Castles in England You Can Actually Stay in
England is filled to the brim with castles, often in beautiful locations and steeped in history. Many of these national landmarks now offer accommodation, from gourmet B&Bs and luxurious hotels to self-catering castle apartments where you can live like royalty – albeit temporarily. Here are some of the most beautiful castles in England where you can spend the night – bookable on Culture Trip.
Bovey Castle, Newton Abbot
Hotel
In a pretty valley on the edge of Dartmoor lies Bovey Castle, a spectacular historic landmark that is lavishly decorated inside. Thick Elizabethan textiles drape over the stone interior to add warmth to the building, whilst views through the sizeable windows seamlessly open up the rooms to the rugged and bracken-covered wilderness of Dartmoor. At this five-star hotel, there is a beautiful spa and Art Deco pool, as well as a roof terrace perfect for taking in the view whilst enjoying a Bovey cream tea.
Tregenna Castle, Carbis Bay
Spa Hotel
Ivy-covered Tregenna Castle overlooks St Ives and the long Cornish coast to the north. The castle is set in 72 acres (29ha) of private grounds and has two heated swimming pools and its own golf course. There are self-catering apartments with sea views, hotel rooms with castle views and a whole west wing.
Leeds Castle, Maidstone
Suite Hotel
It’s hard to forget your first sighting of Leeds Castle. More than 900-years old and one of the most visited castles in England, it’s also one of the most romantic. On your visit to Leeds, choose a self-catering apartment, B&B or go glamping for a night in the River Lodge. Wherever you rest your head, you will be surrounded by 500 acres (202ha) of woodland, parkland, formal gardens and the historic Dog Collar Collection.
Cave Castle Hotel and Country Club, South Cave
Hotel
Cave Castle is a turreted country hotel with bags of character. A gatehouse, suits of armour, canons, mounted stag heads and a giant bear are all a part of the grandiose experience at the Cave. There’s also a spa and a health club featuring a hot tub, sauna and a well-equipped gym, all complimentary for guests.
Peckforton Castle, Tarporley
Hotel
For a true fairytale stay, look no further than this dramatic hilltop fortress in the splendid Cheshire countryside. Here, you can feel as though you are Rapunzel stuck in her tower away from the connected world but also enjoy the modern luxuries which come with a four-star hotel. It’s also the only medieval-style castle still intact in England, so make the most of the stone spiral staircases, turret towers and wide open fires.
Bath Lodge Castle, Bath
Lodge
At Bath Lodge you’ll get a taste for 19th-century finery. This Grade-II-listed castle is a historic structure that dates all the way back to 1806 and is complete with towers, battlements and even a portcullis. There are 3.5 acres (1.4ha) of gorgeously landscaped gardens outside and even an adults-only spa area, so you can relax without kids screaming and dive-bombing into the water.
For a slightly different trip, discover our guide to the most luxurious places to go glamping in England and book now on Culture Trip.