It’s no longer just knights and noblemen that get to stay in castles these days. Drawbridges have been lowered, and castles across Europe have been turned into luxury hotels. We’ve picked out ten of the best, all in different countries – so you can work in a castle stay wherever you’re heading to.
Castle hotels in England
The Castle: Swinton Park
Where? Masham, near Ripon, North Yorkshire
Accommodation
Although not technically a castle in the sense that it wasn’t built to repel angry hordes, this stately home couldn’t look any more like a castle if it tried. A giant turret was built at the front by preivous owners, while little castellations dot the building. It also sits in the middle of a giant estate surrounded by lakes, deer and moorland.
After a previous incarnation as a training centre for Tory MPs, Swinton Park was re-bought by the Cunliffe-Lister family who have turned it into a hotel. Predictably, everything is rather luxurious. The 30 rooms and suits are enormous, and come with little touches such as turndown service, complimentary gin and whiskey and flatscreen TVs.
But outside of the room, it’s a bit like a particularly upmarket game of Cluedo – there’s a drawing room, library and billiard room. Oh, and a private cinema.
Restaurant
The restaurant is pricey, but boy is the food good. It has three AA rosettes for good reason. At night, dining is by candlelight, and the staff clearly know their stuff. There are three menus to choose from – the market menu with whatever’s fresh, the signature menu of head chef Simon Crannage and a degustation-style Tasting Menu. The North Coast Scallops with Confit Cure Of Local Pork and Truffle Salad, in particular, are stunning.
Activities
The owners want guests to have a proper country house experience rather than just feel like they’re in a posh hotel. Just a look through the hotel information book shows that it’s one step beyond the usual upmarket experience. Guests can arrange to go deerstalking, watch a polo match, hire model boats to race on the lake and go off clay pigeon shooting.
Perhaps the most fascinating of all is the birds of prey centre. Guests can watch the birds being flown at 9.30 every morning, or book to go on a hawk walk, where they go for a stroll through the estate with one of the birds. Those that feel brave can take the falconry glove and call the hawk in to land on their hand.
Castle hotels in Germany
The Castle: Burghotel auf Schonberg
Where? Oberwesl, The Rhine Valley
Germany – and particular the Rhine Valley – is fairytale castle central. There are dozens of options available, but one of the best is the Schonberg. A castle has stood on the site for over 1,000 years (although it was burned down by the French and rebuilt by an American). It’s right on top of a hill, with majestic river views and enough bizarre protrusions to keep any explorer happy.
Castle hotels in Spain
The Castle: Castillo Valdes Salas
Where? Asturias
With imposing fortifications, a 15th century tower and a smattering of antique furniture and decorations, this one is the real deal. It has just the twelve rooms, so you genuinely feel like the guest of a nobleman, and the restaurant is well known for outstanding local food.
Castle hotels in France
Chateau Camiac
Where? Creon, near Bordeaux
The French have a nasty tendency to cheat on castles – the chateaux are usually just the equivalent of British stately homes – but the Chateau Camiac ticks the right boxes. It has the fairytale pointy turrets, a big lake and lots of space around it. The massive wine cellar is a bonus too.
Castle hotels in Italy
The Castle: Castello dell’Oscano
Where? Near Perugia, Umbria
Every good castle should have extensive ramparts and this one looks just like you’re taught to draw them at school. It even has a ‘Hall of Duels’ which is used for gala events and receptions. Its Turandot restaurant is famous for its fine dining – so don’t expect stereotypical castle fare like giant pigs on a spit.
Castle hotels in Scotland
The Castle: Dalhousie Castle
Where? Near Edinburgh
The rooms in this bulky-looking building are themed on the famous people that have stayed there in the past, including Queen Victoria. It may have modern touches such as Scotland’s first hydro spa, but it still plays heavily on its past. Look out for suits of armour hiding around the corner here and there…
Castle hotels in Portugal
The Castle: Pousada de Obidos
Where? Obidos, near Lisbon
The first Portuguese castle to have been turned into luxury accommodation back in 1951, this castle overlooks the village of Obidos, which has been submitted for World Heritage status. It’s an enormous building with spectacular views and has been named as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
Castle hotels in Wales
The Castle: Castell Deudraeth
Where: Portmeirion, Gwynedd
This one isn’t quite as old as it looks – it was only built during the Victorian era – but it has proper turrets and everything a good castle should have. Deudraeth was opened in 2001 after extensive renovations, and the restaurant’s use of local seafood is renowned much further afield.
Castle hotels in Sweden
The Castle: Hackeburga Slott
Where? Genarp, Skane
There are moats and then there are moats, and Hackeburga Slott sits on its own island in the middle of a picturesque lake. On top of the usual luxurious accommodation, there is the opportunity to indulge in upper class pursuits such as hunting, horse-riding, fishing and golf.
Castle hotels in Ireland
The Castle: Dromoland Castle
Where? Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare
Boasting a large spa and conference centre, Dromoland is one of Europe’s most exclusive five star resorts. It sits on 410 acres of its own and is owned by the direct descendents of the 11th century Irish High King, Brian Boru.
This article was originally written for AOL UK.
Copyright David Whitley.
