Family Friendly Castle Stays – 2026

UK visitors may know Chateau Mareuil from the Channel 4 series, Escape to the Chateau DIY, which ended in 2021. It’s a very charming 15th-century chateau with a lovely setting overlooking the Asse valley in the Hautes Vienne region of France. It has, as fans of the series will know, been painstakingly restored and the result is a chateau guest house with an authentic look and feel. The environment is gorgeous too – the chateau’s flower gardens and lawns are flanked by a river, and surrounded on all sides by silent green fields in this deeply rural part of central France. The Accommodation: There are three guest suites in the… > See All the Details & Book

Star-studded guests: Wagner, Brahms, Emperor Franz Joseph I, Queen Elizabeth II, and Charlie Chaplin among many others. Palatial grandeur: Built in 1866 as Palais Württemberg, later transformed into Vienna’s finest hotel. Belle Époque luxury: Marble halls, chandeliers, statues, and timeless Austro-Hungarian elegance blended with modern comforts. Royal treatment: Suites come with personal butlers; service remains famously formal, polished, and discreet. Fine dining: Michelin-starred OPUS restaurant, Imperial Café with Viennese classics, and the refined 1873-Halle-Nsalon Bar. Prime location: Right on the Ringstrasse, next to the Musikverein, and walking distance to Vienna’s best-known landmarks. Check dates & prices here   “Stay at the Imperial and feel like an Emperor,” said Charlie Chaplin… > See All the Details & Book

Prestigious address: Grade II listed landmark on Hyde Park Corner, one of London’s finest locations. Unmatched luxury: Lavish late Georgian/Regency interiors with 24-hour butlers for all rooms. World-class dining: Double Michelin Starred Céleste Restaurant and vintage cognac at the Library Bar. Award-winning spa: Previously voted England’s Best Hotel Spa, with bespoke treatments. Exceptional service: Elite concierge team, chauffeur-driven Rolls Royces. Check dates & prices here   The Lanesborough, on Hyde Park Corner, has perhaps London’s most prestigious address and consistently appears near the top of any sensible list of that city’s finest luxury hotels, with the added bonus of its double Michelin Starred Céleste Restaurant. A Grade II listed, Neoclassical… > See All the Details & Book

Château Marteret is a fairytale-like, luxury chateau for rent in the heart of Gascony, South West France, near both Bordeaux and the foothills of the Pyrenees. It has eight bedrooms and can sleep up to fourteen people very comfortably. The beautifully renovated interiors are minimalist and chic, maintaining loads of historical charm. Surrounding the chateau are over 400 acres of estate to be explored, including orchards, woodland, meadows, a lake, and a small herd of Meren horses. The Rooms: The chateau has a total of six spacious double bedrooms and one twin. It also has five very nice bathrooms some with romantic bathtubs, an elegant, French country-style kitchen (catering services… > See All the Details & Book

Famous guests: Sir Winston Churchill being one example. Secluded location: Hidden in the forests of South Ayrshire. Architecture: Designed by David Bryce in the 1860s in Scottish Baronial style. Luxury: 5-star service, Michelin Star-winning restaurant, elegant period features, landscaped gardens and sea views. Enter your dates and check prices here   Glenapp is a very charming boutique castle hotel tucked away in the forests of South Ayrshire, Scotland. It has, since its inception in the year 2000, offered the best in 5-star luxury with consistently high levels of hospitality and service. Designed by renowned architect David Bryce in the 1860s, it is to this day one of the finest examples… > See All the Details & Book

Why we chose this castle hotel: Historic luxury castle: 12th-century era, immersive history. Thoroughly medieval: Retains defensive walls, moat, portcullis. Notable Former Guests: King Henry VIII, King Charles II, Queen Elizabeth II.. Enter your dates & check prices here   The 12th-century era Amberley Castle is a unique luxury hotel just south of London, in West Sussex, England with an impeccable historical pedigree. Some of England’s most famous historical figures have passed through its doors and it still retains a huge number of historical features, including 60-foot-high defensive walls, portcullis, and moat. In its present incarnation as a luxury hotel it offers an immersive historical experience as well top-class service… > See All the Details & Book

Between Donegal Town and the wilds of the Blue Stack Mountains, in Ireland’s much underrated northwest, lies the 5 star Lough Eske Castle. The only castle hotel in Co. Donegal, it was once the seat of the infamous O’Donnell Clan and boasts a tremendous amount of local and national history. It also has an idyllic lakeside setting, 43 acres of private gardens and woodland, top-rate spa facilities, a choice of quality restaurants and bars, extremely spacious rooms and suites, and a warm welcoming atmosphere throughout. Lough Eske Castle at a Glance Castle: A historic Donegal castle with O’Donnell Clan connections and origins stretching back to the area’s medieval past. Accommodation:… > See All the Details & Book

Château de Fonscolombe is a magnificent 18th-century château built in the Italianate Quattrocento style, now a 5-star boutique hotel in Provence, France. It has wonderfully elegant accommodation, beautiful botanic gardens, a vineyard and winery, spa facilities, and an excellent restaurant. The Rooms: They have 50 B&B rooms and suites at the château, from doubles to quadruples, with the rooms being classed as Standard, Deluxe, and Superior, and the suites; Junior and Prestige. The Prestige Suites are the ultimate in style and class and a lavishly romantic feast for the senses, but even the most standard rooms at Château de Fonscolombe, though more minimalist, are also elegant and chic. The entire… > See All the Details & Book

Hilltop castle hotel – 11th-century property near Montalcino with panoramic Brunello vineyard views. Exclusive retreat – intensely luxurious but with a notable price tag. Standout amenities – extensive spa and wellness, including natural thermal spring baths. Fine dining – two on-site restaurants that hold Michelin stars. Accommodation range – rooms to opulent suites (one with private pool) and spacious self-catering apartments.   Castello di Velona is a stunning 5-star, 11th-century era, castle hotel set high on a hilltop outside Montalcino, Tuscany, and comes with panoramic views over the iconic Brunello vineyards of the Val d’Orcia. It is very much an exclusive, luxury retreat, and one which also comes with a… > See All the Details & Book

  Very prestigious history: Former guests include Catherine the Great and Alexander von Humboldt. Hilltop setting: Fairytale castle hotel atop Salzburg’s Mönchsberg with sweeping views of the city and the Alps. 5-star luxury: Elegant ambience, top-tier service, and consistently ranked among Austria’s best hotels. Wellness haven: Infinity pool, outdoor hot tub, full spa, and beauty treatments. Gourmet dining: Two acclaimed restaurants plus the chic Apollo Bar with classic cocktails and Viennese dishes. Check dates & prices here   A very special hotel in a very special location; Schloss Mönchstein sits, fairytale-like, atop the Hill of Mönchsberg in old Salzburg. It is surrounded by its own wooded parkland and has stunning… > See All the Details & Book

Why we chose this castle hotel: Baronial Style: Late 19th-century mansion in Glasgow’s Southside, now operating as a luxury hotel. Room Choices: Executive Rooms (castle or garden building) or Junior Suites, with castle rooms offering more character. Modern Comforts: Bathrooms feature heated floors, rainfall showers, deep soaking tubs, and Scottish-made luxury toiletries. Dining Excellence: The Morrison Room restaurant has refined seasonal Scottish cuisine in an elegant hall. Breakfast Spread: A la carte selection alongside a generous buffet of pastries, fruits, meats, and cheeses. Enter your dates & check prices here   In the leafy suburbs of Glasgow’s Southside, Sherbrooke is a late 19th century baronial-style mansion turned luxury Scottish castle… > See All the Details & Book

