The 7 Best UK Castles You Can Actually Stay In

We’ve surely all had dreams about living in a castle at some point or another in our lives, or often wondered what it was like to walk the halls of medieval castles – well, you can do just that at these castle hotels across the UK. Spurred by the curiosity of the past, and the appreciation and admiration for old castles, several of these historic icons offer you the chance to stay there and enjoy a truly luxury experience like no other. 

Live out your fairytale dreams at these top 7 castles you can spend the night in. From four-poster beds and stunning grounds that you absolutely have to stroll through, to revamped modern interiors nestled within the classic fantasy castle exterior, here are the best castles you can actually stay in across the UK: 

Fantasy dreams and luxury accommodation rolled into one

7. Glenapp Castle, Ayrshire

Price per night: £300-£500 

If there’s one thing Scotland can guarantee, it’s that it’ll be full of historic buildings and vast green spaces – combine the two, and you get Glenapp Castle, built in 1870 that is now a popular 5-star hotel and wedding venue. What this place can offer you is all the hallmarks of a luxury hotel within a fantasy-style castle, with an abundance of activities, fine-dining experiences and more. 

Glenapp is set amongst a backdrop of the stunning Ayrshire countryside and its equally renowned coastline, making it the perfect holiday location or weekend getaway. Depending on the type of room you book, Glenapp rooms can cost around £300 starting price per night.

6. Killeavy Castle Estate, Northern Ireland

Price per night: Castle – From £2,000 p/n 

Killeavy Castle Estate in Northern Ireland offers quite the unique and memorable experience. You can stay in your own private castle, and live like a prince or princess for a night or two. Alternatively, if you want to cut costs you can stay in the castle grounds in a self-catered accommodation or inside the hotel, but why wouldn’t you want to experience a stay inside a castle? 

Killeavy Castle dates back to the early 1800s, and was originally a family home before being turned into an exclusive place to stay. With a number of packages and experiences on offer, it’s your choice how you spend your time at the Killeavy Estate, but if you want to truly make the most of your experience, what’s a little bit extra money when it means you can hire your own private castle?

5. Aldourie Castle, Inverness

Price per night: Varying (can be between £10k-£25k per night)

If ever there was a way to experience the true Scottish way of life and natural beauty, it’s Aldourie Castle. Like a castle straight out of a fairytale, with tall cone-shaped turrets and towers and a unique pink colour, there’s nowhere quite like it. 

Just steps away from the iconic Loch Ness, you can rent the entire castle for exclusive use for you and your guests, which of course comes at quite a price, but the experience you will receive makes it worth every penny. Aldourie is the ultimate Scottish Highland experience. Immerse yourself in Scottish history, folklore and royalty and live out your regal dreams for a night.

4. Craig Y Nos Castle, Swansea

Price per night: £100-£400 per night 

If you have a nervous disposition, it’s a good idea to avoid staying at Craig Y Nos, as it’s widely considered to be the most haunted castle in Wales. If you don’t mind things that go bump in the night, then this may become your new favourite haunt (pun intended). Craig Y Nos is a popular wedding and event venue by day, and by night it offers stunning rooms and accommodation for you and guests, some of which may be unwanted. 

Its distinct dark stone walls give it character and intrigue, helping you live like a royal for the day or night. It’s one of the more affordable castles on our list, so if you’re not wanting to spend too much, this may be the perfect place. 

3. Thornbury Castle, Bristol

Price per night: Around £300-£800 p/n depending on the room

Once visited by Henry VIII and his wife Anne Boleyn, the Tudoresque Thornbury Castle located a stone’s throw from Bristol is one of the best medieval castles to visit on your next trip away. Immerse yourself fully in the world of the Tudors, with rooms named after the previous royal occupants with the Jane Seymour Suite, Henry VIII Suite and Catherine of Aragon Suite, among others. 

Aside from its royal and historic connections, Thornbury Castle offers prestigious dining experiences and wedding and event packages, bringing a modern and luxury flair to your stay. Situated in a small but vibrant town in South Gloucestershire, if you’re looking to escape the busy city life then you’ve found the perfect place. 

2. Hever Castle, Kent 

Price per night: Around £200-£900 per night

Hever Castle is arguably one of the UK’s most recognisable castles, both by design and by name, with its distinct square shaped turrets and towers coinciding with the castle’s history and reputation. It was frequented by Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII’s wives, and has a history that is thought to date back to the early 1300s. 

Aside from its reputation as a historical haven, the castle offers a 5-star luxury experience for those who can afford it, depending on whether you want to stay in the castle’s b&b or in your own holiday cottage inside the grounds. Hever Castle is also steeped in ghost stories and legends, and is considered to be haunted by the ghost of Anne Boleyn.

1. Warwick Castle Hotel & Knight’s Village

Price per night: From £500

Offering a number of different accommodation options, all equally as luxurious and worthwhile as the other, Warwick Castle leaves little to be desired when it comes to the medieval and royal lifestyle. Its signature castle tower suites offer four-poster beds and stunning views of the castle grounds, and its Knight’s Village Medieval Glamping experience offers the perfect family getaway. 

Whether you want to fully discover the millennia of history surrounding the castle, which was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068, or simply partake in the wide range of activities and events held at the castle and its grounds, the choice is yours.