15 amazing castle stays in the UK

We may not have year-round sun or endless sandy white beaches, but luckily the UK does have a lot to offer. Having lived in the UK more whole life, I may be biased but we really do have everything from rich culture and history to beautiful cities and landscapes.

As part of this, the UK has an impressive number of stunning castles – in fact, Wales is known as the Castle Capital of the world!

For an extra special UK getaway, a luxurious stay in an iconic castle is unmissable. Sleep in a four-poster bed and wake up in a room fit for a King or Queen.

Relax in a free-standing bathtub and marvel at the antique furniture. Enjoy afternoon tea alongside suits of armour and explore the beautiful British countryside.

You know I’m an advocate for solo travel, but I have to say that a UK castle stay just feels so romantic and is the perfect break away for couples.

There are plenty of amazing castle stays to choose from in the UK. Here I have compiled my top castle picks, based on my own personal experiences and recommendations from fellow travellers.

Plus, I’ve divided them by country for ease.

Castle Stays in England

Langley Castle, Northumberland

Address: Langley Castle Hotel, Langley, Hexham NE47 5LU

Best for: Stylish comfort

A 14th century castle hotel and restaurant located in the beautiful surroundings of Hexham, Northumberland.

Langley Castle offers a truly decadent stay for guests, combining pure comfort and indulgence with a touch of class.

The rooms are a stunning example of castle accommodation. Their nine ‘Feature and Deluxe’ rooms within the mediaeval walls exude historical charm.

Moreover, the establishment has a further 19 rooms in their ‘Castle View’ accommodation, which is located in the grounds and offers relaxed and contemporary rooms. This is perfect if you’d rather see the castle than sleep in it! 

If you’re looking to experience ‘castle life’, then Langley Castle will not disappoint.

Hever Castle, Kent

Address: Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG

Best for: History buffs

Known for its award-winning gardens and impressive double-moat, Hever Castle in Kent is a stunning 13th century castle.

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, it is a truly unique and historically rich hotel experience. Plus, it’s a personal favourite of mine as I grew up in Kent and have fond memories of exploring the castle and its grounds.

Stay in the five-star luxury bed and breakfast of the adjoining Astor Wing and Anne Boleyn Wing, or opt for the holiday cottage, Medley Court, which is attached to the Astor Wing.

With several dining options and picnicking always welcome, you can enjoy the pristine gardens of Hever Castle while you dine. 

Set in the Hever Castle Estate grounds, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole course. If you don’t have time for the whole course, they offer a nine hole Championship Course to enjoy. 

Have a read of my guide to the best things to do in Kent.

Amberley Castle, West Sussex

Address: Church St, Amberley, Arundel BN18 9LT

Best for: Family experiences

Nestled in the beautiful Sussex countryside, Amberley Castle is a luxury castle hotel, which I know you’ll love.

Retaining many of its original features and decorations, this 900-year-old castle is steeped in history.

There are 19 beautiful guest rooms and a magnificent restaurant for unforgettable dining.

Find a quiet corner by the fireside to sit back and relax, or get active on the tennis courts, putting green or croquet lawn.

If you’re travelling with little ones, there are family-friendly rooms, garden games and even picnic hampers for the children to enjoy.

Thornbury Castle, South Gloucestershire

Address: Castle St, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HH

Best for: Afternoon tea

Built in the 1500s, Thornbury Castle is the ultimate Tudor Castle experience. Having housed numerous kings, queens and dukes over the centuries, it is a castle steeped in history.

I stayed here several years back and had the most wonderful stay. It’s a real step back in time as you wander the halls lined with suits of armour and walls draped in tapestries.

In the gardens, you can try archery, croquet and falconry – or just enjoy a delicious bite to eat in the stunning grounds.

You can even stay in the very room slept in by Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn! Now that’s got to be the pinnacle of castle stays.

Offering one of the best afternoon teas near the Cotswolds, at Thornbury Castle, trust me when I say that they know how to make guests feel special. 

Warwick Castle, Warwick

Address: Warwick Castle, Warwick CV34 6AU

Best for: Glamping

Here, you’ll find everything you could possibly want from a castle stay.

Immerse yourself in one thousand years of jaw-dropping history at Warwick Castle, from great battles and spellbinding tales to heroic knights and dark dungeons.

With plenty to see and do for the whole family, settle down for the evening after an action-packed day. 

Enjoy a sleepover in Knight’s Village for the perfect family getaway, or relax like royalty on a perfect romantic escape to the hidden away Caesar’s Tower Suites.

With four-poster beds and elegant tapestries adorning the walls, a stay in one of these suites is the stuff of dreams. 

Castle Stays in Scotland

Glenapp Castle, Ayrshire

Address: Glenapp Castle, Ballantrae, Girvan KA26 0NZ

Best for: Stunning landscapes

A luxury, award-winning hotel, Glenapp Castle is a place to be inspired, recharge and reconnect.

Combining beautiful period furnishings and interiors with breathtaking gardens, forests and seascapes that surround the castle, a stay here is like no other.

This five-star castle stay offers an intimate service and impressive attention to detail.

For a truly decadent stay, I’d recommend opting for the Castle Penthouse Suite, where all four bedrooms boast sprawling sea views. 

The bathrooms feature roll top baths, walk in showers, as well as a few little luxuries and extravagant amenities to make you feel like royalty.

Cornhill Castle, Biggar

Address: Coulter Rd, Biggar ML12 6QE

Best for: Countryside gem

A hidden gem nestled by the banks of the River Clyde, Cornhill Castle offers stunning panoramic views of the wonderful Scottish countryside.