Vast Estate: 6,500 acres in Glenshee with its own 9-hole golf course. Intimate Stay: Scots Baronial castle with just 17 cosy rooms and suites. Room Variety: From snug doubles to suites with lounges and fireplaces. Dining & Whisky: Fine dining, casual bites, broad wine list, and standout Scotch. Outdoor Fun: Hiking trails, fishing rivers, and one of Britain’s highest courses. Enter your dates & check prices here.   Dalmunzie Castle Hotel, Scotland is set deep within Glenshee, at the southern edge of the Cairngorm Mountains. It’s the kind of place where the landscape does most of the talking, broad, open, and quietly dramatic. Walking routes abound through the surrounding glen,… > See All the Details & Book

One of only two castle hotels within the city of Dublin, Fitzpatrick Castle has a lovely setting overlooking Dublin Bay in the quiet, prosperous south side suburb of Killiney. The present structure dates back to the 18th century and the construction of a relatively modest manor house, named Mount Malpas, later Killiney Castle, At various points in the 19th century it then received more castle-like embellishments to resemble more closely the building we see today. After a period of abandonment in the mid 20th century it was opened as a hotel in 1970 by the Fitzpatrick family and renamed Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. Its 113 rooms are very nicely, seemingly individually,… > See All the Details & Book

A former 12th-century Knights Templar castle, Château Saint Martin is now a magnificent, 5-star luxury hotel retreat set high in the hills above Saint Paul de Vence and the French Riviera. It has magnificent views, spacious, comfortable rooms and suites, over 30 acres of beautifully tended gardens which include a swimming pool and tennis courts. It can also boast a Michelin Star Restaurant, opulent spa facilities, and a dedicated staff team that is really second to none. To top it all Château Saint Martin also has an amazing array of art adorning its walls, art which includes works by such iconic figures as Picasso, Matisse, Renoir, and Chagall. The Rooms:… > See All the Details & Book

Hilltop setting – magical castle hotel overlooking Perugia, Umbria. Convenient location – just over 1 km from the old town, peaceful yet close to the city. Deeply Historic – 700-year-old building restored with respect for its history. Luxury done right – modern comforts blended subtly with heritage. Dining – two castle restaurants, including Michelin-starred Il Postale. Wellness – swimming pool and spa facilities on site. Family friendly – child friendly but not pet friendly.   Castello Di Monterone is a magical castle hotel in Central Italy perched on a hill overlooking the wonderful city of Perugia, Umbria. It’s very convenient to the city centre, just over a kilometre from the old… > See All the Details & Book

Historic hilltop castle: Dating back nearly 1,000 years, overlooking the village of Elgersburg. Charming rooms: Cosy standard and deluxe options blending medieval character with modern comfort. Authentic dining: Traditional German cuisine served in a grand hall, plus house-brewed Elgersburger Beer. Guided castle tours: Learn the rich history dating back to the 12th century. Scenic location: At the edge of the Thuringian Forest, with Goethe connections and Weimar nearby. Most Notable Former Guest: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Check dates & prices here.   Near Weimar and Leipzig, Germany is the beautifully atmospheric Elgersburg Castle. It has a history going back to at least the 12th century, is one of Thuringia’s best-preserved… > See All the Details & Book

Hilltop estate – overlooks 600 acres of vineyards with views of the Alps and Piedmont plains. Boutique luxury – stylish castle hotel with B&B rooms and self-catering apartments. Wine heritage – estate renowned for fine wines, with cellar visits and vineyard tours. Dining – restaurant serves modern takes on traditional North Italian cuisine with local ingredients. Outdoor amenities – castle gardens, swimming pool, and fishing lake. Family & pet friendly – welcoming to both children and pets.   Perched on a hilltop overlooking its 600 acre estate and vineyard Castello di Gabiano, near Casale Monferrato, Alessandria and Turin is an arresting sight at first glance. The views from the castle… > See All the Details & Book

In the foothills of County Offaly’s Slieve Bloom Mountains, the 4 star Kinnity Castle Hotel is surrounded by 650 acres of parkland.  and has over seven centuries of Irish history to its name. As is the case with the vast majority of castle hotels, the current building was built much later, in this case the early 18th century on the site of the previous castle. The interior design is generally careful and thoughtful at Kinnity, especially the bedrooms (check them out here) and it does feel more historic than most. The castle is quite large but there are only 37 guest rooms. Much of the place then is common space,… > See All the Details & Book

Historic significance: Childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife. Most notable guests: Queen Anne Boleyn, Queen Anne of Cleves. Accommodation: 28 B&B rooms in two Edwardian-era wings (Astor Wing & Anne Boleyn Wing). Exclusive access: Guests may explore the original 13th-century castle until midnight. Edwardian extensions: Built in 1903 by William Waldorf Astor in mock Tudor style, with dining and lounge areas. Interior style: Antique furniture, tapestries, and art pieces combined with modern comfort. Grounds: 125-acre castle grounds surrounding the moat.  Enter your dates & check prices here   Hever Castle Hotel near London, in the Garden County of Kent, was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry… > See All the Details & Book

Most Notable Former Guests: Charles I & Zita, Last Emperors of Austria… The family & pet-friendly, Schloss Wartegg/Wartegg Castle Hotel has comfortable accommodation in a lovely setting by the shores of Lake Constance in Northeastern Switzerland. The castle dates back to 1558 and was the birthplace of Zita, the last Empress of Austria & Queen of Hungary, in the 19th century but was extensively renovated in the 1990s. The passage of time had resulted in quite a bit of structural damage and so much of the historical fabric was lost during the renovations. This means that the hotel, including the rooms, now looks quite modern internally, which is something of… > See All the Details & Book

Historic castle hotel: Nearly 1,000 years of history overlooking the Neckar Valley. Michelin-star dining: Elegant Swabian cuisine with a view, plus an excellent wine list. Thirty unique rooms: Blend of rustic traditional charm and sleek contemporary comfort. Scenic activities: Discounted access to a top golf course, hiking trails, and river adventures. Family heritage: Still owned by the von Rassler family after nine generations. Check dates & prices here.   Schloss Weitenburg, a castle hotel near both Stuttgart and Tübingen, Germany, with a history going back nearly a thousand years. It also boasts a Michelin Star-awarded restaurant, and a stunning setting overlooking the Neckar Valley between the Black Forest and the… > See All the Details & Book

Why we chose this castle hotel: Unique setting: Grade II listed French-style villa on Anglesey with 3 acres of gardens and a private beach. Historic charm: Built in 1849 inspired by Loire Valley châteaux with period features throughout. Elegant accommodations: 22 rooms and suites inside the château plus lodge suites on the grounds. On-site activities: Restaurants, bars, sauna, hot tub, wine cellars, games room, tennis courts, and bespoke activities like falconry and cocktail classes. Views: Spectacular panoramas of the Menai Straits and Snowdonia mountains. Check dates & prices here   A little corner of the Loire Valley in Wales; Château Rhianfa is a very unique Grade II listed French-style villa… > See All the Details & Book

The 5-star Parador de Santiago – Hostal de Los Reyes Católicos is an integral part of the historic core of Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain, and one of the world’s very oldest hotels. It is located on Obradoiro Square beside the cathedral which marks the end of the infamous Camino de Santiago, with which the hotel is intrinsically linked. It was commissioned by King Ferdinand in 1499 as a place of rest and recuperation for pilgrims. A mixture between a medical hospital and a hotel, known in those days as a hostal, guests were originally allowed a free stay of 3 nights in summer and 5 nights in winter courtesy… > See All the Details & Book

Luxury 4-star hotel: Award-winning hotel near Edinburgh with historic connections to Mary, Queen of Scots. Elegant amenities: Bistro, Champagne Terrace, afternoon tea, gardens, and woodlands. Enter your dates & check prices here.   Carberry Tower Hotel near Edinburgh, is an award-winning, luxury 4-star establishment with a history going back to the 15th century, and connections to the infamous Mary, Queen of Scots. There is a superb bistro restaurant here and you can enjoy a drink at the Champagne Terrace, or some aristocratic-style afternoon tea, all in beautifully elegant surroundings. The setting is atmospheric too, with flower-filled gardens, ancient woodlands, and the famous Carberry Hill. It was here, in 1567, after being… > See All the Details & Book

