10 British castles you can sleep in

10 Amazing British castles you can stay the night in

11th Aug 2022 My Britain

Treat yourself like royalty on your next UK getaway with a stay at a British castle. These 10 stunning heritage properties allow guests to stay the night

Britain is bursting with age-old castles rich with culture and history. So, instead of hopping back onto the tour coach after a day visit, why not check in for a night or two?

For those who enjoy creature comforts, a grand castle hotel will allow you to lap up a luxurious staycation fit for kings and queens.

Or, perhaps a night of make-believe glamping in a splendid canvas pavilion (set within castle grounds) would be your ideal medieval experience.

Whatever your palace preference, check out these beautiful best British castles you can actually stay at to live out every fairy-tale imaginable...

1. Warwick Castle, Warwickshire

William the Conqueror's incredible 950-year-old castle boasts an immersive cultural experience for all ages. Within the grounds of the breathtaking castle award-winning interactive shows and re-enactment characters transport you back in time to medieval life.

Wander the Great Hall and State rooms. Head down to the dark dungeons or climb up the many tower and rampart steps to gaze at the wonderful views of Warwick and beyond.

After your day of castle culture, various themed accommodations are available to prolong your visit. Choose from a secret wooden hideaway lodge or go for a glamping get-away in a gallant tent. Both of which reside in the knight's village with castle woodland.

For royal treatment sleepover in a private chamber fit of kings and queens complete with a chunky draped four-poster bed. The Caesar's Tower Suites are located within the actual castle's 14th-century tower.

Be sure to sleep with one eye open as it is said the ancient ghost of Sir Fulke Greville walks the grounds of the castle at night.

2. Leeds Castle, Kent

A royal property of six of England’s medieval queens, a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon, Leeds castle is steeped in history.

The extensive 500-acre grounds of Leeds Castle means there is a whole host of accommodation to enjoy.

Family-friendly cottages are dotted around the grounds. For B&B stays, try the beautifully decorated stable courtyard rooms. Or, for added luxury; Maiden’s Tower offers five-star treatment nestled directly on Castle Island.

Knight’s glamping here offers four-poster beds, fury throws inside eight colourful pavilion tents each with an authentic firepit.

3. Hever Castle, Kent

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn dates back to the 13th Century. Panelled rooms, fine furniture and tapestry-clad walls create a Tudor manor house atmosphere on a grand scale.

A crenulated roof, moat and ghosts (so they say) add plenty of castle character.

Incredible gardens and grounds offer mazes, a boating lake and a Japanese-style garden and teahouse.

Stay for a Tudor-style Bed and Breakfast in the Astor Wing or Anne Boleyn Wing. Or, hire Medley Court, a 100-year-old luxurious four-bedroom holiday cottage forming part of the Astor Wing.

4. Borringdon Hall, Devon

This stately gem dates back to the Doomsday Book. Its name has a Saxon origin meaning "enchanted place on the hill" and we can see why.

Through the years the Crown-owned property was remodelled into a traditional E-shaped Elizabeth Design and housed banquettes with historical seafaring guests including Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Raleigh and William Parker.

It is now an award-winning five-star, hotel and spa complete with four-poster rooms and a Royal Suite.

5. Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire

Want to stay in reportedly one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in the country? Belvoir Castle crowns a hill and offers views over Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire.

The castle is so idyllic it’s been used as a film set for movies including The Da Vinci Code and Young Victoria and Netflix drama The Crown.

For a luxurious stay, the pretty pink Vale guesthouse offers a touch of Bridgerton class at the foot of the castle.

Other accommodation includes glamping with bell tents, shepherds huts and gipsy wagons plus self-catering lodges and cottages.

6. Roch Castle, Pembrokeshire, SW Wales

The 12th Century Norman-built acropolis sits on top of a volcanic rock providing 360-degree views of the West Coast of Wales. Offering just six bedrooms to the public, the historic fortress creates a rugged and intimate vibe.

If budget is no option you can hire the castle exclusively for a special occasion? Or, book the romantic proposal package for a touch of magic.

In complete contrast to the castle’s rustic exterior, rooms are decorated with contemporary luxury in mind with just a hint of gothic architecture.

7. Ruthin Castle, North Wales

A hidden gem buried in North Wales, Ruthin Castle (also known as Castell Coch yn yr Gwernfor), has had its fair share of royal guests. From Edward I in 1277 to HRH Prince Charles in the late 20th Century.

The dog-friendly castle hotel has resident peacocks that welcome you upon arrival and boasts a grand suite occupying the whole floor of a town and name in recognition of its historic connections to the title "Prince of Wales".

8. Bovey Castle, Devon

Set within the rolling valleys of Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle started life in 1890. A grand Manor House was then built complete with a Jacobean-style staircase, plaster ceilings, panelled rooms and carved stone fireplaces.

The house gained castle status in 2002 and now has estate lodges spa and a pool. The 64-room country estate prides itself on gaining five red stars, awarded to only the very best in Britain it’s easy to see why.

You certainly won’t be bored as there is every outdoor pursuit available to sample from golf, and archery to falconry experience.

9. Glenapp Castle, Ayrshire, Scotland

This award-winning castle hotel whisks you back in time with period interiors and old-fashioned, high-class service.

Saturated with Scottish Baronial style this estate, complete with magical towers and turrets, has breathtaking views out to sea and over surrounding forests.

Guest suites include four poster beds, queens’ canopies and chandeliers. For the ultimate Scottish castle experience book the elegant four-bedroom penthouse apartment that comes with a private chef and butler.

10. Belle Isle Castle, Northern Island

This historic 17th Century castle sits within 400 acres and rests on the shores of Fermanagh on its own private island.

The main castle is split into wings that sleep from 10 to 26 guests, perfect for larger groups.

Alternatively, spread over the Belle Isle Estate, are courtyard apartments and holiday cottages, perfect for couples and families.

Take a water taxi and explore the landscape, cast off from one of four pike fishing boats or learn a new skill such as archery or horse riding.

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