With a range of beautiful and spacious suites, you can enjoy a truly luxurious stay.

If you prefer to be closer to nature, I’d suggest going for one of their luxury Scottish lodges which features private outdoor hot-tubs.

Tuck into a Scottish feast for your senses in their Ghillie Restaurant.

You’ll find a warming fire, dark wooden surrounds and subtle earthy tones as you sit back and indulge in some Scottish-themed favourites.

Borthwick Castle, North Middleton

Address: North Middleton, Gorebridge EH23 4QY

Best for: Scottish history

First up, I should mention that Borthwick Castle is an exclusive use venue and the entire castle and its accommodations are included in the hire.

So if you have a big event or wedding, you’ll find the quintessential castle experience at Borthwick Castle. 

Enter the ancient arched getaway of the castle and find yourself in a hidden world of luxury and majestic style in the wonderful Scottish countryside.

Steeped in 600 years of dramatic Scottish history, Borthwick Castle offers a genuine mediaeval grandeur and atmosphere.

There are 12 sumptuous bedchambers to choose from, all with lavish bathrooms and modern comforts.

Enjoy intimate lounge areas, roaring fires, breathtaking views and spiral staircases.

Dalhousie Castle, Edinburgh

Address: Bonnyrigg EH19 3JB

Best for: Spa stay

Standing proudly in 11 acres of private parkland and wood valleys, Dalhousie Castle offers the best of Scottish hospitality.

Have a go at falconry or archery, or take a stroll through the castle estate.

If you’re like me and relaxation is usually top of the agenda, look no further than the castle’s Aqueous Spa. Experience a tropical rain shower or fog shower to calm the senses. 

Just eight miles from Edinburgh, the hustle and bustle of the city centre is within tantalising reach.

Yet this ancient fortress offers the perfect spot to unwind in blissful seclusion. A wonderfully opulent castle retreat.

Crossbasket Castle, Glasgow

Address: Crossbasket Castle, Stoneymeadow Rd, East Kilbride, Glasgow G72 9UE

Best for: Period features

A stunning 17th century castle, Crossbasket Castle has been transformed into a luxurious hotel.

Steeped in history, the castle is adorned with period features and offers nine breathtaking ensuite bedrooms.

Affectionately named, each suite is unique, offering visitors uninterrupted views of the rolling lowland landscape.

Dine in opulent surroundings at the contemporary fine dining restaurant from the Roux culinary dynasty.

While the castle grounds offer a large stretch of woodland, extensive nature walks and majestic waterfalls to explore.

Castle Stays in Wales

Château Rhianfa, Anglesey

Address: Beaumaris Rd, Menai Bridge LL59 5NS

Best for: Groups of guests

The Grade II listed Château Rhianfa offers world-class service, a private beach, and panoramic views over the Menai Straits.

A French-style property that is utterly enchanting and perfect for a romantic escape.

The bedrooms are lavish and contemporary, while the AA Rosette awarded restaurant offers a truly special dining experience.

The Rhianfa Lodge is the modern annexed part of the property, featuring rooms with more modern and contemporary furnishings. 

Three cosy Cottage Suites are available, which sleep from two up to six people.

Enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of the surroundings, or seek out adventure in the nearby mountains.

Roch Castle Hotel, Pembrokeshire

Address: Roch Castle, St Davids, Haverfordwest SA62 6AQ

Best for: Panoramic views

Located on the isolated and beautiful St David’s peninsula of Wales, Roch Castle offers a true get-away-from-it-all escape.

A dramatic property that sits high above the Pembrokeshire landscape and offers spectacular views, Roch Castle embraces over 800 years of history.

With just six guest rooms, Roch Castle offers an intimate experience in a luxury, award-winning hotel.

Plus, you can enjoy some excellent fine dining at their sister hotel – just 20 minutes away with complimentary transfers.

Castell Deudraeth, Portmeirion

Address: Gwynedd, Wales LL48 6EN

Best for: Gothic architecture

The 4-star Castell Deudraeth offers contemporary style in a Gothic castle. A 19th-century folly castle, it retains all period features but with more modern furnishings.

Enjoy a delicious meal in the Brasserie that overlooks the mountains of Meirionnydd to the south and the formal Victorian gardens to the west.

Or simply sit back and relax with a drink in the Lounge Bar.

For those looking for some added relaxation, a visit to the Mermaid Spa is a must – find indulgent scrubs, facials and massages.

Mold Tower, Flintshire

Address: Tower Nercwys Road, Mold CH7 4EW

Best for: Ancient elegance

A 15th-century Grade I listed building, Tower is set in its own parkland and hidden from the road and world.

A unique historic house that provides old fashioned hospitality without forgetting modern comforts.

Bursting with ancient elegance, the Tower offers bed and breakfast accommodation in a magnificent castle setting.

Ruthin Castle, Ruthin

Address: Castle St, Ruthin LL15 2NU

Best for: Exploring North Wales

A beautiful retreat set in acres of parkland, Ruthin Castle is a majestic castle that holds a truly authentic feel.

Enjoy luxurious beds, exquisite dining and wonderful views of the gardens.

You can unwind in the newly refurbished Bazaar Spa, or go for a hike in the beautiful surrounds of North Wales.

Keep an eye out for one of the many resident peacocks which roam the parklands around the castle.

Do you have any other suggestions for the list? Let me know in the comments or get in touch on social media!

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