Historic Origins: Crossbasket Castle dates back to the late 1600s. Elegant Interiors: Antique furnishings and intricate details blend seamlessly with modern comforts. Varied Accommodation: Guest rooms range from cozy doubles to suites, plus private lodges within the castle grounds. Fine Dining: The restaurant offers exquisite French-inspired cuisine with fresh Scottish ingredients in an intimate setting. Grounds: 14 acres of gardens and woodlands, enjoy river walks, or take part in activities like fishing, golf, and tours. Enter your dates & check prices here   Crossbasket Castle near Glasgow is a beautifully restored 17th-century castle, with 14 acres of gardens and woodland, which is now one of the West of Scotland’s finest… > See All the Details & Book

Why we chose this castle for rent: Romantic folly retreat: 19th-century Gothic tower hidden in Snowdonia, now a unique self-catering holiday stay. Charming interiors: Two cosy bedrooms, bright living spaces, and sweeping views from the top floor. Modern comforts: Kitchen, wood-burning stove, WiFi, TV, and a spacious roll-top bath. Prime location: Set in stunning countryside near mountains, coast, and picturesque Welsh villages. Rich heritage: Linked to Owain Gwynedd, built by industrialist Joseph Huddart in 1821, restored in the 1990s.   Brynkir Tower is a stunning, early 19th-century tower folly hidden away in the woods of Snowdonia National Park, Wales. This lovely building has been extensively renovated internally and now offers… > See All the Details & Book

The Napoleon III-era Château de Sacy is now a sophisticated boutique hotel near Reim in the heart of France’s Champagne region and just over an hour from Paris. With just 12 rooms and suites it is a homely, intimate place, which has friendly, helpful staff, an excellent restaurant, and sweeping views over the surrounding vineyards. The Rooms: Your choices are between classic, superior, and deluxe rooms and two lovely 50 m² suites. All are individually decorated, opulent, and chic, and get the balance just right between modern and period style. They are also spacious with even the most basic rooms; the classic rooms, covering a minimum of 23 m². Of… > See All the Details & Book

Near St Tropez and the Riviera, this 5 Star French château hotel is a slice of heaven in rural Provence, and guaranteed to please lovers of nature, wine, and food. The vast majority of the 1,235-acre estate is left to the supervision of Mother Nature and is a classic Provençal mix of garrigue and centuries-old trees. They have some charming gardens too, which include a swimming pool, and surrounding it 320 acres of vineyards. Their vineyards have been producing Provençal wines and rosés for over three hundred years, with their wines highly regarded. There are two fine restaurants at the hotel to enjoy too, one of which, Jardin de Benjamin,… > See All the Details & Book

Wine & estate – 7,100-acre Brunello-producing castle estate near Montalcino. History – 12th-century castle and 17th-century hamlet with vineyard views. Rooms – 14 boutique rooms and suites, 40–110 m², modern amenities included. Dining – Three restaurants, from casual to fine dining, plus enoteca tastings. Facilities – Pool, gardens, gym, massage pavilion, cookery school. Wine experiences – Vineyard tours, tastings, picnics, local wine visits. Location – Near Montalcino, under 1 hour to Siena and Montepulciano; beaches ~45 mins.   Aficionados of Italian wine, particularly Brunello, will be well aware of Castello Banfi near Montalcino, and Siena, Tuscany. The 7,100-acre estate has been producing quality wines since 1978 and offers a full complement… > See All the Details & Book

Exclusive retreat – medieval castle hotel, and restored hamlet available entirely for guest stays. Scenic setting – classic Tuscan hilltop village surrounded by 1000 acres of forest. Authentic lodging – B&B rooms and self-catering apartments in village houses, historic yet comfortable. Medieval atmosphere – no TVs to preserve the historic charm. Guest facilities – swimming pool, top-class restaurant La Torre di Gargonza, and rustic bar café. Outdoor spaces – lemon gardens, woodland walks, and scenic resting spots.   Castello di Gargonza is a very unique place – a mixture of medieval castle and (once abandoned) hamlet between Arezzo and Siena that is now exclusively available, in its entirety, for guest… > See All the Details & Book

Iconic castle – 13th-century landmark with views of Siena and the Crete Senesi plains. Historic charm – preserved rustic atmosphere with limited modernization. Italianate gardens – beautifully maintained grounds for peaceful strolls. Family-run – welcoming hosts also manage an organic farm, vineyards, and a farm restaurant nearby. Flexible lodging – B&B rooms and self-catering apartments for up to four guests. Family & pet friendly – children and pets are welcome.   Il Castello Delle Quattro Torra – the castle of the four towers – is an iconic sight on the outskirts of the walled city of Siena, Tuscany, and comes with tremendous views over the city on one side and… > See All the Details & Book

Rustic charm – 900-year-old castle hotel in southern Chianti with authentic character. Accommodation variety – from simple rooms to luxury suites and self-catering farm apartments. Facilities – swimming pool carved from the moat, tennis courts, and traditional Tuscan restaurant. Scenic surroundings – vineyards, olive groves, woodland, and nearby Chianti villages to explore. Welcoming hosts – happy to arrange tours, excursions, and share local tips. Family & pet friendly – suitable for children and pets alike.   Castello di Tornano is a rustic, very charming, castle hotel in Chianti, Tuscany, with a history going back over nine hundred years. It has a broad selection of accommodation ranging from relatively basic rooms… > See All the Details & Book

12th-century castle hotel: Overlooking the Rhine River in Oberwesel, near Frankfurt. Elegant rooms & suites: All with balconies or terraces facing the Rhine or vineyards. Knight’s Hall restaurant: Plus extensive gardens with winding paths and views. UNESCO-listed setting: In the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, surrounded by castles and vineyards. Rich Schönburg history: Rebuilt after 200 years of ruin, now family-run. Convenient location: Easy trips to Frankfurt, Mainz, Bonn, Cologne, and Koblenz. Check dates & price here   Schloss Schönburg is a luxury German castle hotel on the Rhine River by the medieval town of Oberwesel. And it’s really quite a stunning sight at first glance. There are also gorgeous views… > See All the Details & Book

5 Star Georgian manor hotel: Stylish blend of historic and contemporary. Stunning setting: Lovely gardens flow down to the Exe estuary and Jurassic Coast. Award-winning dining: Michelin-starred restaurant within six months of opening. Enter your dates & check prices here   The 5-star Lympstone Manor Hotel in South Devon is a Georgian-era manor house turned exclusive contemporary hotel that has realistic ambitions to become one of South West England’s very finest. It describes itself as a ”new generation’ country house hotel and oozes style and class; the superb interior design blending old and new with great panache. The setting is tremendous too with gardens running all the way down to… > See All the Details & Book

Most Notable Former Guest: Louis XIII of France. Château de Brissac, near Saumur and Angers, is one of the Loire Valley’s, and indeed France’s, best-known chateaux and sees many day visitors both French and international. With seven floors it is the country’s tallest, and its sheer scale alone makes it quite a jaw-dropping sight. It is also though an incredibly beautiful building, an elegant masterpiece of architecture that is still thankfully with us after over 400 years of service to the Dukes of Brissac, with the thirteenth Duke of Brissac being your welcoming host today. The chateau is the Duke and his family’s main home and so, despite the chateau’s… > See All the Details & Book

This elegant 19th-century neo-Baroque castle in Pontresina near St. Moritz, Swiss Alps, has long been considered a very special property but never more so than now, in its current form as one of Switzerland’s finest luxury 5-star hotels. It has panoramic views of some of the country’s most wonderful scenery; the Bernina glaciers and the Engadine Mountains, an award-winning restaurant, a luxury spa, and a host of other superb facilities. The service here is impeccable and the wonderful staff go out of their way to ensure both adults and children have a smooth, stress-free luxury hotel experience in an opulent, distinctly old-style, ambience. The Rooms: They have a great choice… > See All the Details & Book

