When it comes to castle hotels, nowhere offers the Royal experience quite like Ashford Castle. Located in Ireland’s County Galway, the 800-year-old castle has been the residence of numerous prestigious families such as the Guinness family and has hosted a wealth of notable guests including King George V and President Regan. Surrounded by 350 acres of beautiful manicured gardens, verdant forests and woodland rich with birdlife, all overlooking the shores of rippling Lough Corrib in County Mayo, Ireland.

Following a five-year renovation, Ashford Castle offers 83 elegant rooms in the form of luxury rooms, suites and the hideaway cottage that represent traditional elegance and finesse. Rooms and suites have been individually and lovingly designed, combining the castle’s original features with the latest modern luxuries. Ashford Castle also has an extensive programme of activities to enjoy during your stay including falconry, clay shooting and day trips to surrounding towns and countryside.

Located in a private 275 acre estate in the heart of Dartmoor National Park; the South West of England. This luxury castle hotel sits inbetween Exeter and Plymouth in UK, only a short drive away; in the countryside but far enough away from the hustle and bustle of city life to enjoy complete peace and privacy in our secluded resort. 

The manor house was built in 1890 by the son of WH Smith, who later became Viscount Hambledon, and remained in the WH Smith estate until it was auctioned off upon his death and purchased for a golf hotel conversion. It has remained one of must visit castle hotels ever since and in 2003 became Bovey Castle offering contemporary elegance and luxury escapes. With a stay at Bovey Castle you can expect to experience five-star accommodation, award-winning dining, impeccable spa facilities and an abundance of activities such as golf, archery and fawn feeding.

The unique Fonab Castle offers contemporary, five-star luxury with a twist. Dating back to 1892, the castle has an unlikely history as a family home, a British Red Cross auxiliary hospital and the North of Scotland Hydro-electric Board’s headquarters before it was a hotel. Keeping in touch with its unusual roots, Fonab Castle is one of the most original castle hotels. With a mixture of hotel rooms and lodges, the accommodation has an option for everyone with modern elegance flowing through every pore of the castle. Fonab Castle also offers magnificent views over Loch Faskally and the Scottish Highlands as well as activities that stay in touch with nature like fishing and falconry.

Nestled in the heart of Ireland, Ballyfin is an exquisite country house hotel. Long admired as the most ornate Regency house in Ireland, the Ballyfin estate spans 614 acres and is steeped in Irish history. The estate has been the home to numerous wealthy families but the house itself was built in the 1820’s for the Cootes and remained in the family for over 100 years until it was sold and converted into a school.

After eight years of restoration, Ballyfin reopened in 2011 as a 5 star castle hotel offering incredible hospitality and luxury accommodation in a beautiful idyllic setting. The rooms and suites ooze elegance with their grand décor whilst Ballyfin also offers exceptional fine dining, an impressive wellness centre and an activities list inclusive of clay pigeon shooting and horse riding.

  Glenapp Castle offers a welcoming and relaxing escape surrounded by the lush Scottish countryside. The luxury castle hotel, which has passed through many prestigious owners including the Earl of Orkney, offers wonderful accommodation with graceful design and regal décor, a comforting atmosphere to make you feel at home. It has great beauty in its period furnishings and interiors as well as through the breathtaking gardens, forest, and the seascapes that surround that castle.

17 suites individually designed some even offering sea view. You can also in the historic penthouse. this elegant four bedroom penthouse is tucked away on its own floor, and is accessible through its very own private elevator. Watch the sunset and marvel at the stars whilst you take in the breathtaking views over the iconic Ailsa Craig, the Isle of Arran, and the Mull of Kintyre. Meanwhile, Glenapp Castle’s activities offer moments to recharge with crafts, tennis, fishing and a sea safari complete with private chef.

As a family-run hotel on the Isles of Scilly, Star Castle offers the exceptional, personal service you would expect of a small, boutique hotel but within a sixteenth century castle. Built as a fortress during the reign of Queen Elizabeth to defend the Isles of Scilly, Star Castle witnessed many historic events. Now a hotel, the castle provides recently refurbished accommodation with 38 bedrooms, Star Castle Hotel boasts both traditional sixteenth century castle accommodation and spacious country cottage garden accommodation within 4 acres of secluded gardens.

Star Castle is home to a dungeon bar and also offers gourmet food with two award-winning restaurants and the world’s best fresh caught lobster and crab. There is plenty to keep you busy during you stay at this luxury castle hotel from an indoor heated swimming pool, tennis court to complimentary golf. 

Within the stunning Sussex countryside, Gravetye Manor is a spectacular 16^th century country hotel that was built as a home for the son of a local family and his bride. Offering 17 luxury rooms and suites with charming décor, the manor’s accommodation is a beautiful blend of modern elegance, period features and antique interiors.

For dining at Gravetye Manor, The Dining Room is an impeccable Michelin-star restaurant serving a seasonal menu of delectable cuisine made from local produce. The hotel hosts an excellent events calendar with flower workshops and dinner parties featuring whilst Gravetye Manor is also a great base to explore antiques fairs, local racecourses and breathtaking country walks.

Related: Michelin Star Hotels in UK You Need To Visit

Thought to be an early Saxon settlement, Lucknam Park is an elegant country house that precedes recorded history. Set on a 500 acres of private parkland, Lucknam Park has a relaxed air and homely atmosphere, allowing guests to feel welcomed and comfortable.

 The scene is set from the moment you turn into the driveway of Lucknam Park. The mile long lime and beech avenue stands like a guard of honour, gently guiding you to the restored Palladian mansion. Enveloped within its own classical gardens, extensive parkland and paddocks, the relaxed elegance of the quintessential English mansion that is perfect for escaping from the pressure of life.

The hotel is the perfect place to do all or nothing, whether you want to indulge in the extensive activities list that includes horse riding and archery or simply enjoy a laid-back spa experience, how you spend your time can be perfectly designed. To rest your head, 43 rooms are available including suites and cottages, all with an individual design and sophisticated décor.

Surrounded by the rich landscape of the Scottish Highlands, Inverlochy Castle Hotel offers luxury, comfort and detail. A magnificent 19^th-century castle where Queen Victoria once spent a week sketching and painting, Inverlochy Castle Hotel offers luxurious accommodation with a selection of rooms, suites and the Gate Lodge.

The castle hotel is home to Michael Roux Jr at Inverlochy Castle, a 3AA Rosette awarded restaurant providing an incredible culinary experience. Located at the foothills of Ben Nevis and amidst the beautiful Scottish countryside, Inverlochy luxury Castle Hotel also features an excellent activities list with fishing, shooting and hunting excursions on the events calendar.

Surprisingly located in Kent, Leeds Castle is an exciting attraction for all the family. The castle has a rich history and is no stranger to Royalty. In addition to Henry VIII using Leeds Castle as a residence, the castle was also the property of six medieval Queens and is one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain.

The castle has a generous events calendar whilst also home to a golf club and birds of prey centre. It is safe to say that a trip to Leeds Castle can be jam-packed and educational and you can also stay on the castle ground. Leeds Castle offers holiday cottages and bed & breakfast facilities allowing you to enjoy a luxury, medieval-style stay in what has been dubbed the ‘loveliest castle in the world’.

* All listings featured in this article were independently selected. However, when you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All the images belong to the respective owners.