acre estate of rivers and dales to explore. It's a perfect retreat for walkers and hikers, sitting on the edge of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales. The castle itself dates back to the 17th century and it has been revamped over the centuries into a Gothic masterpiece. Aside from the well-kept rooms, the castle is also renowned for its restaurants and cookery school, where you can enjoy a 3 AA Rosette-awarded meal or indulge in a delectable afternoon tea. If you’re looking for a relaxing experience in the North Yorkshire countryside, the on-site spa and wellness centre offers massages, yoga and poolside treatments.
4. Amberley Castle 4*
Amberley Castle is one of the oldest castle hotels in England. First built in the 12th century as a manor house, it was fortified over the years to become an important castle during the English Civil War. Today, the hotel's 19 luxuriously finished rooms offer a comfortable glimpse into the regal past. Rooms feature captivating period furnishings with antiques and Tudor-period patterns. Dine in gorgeous regal style in one of the castle's dining rooms, home to historic suits or armour, roaring fireplaces and Norman architecture. The castle is located in the heart of West Sussex, close to the charming city of Chichester and breathtakingly beautiful ancient woodland walks.
5. Thornbury Castle 3*
Thornbury Castle is one of the most evocative and atmospheric castles to stay in. Located close to the picture-postcard Cotswolds, the castle dates back to the Tudor period, having been first constructed as a manor house in the 10th century. This was then fortified and finished through the 16th century into a classic Tudor country house. King Henry VIII even stayed here with Anne Boleyn in 1535. The castle has been lovingly conserved with Tudor decor and charming bedrooms with four-poster beds and period drapes. Transport yourself back through the centuries with a game of croquet on the lawn or an archery session. With a dungeon dining room and a 2 AA Rosette menu, Thornbury is a truly unforgettable experience. The castle even has its own winery which produces light white wines.
The Voyage Privé travel expert’s opinion on National Parks
The UK boasts a wide number of castles and manors steeped in history and heritage. Many of these atmospheric landmarks now offer incredible overnight stays with dining experiences in great halls of old. Satisfy your inner royalty with a castle hotel stay. Former kings and queens have graced these extensive grounds, and you can retrace their steps with a more modern form of pampering with spas and first-rate dining. They’re the perfect way to experience the UK’s countryside heritage and commemorate a special, romantic moment with your partner.