Unique setting: One of our most special castle hotels, proudly ‘in the middle of nowhere.’ Rich history: 13th-century era Mingary Castle Hotel has seen Scotland’s history first hand. Expert restoration: Two years of delicate work preserved the 9-foot-thick defensive walls and Georgian-era residence. Luxury today: Now one of Scotland’s and Britain’s most unique luxury hotels. Strategic location: Situated near Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, the most westerly point on the British mainland. Stunning views: Atlantic, Hebrides Islands, and the Scottish Highlands create an inspiring panorama.   Just beyond Kilchoan, on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, and well away from anywhere you’d casually pass through, lies Mingary Castle. A strategically valuable spot in… > See All the Details & Book

Top of the range, luxury hotel, one of the South West England’s very best. Great facilities include Michelin-starred restaurant, golf, tennis, croquet, and manicured gardens. Gorgeous, quintessential English village of Castle Combe provides the perfect setting.   The Manor House in Castle Combe is a quintessentially English, luxury castle hotel next to what is undoubtedly Wiltshire’s, and the Cotswold’s, loveliest village. The Manor dates all the way back to the 14th century but the present building and the general ambience lie firmly in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The hotel has extremely high levels of service and comfort, and an elegant sophisticated ambience throughout. It also has superb facilities including a… > See All the Details & Book

Just outside the town of Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland’s only castle hotel is the 4-star Ballyseede Castle. It has a history dating back to the 16th century and pleasingly blends many modern comforts with historical grandeur. It also has award-winning food, beautiful grounds, and a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere throughout. Ballyseede Castle at a Glance Castle: 4-star castle hotel with a history dating back to the 16th century, blending modern comforts with historical grandeur. Accommodation: Rooms and suites are available in the castle itself and in a nearby lodge; castle rooms include beautifully furnished suites and superior rooms, while the lodge is more modern and B&B-like. Dining: Two restaurants and a bar, with… > See All the Details & Book

Parador de Chinchón is a 17th century convent palace, in a charming little town near Madrid, now converted into very classy, stylish and friendly hotel. Kudos go to the interior designers here for keeping a perfect balance between the modern and the historic. The exteriors are very much old style (apart from the obviously modern outdoor swimming pool) and beautifully atmospheric, with a lovely old cloister and traditional gardens perfect for strolling and lounging around in. The interiors are a lovely blend of modern luxury hotel and centuries’ old palace. The original architecture is on display almost everywhere and the majority of the furniture and fittings is antique but you… > See All the Details & Book

The lovely Melville Castle Hotel, just a half an hour from Edinburgh, sits on a 54 acre private estate with eight centuries of Scottish history. The present castle building was built in the late 18th century and had King George IV, Sir Walter Scott and Queen Victoria among its most notable visitors. It’s been renovated and modernized plenty since then obviously, and the interiors are a real treat. The interior design brave for such a historic building. They don’t hold back on bold patterns and colors, which could have been a bit of a mess in the wrong hands. Here though it really works. Rooms range from singles all the… > See All the Details & Book

Consistently rated as one of Ireland’s best luxury hotels, the first thing to recommend about the four-star Ballynahich Castle in Galway is its superb location. It has 350 acres of peaceful, mature woodland that sit below the Twelve Bens Mountains like a green oasis in what is very much the heart of Connemara, one of Ireland’s most beautiful natural landscapes. It will also impress with extremely high levels of service, comfort, and facilities, its salmon lake, its top-class restaurant and welcoming bar, and its interesting, rather eclectic history.   Ballynahinch Castle at a Glance Castle: A historic manor-house-style castle hotel with connections to the O’Flaherty Clan, the Martin family, and… > See All the Details & Book

Royal heritage: Built by Empress Victoria of Germany in 1893, with ties to the Prussian and British royal families. Notable former guests: Empress Victoria, U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower, and many more. Film connection: Used as Sandringham House in the Princess Diana film Spencer. 5-star luxury: Fine dining restaurant, beauty salon, English-style gardens, and 18-hole golf course. Lavish interiors: Packed with antiques and artwork from Titian, Rubens, and Gainsborough. Prime location: In the spa town of Kronberg, just 20km from Frankfurt Airport. Check dates & prices here   In the lovely old spa town of Kronberg, conveniently near Frankfurt Airport, Germany, Schlosshotel Kronberg is a beautifully evocative building, both inside and… > See All the Details & Book

Authentic castle hotel – 4-star medieval fortress outside Turin with sweeping views. Elegant rooms – 27 romantic doubles, twins, and suites with period furnishings. Modern comforts – satellite TV, WiFi, mini bar, and air conditioning included discreetly. Renowned dining – award-winning restaurant with both intimate frescoed rooms and grand banquet halls. Family friendly – welcomes children but not pets.   Castello di Pavone is a tremendously authentic, 4 star, Italian castle hotel just outside Turin, Piedmont. Once a medieval hilltop fortress, it commands tremendous views over the surrounding little village of Pavone Canavese, the surrounding mountains, and the city of Turin. It has 27 very atmospheric romantic double or twin… > See All the Details & Book

Chateau de Chantore is a truly gorgeous 18th-century era Norman chateau B&B, with a view of Mont-Saint-Michel, and surrounded by nearly fifty acres of peaceful woods and parkland which includes a lake. It has a selection of tremendously elegant rooms and suites that really are a treat for the eyes and, though modern with some touches, they are so in keeping with the historical fabric that you’d be forgiven for a waking dream that Louis XV is still on the throne. The eye for design – the attention to historical detail in particular – is very impressive indeed. There are no duvets – only traditional linens and wool blankets on… > See All the Details & Book

Most Notable Former Guest: Orson Welles. Parador de Cardona is a towering, 9th-century-era, hilltop fortress near Barcelona now converted into a beautifully atmospheric, modern luxury hotel. It is seen as the most important medieval fortress in Catalonia and one of the most important in Spain, the strategic setting allowing for jaw-dropping views and the castle itself still retaining a strong historical ambience. The Rooms: They have a choice of rooms: doubles, twins and triples, and some large double suites. The rooms are spacious, clean, comfortable, and generally furnished in a modern, minimalist style. The building as a whole is incredibly impressive and steeped in Catalan history, and though the rooms… > See All the Details & Book

The four-star 19th century Château Hotel Grand Barrail lies among some beautiful countryside near Bordeaux and nearer still to Saint-Emilion in the heart of South West France’s Aquitaine Dordogne. The estate is surrounded by beautifully tended gardens and acres of vineyards. It is particularly known for two things: its kitchen, run by Chef Romain Gondras, serves up some of the most innovative cuisine in the region, and its extensive spa has two hammams, two saunas, a hot tub, various treatment and fitness rooms, and a wide choice of Cinq Mondes body treatments. The Rooms: Between the château and its three neighbouring annexes, there is a choice of over 40 rooms… > See All the Details & Book

Historic palace – 16th-century Residenza in central Rome, linked to Napoleon III’s family. Lavish suites – Napoleone Suite with four-poster bedroom, marble baths, lounge, and Rooftop Garden Suite with terrace and modern kitchen. Historic details – Frescoes, chandeliers, tapestries, and antiques blended with subtle modern amenities. Modern comforts – Air-con, WiFi, satellite TV, HiFi, and tech hidden to preserve the atmosphere. Service & perks – Butler, maid, concierge, organic breakfast, and welcome Chianti Classico. Prime location – Via del Corso, steps from Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Most Notable Former Guest: Emperor Napoleon III.   Of all Manor Castle’s historic hotel rooms or suites, the Napoleone Suite, at the 16th century… > See All the Details & Book

Most Notable Former Guests: Marlene Dietrich, Alfred Hitchcock, Audrey Hepburn… Long a St Moritz, and Swiss Alps, landmark, the 5-star luxury Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is a splendid building and a legendary hotel. Built in the grand, Neo-Gothic style popular in the late 19th century its historical elegance is still very much intact. It has now been wedded to modern facilities and levels of comfort and service that are simply world-class. It is very much a hospitality institution, and one of Switzerland’s, and Europe’s, very best luxury hotels. The Rooms: It has 157 rooms, 37 of which are suites. All are as plush and grand as you would expect and run… > See All the Details & Book

