Britain’s most spectacular castles
Full of secrets and scandals, Britain’s castles are full of stories. Marking where battles were won and dynasties were upheld, these royal residences come battle forts mark history’s most famous moments.
Beyond tours and exhibitions, there are lots of new ways to get hands-on with history. Witness a sword-clashing skirmish between medieval knights, sleep in the childhood home of a former queen, or party in the real-life Downton Abbey? Here are just some of our most treasured castles, along with the one-of-a-kind experiences you can find…
Screen stars
For some juicy stories and insights, take a themed tour of your favourite movie-loving castle. Britain’s castles love the camera and have starred in countless films from Highclere Castle doubling as Downton Abbey to Alnwick Castle’s role of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series. Maybe you’ll recognise Eilean Donan Castle from Highlander? Or Belvoir Castle from The Da Vinci Code?
Festival fun
Castles aren’t just about a delve into history, many double-up as impressive festival and live music locations. It’s not unusual to see A-list gigs at the likes of Warwick Castle or Arundel Castle to a fromage fancier’s fantasy at Caerphilly Castle’s Big Cheese Festival. Many offer outdoor theatre and film screenings throughout the summer.
Big battles
With swords clashing and shields smashing battle reenactments bring a castle’s epic history to life. From Viking and Saxon skirmishes at Corfe Castle to medieval jousting at Kenilworth Castle, watch the battles that shaped Britain today.
Behind the scenes
A behind-the-scenes castle tour reveals the secrets of these imposing structures. Discover the inner workings of Castle Howard, Windsor Castle and Durham Castle which run curated talks and events for that extra special insight.
Royal sleeps
Snooze in chambers fit for royalty. Many of Britain’s castles offer accommodation whether that’s a luxurious B&B at Hever Castle – Anne Boleyn’s childhood home – or medieval-themed glamping tents at Leeds Castle. Balmoral Castle also offers a range of holiday cottages within the castle grounds. See below for more British castles where you can sleep like a king or queen.
Visit some of England’s favourite castles
The best castles in Scotland
The best castles in Wales
British castles you can stay in
Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
Fancy staying in a medieval castle? Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, the imposing Warwick Castle holds two hidden gems within the 14th-century Caesar’s Tower. Fit for royalty, you can choose from two private chambers to spend the night in this British castle. The suites are decorated in traditional medieval style complete with four-poster beds and dark wooden furniture. Each booking includes the full VIP service with two-day Warwick Castle entry tickets, champagne on arrival, a concierge service, breakfast, a private tour of the castle, afternoon tea and more.
Langley Castle, Northumberland
For a dramatic building that makes a statement, Langley castle ticks the boxes. This 14th-century castle hotel has a rich history of Lords and Ladies. There are nine opulently designed rooms within the castle with original features dotted throughout. The castle is a popular stop-off point between England and Scotland, Hadrian’s Wall is close by and the Lake District is around a one hour drive.
Peckforton Castle, Cheshire
Built around 1850, this medieval-style castle was given Grade I listed status in 1952. At Peckforton Castle you can expect a luxurious stay with mod-cons including underfloor heating and 24-hour in-room dining, all set within the original features of the hotel. With accessible bedrooms available and a choice of fine dining, you can expect turrets, towers and four-poster beds.
Roch Castle, Pembrokeshire
With a domineering position high on a rocky outcrop, at stay in Roch Castle provides renovated modern luxury within the walls of this 12th-century stronghold. The castle, built by the Norman Knight Adam de Rupe, boasts 360 degree views of the Pembrokeshire coastline and surrounding countryside and offers bed and Welsh breakfast.
Thornbury Castle, Gloucestershire
Wander in the footsteps of kings and queens at Thornbury Castle. Once owned by King Henry VIII and Queen Mary I, choose from a number of bedchambers, with tapestries, fabrics and period furniture taking you on a journey back to Tudor Britain. You can even sleep in the Henry VIII Suite, where the king himself stayed in 1535 with his wife at the time, Anne Boleyn.
Inverlochy Castle, Fort William
The 19th-century castle in the Scottish Highlands once received high praise from Queen Victoria, who spent a week at Inverlochy Castle in 1873 while on a trip to Balmoral, declaring: “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot”. Inside the castle hotel, bedrooms are warm and inviting and there are three dining rooms to choose from, overseen by world-renowned chef Michel Roux Jr. Dining here is high end yet inclusive, with separate vegan and vegetarian menus, afternoon tea and a suitably mammoth whisky list.
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland
Make the famous walls of Bamburgh Castle your home with a stay at The Clock Tower, a luxurious yet cosy apartment built into the 13th century tower and turret of the castle walls. Offering striking views over some of Northumberland’s most impressive scenery, you’ll get exclusive access to the castle grounds, as well as the state rooms when the castle is open. The quirky three-bedroom accommodation offers a delightful mix of antique furniture, stylish heritage décor and the latest modern appliances.
Sherbrooke Castle, Glasgow
Sherbrook Castle Hotel is a baronial building crafted in rich red sandstone. Offering not only rooms within the walls of the castle itself, you can also book cottage and garden suites. The luxurious bedrooms are the ideal place to relax after an action-packed day exploring Glasgow. Sherbrooke Castle Hotel is located on the south side of the city in the peaceful surroundings of Pollokshields.
Hedingham Castle, Essex
Fit for a king or a queen, The Royal Chamber at Hedingham Castle offers a grand four poster bed so you can experience the royal treatment in the heights of the castle. While guests had previously been able to stay in properties located around the castle’s medieval park, you can now spend the night inside the 900-year-old building itself. Soak up the room’s majesty in the spacious double bath before venturing out to explore the surrounding Essex countryside.