Majestic Baroque palace: A 300-year-old 5-star luxury hotel near Cologne and Düsseldorf. World-class dining: Home to Vendôme, a 3-Michelin-starred restaurant acclaimed as Germany’s best. Elegant rooms: Suites range up to 120 m², with marble bathrooms and Rhine Valley views. Lavish facilities: Full-service spa, multiple restaurants, lively bars, and exceptional service. Prime location: Overlooks Cologne Cathedral, with easy metro and airport access. Check dates & prices here   The 5-star Schloss Bensberg Hotel, near Cologne & Düsseldorf, Germany, is a quite majestic, and quite enormous, 300-year-old Baroque Palace. It coms with gorgeous gardens, and a host of superb facilities, including what many consider to be Germany’s very best restaurant; the 3… > See All the Details & Book

Castillo de Arteaga is a fabulous Neo-Gothic castle hotel near Guernica in the rolling hills of the Basque Country. The present-day structure was built in honour of Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, Prince Imperial of France, in the mid-19th century, on the site of a ruined castle dating from the mid-15th century. Its four grand towers now make a very imposing sight over the wilds of the Urdaibai Nature Reserve and its interiors are a lavish feast for the eyes, though it has been fairly recently renovated the design and decoration remain true to the historical essence. The castle has just 13 rooms & suites for overnight stays and so has very much… > See All the Details & Book

Historic estate: Grade II listed building with 300+ years of history and grand interiors. Stunning grounds: Vast 20,000-acre estate with gardens, parkland, woodland and five lakes. Top dining & spa: Fine dining, cooking courses and a full spa & country club on site. Activities galore: Falconry, horse riding, fishing, clay shooting, golf and more on offer. Check dates & prices here   Swinton Park Castle is a luxury castle hotel in the Yorkshire Dales, England, and a Grade II listed building with a history going back over 300 years. It is a fabulous building full of historical intrigue and ambience, and the huge estate is extremely picturesque with a mixture… > See All the Details & Book

The 4 Star Château de la Caze is a very romantic, Renaissance-era chateau hotel with a fairy tale-like setting in the Gorges du Tarn near Rodez, a canyon gorge that is one of this area of France’s most well-known natural wonders. The chateau has an intimate, boutique hotel feel and a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. It also has some lovely gardens, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a spa bath, a gym, and an excellent gastronomic restaurant amongst other things. The Rooms: They have a choice of rooms and suites available from standard double rooms to 40 m² suites. Most of them are in the chateau itself with some suites also to… > See All the Details & Book

Why we chose this castle hotel: Grand 5-star manor, blending classic British elegance with modern comforts. Set on Dartmoor, with 275+ acres of countryside, gardens, and golf course. Variety of stays, from castle rooms to spacious self-catering estate lodges. Extensive facilities, including spa, indoor pool, fine dining, and outdoor activities. Rich history, from aristocratic retreat to wartime hospital to luxury hotel.   The very grand, 5-star Bovey Castle is a Dartmoor and South Devon institution. It has served as a luxury hotel for nearly 90 years now and still has oodles of old-fashioned British elegance and class. It has a gorgeous setting too, by the River Bovey and Dartmoor National… > See All the Details & Book

The nearest castle hotel to the centre of Ireland’s capital, Dublin, the 4-star Clontarf Castle has luxury accommodation in what is now a blend of 12th-century castle site, 18th-century manor house, and 21st-century hotel. It takes a lot of good design to get the balance right and Clontarf Castle manages it, with the first sight of the very Celtic Tiger-looking glass entrance foyer somehow managing to not look incongruous against the ancient ivy-covered tower walls behind. Once inside the theme continues with the bright and bold interiors balancing smartly the old and the new. In the bedrooms, though the relatively modern usually edges it; think old-fashioned luxury city hotel rather… > See All the Details & Book

Right outside Clifden, Connemara, this homely, welcoming Irish castle hotel can be a great base for exploring the region. Abbeyglen sits a wooded hillside overlooking Clifden Bay and with The Twelve Bens Mountains in the background it feels rural, but is yet only a five minute walk from the centre of the town (uphill on your way back though – be warned!) It’s a four star hotel in a Victorian-era castle folly that is wonderfully well kept, both the interiors and the gardens that surround. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, Abbeyglen is certainly a quality hotel. Classically styled with antique furniture, four poster beds and free standing bath tubs they feel… > See All the Details & Book

The 17th-century era Château de Tourreau is without doubt one of the finest châteaux for rent in Provence, and indeed one of Provence’s finest properties in general. It has been beautifully renovated in keeping with its historical spirit, but with 21st-century conveniences and facilities, and the interior design is immaculate at every turn. It also has 17 acres of private parkland which includes a historic consecrated chapel, meticulously designed gardens (with a large swimming pool and tennis courts), as well as woodlands, orchards, streams, and a small lake. The Accommodation: Note: There is a 3-night minimum stay at this property. The interiors cover at least 800 square metres, with nine… > See All the Details & Book

A very grand 4-star castle hotel in County Cavan, Ireland, Cabra Castle is a lovely sight both inside and out. It is a place where luxury and old-world elegance are complimented by friendly staff, good food and drink, and the acres of ancient woodland of the surrounding Dun A Ri Forest Park. Cabra Castle at a Glance Castle: A grand 4-star castle hotel with beautifully elegant interiors, period fittings and furniture. Accommodation: Old-style luxury double/twin bedrooms in the castle itself, plus cottage and courtyard rooms on the grounds, furnished in traditional style. Location: Near Kingscourt in Co. Cavan, bordering Meath and Monaghan and about an hour from Dublin City. Dining:… > See All the Details & Book

Historic luxury – 5-star Four Seasons in Florence, set in 15th-16th century palaces with 11-acre walled gardens. Elegant rooms – 116 rooms & suites, from deluxe doubles to the 234 m² Royal Suite, with marble bathrooms and fine linens. Fine dining – Michelin-starred Il Palagio, casual poolside options, and Atrium Bar for cocktails and tea. Spa & leisure – Top hotel spa, pool, gym, jacuzzis, and tranquil gardens for picnics or strolls. Exclusive experiences – Private Uffizi tours, Ponte Vecchio dinners, and hot air balloon trips. Family & pets – Kids’ club, babysitting, child-friendly menus; pets welcome. Central location – Under 15 minutes’ walk to Florence’s historic centre, Duomo, and museums.  … > See All the Details & Book

Ireland’s oldest still inhabited castle is the imposing, 12th-century era, Kilkea Castle, in Kildare, near Dublin. Now a castle hotel, it is one of the finest in the country. It has an abundance of historical character and is surrounded by a 180-acre estate which includes some beautifully tended gardens, much wild parkland and woodland, and even its own 18-hole golf course. Kilkea Castle at a Glance Castle: A 12th-century castle and one of Ireland’s oldest still inhabited castles, with an abundance of historical character. Accommodation: Rooms and suites in the castle itself, courtyard rooms in the old castle outbuildings, and separate lodges offering both B&B rooms and self-catering accommodation. The… > See All the Details & Book

Notable guests: Mahatma Gandhi, John Profumo, Christine Keeler, Harold Macmillan. Royal connection: Meghan Markle stayed here before her wedding to Prince Harry. National Trust: Property open to the public seasonally with grounds accessible year-round. Historic scandal: Site of the 1960s Profumo affair, adding a touch of notorious glamour. Luxury hotel: 5-star manor house near London with top service and facilities. Enter your dates & check prices here.   Meghan Markle left Cliveden House, near Windsor, on the morning of Saturday 19th May for her wedding to Prince Harry, having spent her last night as a single woman there. We can’t be sure how much time she spent considering her accommodation… > See All the Details & Book

Elegance & space: Beautiful 400-year-old manor house with 1,000 acres of estate. Gardens & dining: Famous Victorian gardens and even more famous Michelin-starred restaurant. Notable Former Guests: Queen Mary, Gertrude Jekyll.   The 400-year-old Gravetye is a gorgeous 17-room boutique manor house hotel near East Grinstead, Sussex, Gatwick Airport, and just 30 miles from central London. It is surrounded by more than 1,000 acres of peaceful countryside including some deservedly famous Victorian-era gardens, designed by Gertrude Jekyll. To top that it also has one of Sussex’s very finest restaurants, the renowned, Michelin-starred ‘Dining Room’.   The Rooms: Range of options: 17 rooms from singles to suites, all classically styled. Design… > See All the Details & Book

Most Notable Former Guests: Ferdinand II of Aragon, Isabella I of Castile… Castillo del Buen Amor/Buen Amor Castle near Salamanca, Spain, and less than two hours from Madrid, is a splendidly atmospheric place with a history going all the way back to 1227. The property is huge, with a great amount of common space; there are a total of seven living rooms, for example. Outside there are beautiful gardens, a vineyard, a maze, a pine forest, and a saltwater swimming pool. The Rooms: They have a range of rooms and suites, 41 in total and all doubles or twins (all with king or queen size beds as standard), from Standard… > See All the Details & Book

The 4 Star Château de Labro is a luxury vineyard hotel & spa near the town of Rodez in central France’s Occitanie region, previously known as Midi-Pyrénées. The medieval château oozes old-world elegance and the grounds have charming gardens, a swimming pool, orchards, and vineyards. There is a very fine restaurant at the château and the food and wine are superb. For an extra novel stay, if a medieval château bedroom doesn’t appeal, you can also spend the night at the luxury treehouse in the gardens. The Rooms: The treehouse is a very popular choice so can get booked out months in advance. It is a fine piece of engineering,… > See All the Details & Book

Tudor Era: Castle with beautiful grounds and a 500-year-old vineyard. Luxury B&B: Combines period features with modern comforts. Activities: Private massages, fine dining, and outdoor activities available. Most Notable Former Guests: King Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn. Enter your dates and check prices here   Thornbury Castle Hotel is a true luxury B&B retreat at the edge of the South Gloucestershire Cotswolds, and one of the finest examples in England of a genuine, immaculately preserved, Tudor castle. You can soak up history with a stroll through the castle itself and its beautifully tended grounds which include, surprisingly enough, a 500-year-old vineyard. Treat yourself too, to a massage in the privacy… > See All the Details & Book

Fairytale setting: 14th-century Franconian castle perched above the town of Colmberg in northern Bavaria. Scenic routes: Located directly on both the Romantic Road and the Castle Road. Nearby gems: Close to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the Franconian capital Ansbach. Historic charm: Castle origins from 1318, with a cosy, atmospheric feel and friendly staff. Hearty dining: Traditional Franconian and Bavarian dishes served in a medieval-style restaurant. Check dates & prices here   This fairytale-like 14th century, Franconian-era, German Castle Hotel sits on a hill above the pretty town of the same name in northern Bavaria. Burg Colmberg forms a picturesque part of two of the most scenic, and romantic, routes… > See All the Details & Book

Parador de Alarcón is a truly stunning 8th-century Moorish fortress turned luxury Spanish castle hotel, in the village of Alarcón, near Cuenca. The setting is spectacular, the hotel has a wonderfully authentic historical ambience and it has one of the finest restaurants in the region. The Rooms: Parador Alarcon, though quite a large structure, has only 14 bedrooms and so is very much a boutique hotel. The choices are between standard doubles, standard twins, and superior doubles. All of them are beautifully designed and decorated, and have a real touch of class, though the superior doubles, located in the castle tower, are really worth the extra premium. At 28 m²… > See All the Details & Book

The spectacular Château Gütsch is a Lucerne, Switzerland, landmark  — a fairytale-like, 19th-century folly castle, it sits high on a hilltop with stunning views over the city and Lake Lucerne. The setting is peaceful and isolated but the hotel has its own historical funicular which runs from 4.30 am until 1.15 am so guests can come and go to the city in a matter of minutes. The Rooms: They have a choice of 31 spacious rooms and suites at Chateau Gutsch with the rooms, both doubles and triples, being pretty much identical except for the view. There is an extra premium for the ‘Lake View’ rooms which have magnificent views… > See All the Details & Book

Location: Gorgeous, secluded retreat beside Loch Faskally and Ben Vrackie. Aesthetics: Luxury castle hotel blending historic baronial style with more modern design. Accommodation: 42 rooms spread across the castle, lodges, and a modern wing. Dining: Two restaurants, including the award-winning Sandemans with 3 AA Rosettes. Wellness & Activities: On-site spa plus outdoor adventures like hiking, rafting, and fishing. Enter your dates & check prices here.   Where Perthshire begins to edge into the Highlands, lies another of Scotland’s best castle hotels, Fonab Castle. It sits proudly above Loch Faskally, partly hidden by woodland, and has lovely views across the water towards Ben Vrackie. What looks at first like a single… > See All the Details & Book

  Notable guests: Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip, plus celebrities like Sean Connery and Elton John. Hotel style: 5 Star loch side baronial mansion in the Scottish Highlands near Ben Nevis. Luxury dining: Renowned restaurant by Albert & Michel Roux Jnr with modern British cuisine and French influences. Estate size: 42,000-acre grounds with forests, rivers, mountains, wildlife, and gardens to explore. Activities: Hiking, 4WD tours, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, archery, winter sports, and photography tours. History: Transformed into a luxury hotel in 1969, estate originally built in the 19th century. Check dates & prices here.   This Scottish Castle Hotel is particularly special; an imposing loch… > See All the Details & Book

Being able to stroll around the grounds of Europe’s most iconic historical sites after the tourist hordes have left and staying within the walls of Granada’s Alhambra fortress feels like an exclusive experience, and that it certainly is. The only way to do this is to stay in the luxury Parador de Granada, something which makes it one of Andalusia’s and Spain’s most desired castle hotels, and just hotels in general. And so, unless you are lucky, it can be extremely difficult to find a room here without booking well in advance. The Accommodation: The accommodation is in a beautifully atmospheric medieval building, a building which was once part of… > See All the Details & Book

Black Forest charm: Medieval castle surrounded by its own vineyards near Baden-Baden and Karlsruhe. Michelin-star dining: Home to Werner’s, a celebrated restaurant with cooking classes available. Fairytale setting: Castle perched above Gernsbach with sweeping views of the Murg Valley. Luxury stay: Rooms in the adjacent manor house offer comfort with a touch of old-world atmosphere. Wine & wellness: Estate vineyards, tours, tastings, and easy access to spa-town Baden-Baden. Check dates & prices here.   Nestling in Germany’s Black Forest and near both Baden-Baden and Karlsruhe, Schloss Eberstein is a medieval-era stately home & castle surrounded by acres of its own vineyards. It is a place to relax and be pampered… > See All the Details & Book

This Castle Hotel’s Highlights: Iconic villa – 5-star Arabesque villa on Lake Orta, built in 1879 with stunning minaret and unique historic design. Rooms – Classic rooms to spacious suites with romantic décor, antiques, four-poster beds, and modern amenities. Dining – Two Michelin-starred restaurant with creative Italian cuisine and a 1,800-label wine collection. Wellness – Cooking classes and Chandra Deva wellness centre offering Indian-inspired treatments. Outdoors – Gardens, lakeside walks, cycling, and guided excursions to Orta San Giulio and nearby UNESCO sites. History – Built by cotton pioneer Crespi, completed in 1899, once visited by royalty and artists. Location – Lakeside, 10-min walk to Orta San Giulio, 25 km from… > See All the Details & Book

Scenic Setting: Near Tarbert on the Kintyre Peninsula, with a peaceful location overlooking Loch Fyne. Historic Charm: Built in 1837 in Scottish baronial style, retains much of its original character. Comfortable Rooms: 36 cosy guest rooms, classed as Classic or Deluxe, some with loch views. Dining & Drinks: Award-winning restaurant, with local seafood a highlight, and bar with a wide selection of whiskies. Activities Nearby: Fishing, horse riding, golf, scenic walks, and excursions. Enter your dates & check prices here   Stonefield Castle Hotel is set within 60 lovely acres of the Kintyre Peninsula, just outside Tarbert, and overlooking Loch Fyne. The Stonefield Restaurant has lovely large windows and snags… > See All the Details & Book

Most Notable Former Guests: Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Mikhail Gorbachev… The very exclusive Dolder Grand, long regarded as one of Europe’s best hotels, sits on a hill overlooking Zurich, Switzerland, a city in which it is very much an iconic building. It first served as a Curhaus or health spa in the late 19th century and still does today though with much more modern facilities at its 4,000-meter spa. It has two fairly distinct sections, the old, Belle Époque era castle building with its copper-topped turrets and the newer (completed 2008) modernist wings on either side. The addition of newer sections to historical hotels is a tricky business and many have… > See All the Details & Book

Elegant boutique manor hotel with centuries of history in the heart of the Cotswolds Set on 10 acres of landscaped grounds, near some of the area’s most beautiful villages Just 15 individually styled rooms, combining antique charm with modern comforts Renowned restaurant with fresh, local produce and a refined atmosphere Close to Broadway, Stanton, Snowshill, and well-connected by train and road Enter your dates & check prices here   Buckland Manor is an elegant, very historical boutique hotel in the Cotswolds. It lies on 10 acres of landscaped grounds in the village of Buckland and is in the heart of some of the Gloucestershire/Worcestershire Cotswolds’ loveliest countryside. It is also… > See All the Details & Book

Tiara Chateau Hotel Mont Royal Chantilly, to give it its full title, is a lavishly beautiful, 5-star chateau hotel near Paris, France with a sublime hilltop setting overlooking the ancient royal hunting grounds of Chantilly Forest. The chateau is quite a sight from the outside and was certainly built to impress. It is towering and commanding and yet elegant and refined. The interiors are more simple and understated than you might expect for such a lavish building but have oodles of old style, Belle Epoque charm. Their rooms and suites are suitably luxurious and elegant, and the hotel has superb facilities including a fine dining restaurant, a spa, a swimming… > See All the Details & Book

Hilltop fortress: A medieval stronghold overlooking Lake Edersee and Kellerwald-Edersee Nature Reserve. Historic yet modern: Exterior remains castle-like while interiors lean sleek and contemporary. Stylish rooms: Boutique hotel feel with touches of medieval character. Dining variety: Gourmet restaurant in a medieval hall, plus modern café, bar, and lounge. Spa facilities: Relax in a wellness area with castle views. Check dates & prices here   The 4 Star Schloss Waldeck is a stunning German hilltop castle hotel overlooking the Kellerwald-Edersee Nature Reserve and Lake Edersee itself. It is a jaw dropping sight – it has the look and feel of exactly what it is – a medieval hill fortress protecting this… > See All the Details & Book

Most Notable Former Guests: Richard Wagner, Jean Cocteau, Marlene Dietrich, The Dalai Lama…. The name Beau Rivage Hotel tends, these days, to be more associated with Lausanne than Geneva in Switzerland, Though its special concept of luxury is known around the world, the very first Beau Rivage was, and still very much is, a Geneva hotel. The Right Bank Geneva original no longer has any association with those who share the illustrious Beau Rivage name, and it carries on independently as one of, if not the, most elegant and opulent 5-star luxury hotel in Geneva. A 5-star luxury hotel that also boasts an internationally famous, Michelin-starred restaurant, and one that… > See All the Details & Book

Château La Breteche is a rustic French chateau for rent near Orléans and the Loire Valley. It is a spacious and elegant five-bedroom property that can sleep up to fourteen guests comfortably and though fully renovated internally it retains an alluring sense of the past. The setting is idyllic and deeply rural; the chateau is hidden away between the woods and the meandering River Cosson and you don’t have to stray too far to find yourself immersed in the peace and tranquility of nature. The Rooms: There are five bedrooms at the chateau, five bathrooms, two large living rooms/dining rooms with satellite TV and a piano, a fully equipped kitchen,… > See All the Details & Book

Neo-Gothic castle hotel: Striking Gothic atmosphere, famous filming location, and a landmark in Windsor. Expansive grounds: 33 acres with gardens, woodland, golf, tennis, spa, pool, and fine dining. Notable Former Guests: Prince Imperial Napoléon, Lilly Langtry, Christopher Lee. Enter your dates & check prices here.   Perhaps Windsor’s most famous hotel, the luxury Oakley Court is a fabulous Neo-Gothic castle hotel on the banks of the River Thames. It has a quite palpable, brooding Gothic atmosphere, something that led to it being the set of many movies and TV series: The Rocky Horror Picture Show, various Hammer House of Horrors films, and The Hound of the Baskervilles, to name but… > See All the Details & Book

Very Historic: Cave Castle combines a ‘newer’ Victorian era grandeur with a history dating back to the Doomsday Book. Spacious rooms: Over 70 well-appointed doubles and twins, with castle rooms featuring historic character and four-poster beds. Extensive facilities: Includes a renowned health club, spa, beauty salon, and a full 18-hole golf course. Dining variety: Choose between formal meals at Windsor Restaurant or relaxed dining at the Courtyard Bistro. Accessible location: Set in South Cave, near Hull, York, and Leeds, with strong transport connections. Enter your dates & check prices here.   Cave Castle is a luxury historic hotel retreat near Hull, York, and Leeds, with superb facilities including an 18-hole… > See All the Details & Book

In County Clare, near Shannon Airport and the Cliffs of Moher, the 5 star Dromoland Castle is very much one of Ireland’s best castle hotels, and best hotels in general, it can be said. It has history too of course, a full thousand years of it, though the present castle structure is 19th century Gothic Revival. It was very closely associated with the O’Brien clan, direct descendants of Ireland’s most famous king, Brian Boru. There’s a lot to take in at Dromoland, beyond the sense of history (they do history tours). It has a Michelin star awarded restaurant, 500 acres of private park and woodland, a world class golf course, spa… > See All the Details & Book

Known as one of the most beautiful chateaux in Deux-Sevres, Aquitaine, the majestic Château de Saint Loup was commissioned in 1609 to honour Good King Henry, Henri IV of France, and is now an intimate boutique hotel. The chateau is a stirring sight, it still has a wonderfully medieval atmosphere and, though you may be paying for the pleasure, it feels quite a privilege to stay there. Knowing that in times gone by such a property would have been out of bounds for all except the highest levels of French aristocracy. The Rooms: They have just nine spacious rooms to choose from; doubles, triples, and one larger ‘family room’ which… > See All the Details & Book

Parador de Alcañiz is a stunning Spanish hilltop castle hotel overlooking the town of the same name between Zaragoza and the Mediterranean. It has a history going all the way back to the 12th century and some of its original features are intact from that time, from the later medieval period, and after its conversion from a defensive fortress to a monastery and then to a residential palace in the 18th century. The views from all around are stunning, and you could spend many happy hours just wandering the grounds. Internally, though renovated on numerous occasions over the years (and centuries!), the castle has that charming old-world feel. Much of… > See All the Details & Book

The most renowned of all Ireland’s castle hotels, 5-star Ashford Castle in Co. Galway, is an extremely impressive property, with an extravagant setting, an imposing exterior, and very lavish interiors. Those factors combined with a great range of modern facilities, great food, and high levels of service, make Ashford Castle a consistent choice for lists of the best hotels in Ireland, and indeed in Europe. Ashford Castle at a Glance Castle: A historic castle hotel dating back to 1228, with later Victorian and Gothic Revival additions. Accommodation: 83 individually designed rooms and suites, plus one private Hideaway Cottage, furnished with antique pieces, works of art and high-quality fabrics alongside the… > See All the Details & Book

Château de Bourron is a classy, boutique chateau hotel in Fontainebleau, near Paris. It has a moat, two small pavillons, 100-acre of wood and parkland, and has a history going back to at least the fourteenth century. The Accommodation: They have five entry-level double rooms in an adjacent building, Maison d’Artagnan, then some nicer rooms in the chateau itself, the latter being divided into superior, prestige, and deluxe categories with the deluxe being the largest and most expensive. It’s worth the extra to stay in the chateau itself we think, unless maybe you’re staying as a group or family and rent out all five bedrooms at Maison d’Artagnan, so you… > See All the Details & Book

Historic guests: King Edward I, Oliver Cromwell, Queen Victoria all stayed here. Atmospheric castle: Scotland’s oldest continually inhabited castle transformed into a luxury hotel. Accommodation: 29 plush B&B rooms offering comfort and charm. Facilities: Top-class restaurant, excellent spa, and woodland setting by the River Esk. History: Rich local and national historical significance adds to its allure.   Dalhousie Castle Hotel in Bonnyrigg near Edinburgh, has the distinction of being Scotland’s oldest continually inhabited castle, one which has now been transformed into a uniquely atmospheric luxury hotel. With 29 plush B&B rooms, a top-class restaurant, excellent spa facilities, and a serene woodland setting by the banks of the River Esk, it… > See All the Details & Book

Château de Mathod, near Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, is a very charming and special place. A recognized historical monument, it was once the home of the Swiss artist Louis Rivier and has been in the same family for seven generations now. They have a luxury B&B guest suite at the chateau which is beautifully renovated and decorated, and though having all modern comforts still retains a tangible sense of history. The property also has some beautifully landscaped gardens, including a swimming pool, which guests are welcome to explore and enjoy. The Accommodation: The chateau is the private home of your hosts but they also rent a single 30 m² (320 square foot)… > See All the Details & Book

This Castle Hotel’s Highlights: Historic castle – Dates back to the 12th century, with ties to the Medici family and Dante’s Divine Comedy. Authentic stay – Self-catering accommodation ranges from cozy studios to grand castle apartments & classic Tuscan villas. Art & charm – Antique furniture, wood-beamed ceilings, frescoes, and open fireplaces give a true old-world feel throughout. Tuscan cuisine – On-site restaurant serves traditional, locally sourced dishes paired with Chianti wines. Facilities & views – Outdoor swimming pool, small children’s playground, and panoramic views over Chianti hills. Location – 20 km from Florence, ideal for exploring Chianti, Pisa, San Gimignano, and other Tuscan gems; Florence airport under 30 minutes…. > See All the Details & Book

Most Famous Guests: Princess Diana, Prince Rainer, Grace Kelly, Michael Jackson… The 5 Star luxury Gstaad Palace Hotel is another Swiss Alps institution smoothly fulfilling the desires of discerning international guests with great style and class. It has stood on a hill over the lovely Alpine resort of Gstaad for over a hundred years and is very much a hotel of the old-school type. The atmosphere is grand and regal and the impeccable service leans on the side of formal. It has 90 luxurious rooms and suites and lots for guests to pass their time with; five different restaurants, two bars, a nightclub (the infamous GreenGo club), a fitness centre,… > See All the Details & Book

Château de Bagnols, near Lyon, France, is a really quite magnificent 800-year-old Beaujolais château now serving as a 5-star luxury hotel. It has some terrifically opulent rooms and suites, beautiful gardens, top-of-the-range spa facilities, and terrific fine dining at a Michelin Star-awarded restaurant. Those factors alone would make it a wonderful place to stay but what makes Château de Bagnols extra special is its remarkably well-preserved castle structure and the extremely impressive interior design which weds perfectly the historical and the modern. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful chateau hotels in France. The Rooms: They have a range of suites on offer, in the chateau itself… > See All the Details & Book

Fabulous views: Overlooks Isle of Mull, Atlantic Ocean, and Hebridean islands. Choice of rooms: Self-catering apartments in the castle and former stables. Elegant furnishings: Warm colours, Victorian-style baths, and comfortable decor. Food options: Coffee shop, deli, and nearby pubs; owners provide fine whisky tastings. Outdoor activities: Guided walks, wildlife spotting, whale watching, and estate exploration. Accessible location: Northern tip of Mull, close to Tobermory with ferry access from Oban. Historical significance: Built in 1858 in Scots Baronial style during the Highland Clearances.   Glengorm Castle Hotel is a Victorian era Scottish Castle Hotel with fabulous views over the Isle of Mull, the Atlantic Ocean and the Hebridean islands of Coll,… > See All the Details & Book

Most Notable Former Guests: Grace Kelly, Jacques Chirac, Queen Elizabeth II… The magnificent walled city of Carcassonne, France, is certainly a wondrous sight. The words ‘walled city’ can be used to refer to a huge number of cities around the world but in Carcassonne’s case the ‘walls’ are more castle ramparts than walls and so, rather excitingly, it could be said that Carcassonne is a city within a castle. So popular is it though that the hordes of tourists that descend on it every summer can take somewhat from the experience that such a stirring sight can promise. The walled city of Carcassonne has a, not so little, secret that… > See All the Details & Book

Most Notable Former Guests: Victor Hugo, Charlie Chaplin, Coco Chanel… The 5-star Beau Rivage Palace sits on 10 acres of its own private gardens on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne, and has stunning views across the lake and of the French Alps beyond. The hotel itself, including its spacious and elegant rooms and suites, is equally stunning and the entire experience is one which will satisfy even the most discerning of luxury hotel aficionados. It has four restaurants to choose from, all of which are excellent quality but with one particularly stealing the show: the 2 Michelin-starred Anne-Sophie Pic at Beau-Rivage Palace. Add to that some chic bars and… > See All the Details & Book

Historic Cumbrian castle: Augill Castle in Upper Eden Valley, nearly 200 years old, homely luxury. Beautiful surroundings: North Pennines, Yorkshire Dales, Lakeland Fells nearby. Enter your dates & check prices here   The enchanting Augill Castle Hotel has stood proud in Cumbria, England’s, Upper Eden Valley, for nearly two hundred years. It also has some of the country’s loveliest rural regions at its doorstep – the North Pennines, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lakeland Fells. Built in 1841, in the very popular (at the time) Neo-Gothic style, Augill Castle started life as a grand country retreat and is still as grand as ever in its present incarnation as a luxury… > See All the Details & Book

Historic pedigree: 16th-century castle with Renaissance architecture, set in Weserbergland Nature Park. Famous guests: Tsar Peter the Great of Russia once stayed here and was amazed by its exotic gardens. 5-star luxury: Lavish rooms, spa & beauty center, swimming pool, and Michelin-starred dining. Gourmet choice: Haute cuisine at the Michelin-starred Gourmet Restaurant, plus casual dining in the Schlosskeller. Recreation: 18-hole golf course, landscaped gardens, hiking, biking, and boating in the surrounding countryside. Convenient location: Less than an hour from Hanover, near Hamelin of Pied Piper fame. Check dates & prices here.   Near Hanover, Lower Saxony, Schlosshotel Münchhausen is yet another, highly rated, 5 star castle hotel in Germany It… > See All the Details & Book

Castlemartyr Castle Resort has 5-star accommodation near Midleton, East Cork, adjacent to the ruins of the 800-year-old castle that bears its name. The centrepiece building is the 18th-century manor house, but most of the 103 rooms and suites are in two adjacent modern wings. Castlemartyr Castle Resort at a Glance Castle: An 18th-century manor house beside the ruins of the 800-year-old castle that gives the resort its name. Accommodation: 103 rooms and suites, with historic Manor State Rooms and Grand Suites in the old manor house alongside contemporary rooms in two modern wings. Dining: Terre offers modern French cuisine with Asian influences and Michelin-starred dining, alongside Canopy and three bars… > See All the Details & Book