There is no shortage of castles in Europe and in the United Kingdom. While one may think of castles as being the medieval domain of kings and knights (or maybe dragons and trapped princesses) some are luxury hotels today.
There are many castles that one can stay at in England and Wales and they are utterly stunning. Here we will discuss three of the more notable castles to get an idea of what is on offer in England and Wales. If one would like to see England's medieval history come alive, then plan one's trip to include the annual medieval re-enactment in Sussex at England's Medieval Festival.
Thornbury Castle - South England
Thornbury Castle is one of the top-rated castle accommodations in England. It is also the only Tudor castle to be open as a hotel. Here one will feel like living in history with its heavy oak doors and roaring fires.
See how the ancient come together with contemporary luxuries. The rooms are today much warmer than they would have been for King Henry VIII and the bathrooms are decidedly more opulent. Gone are the dank and drafty rooms of yore, instead the bedchambers in this magnificent hotel are cozy and comforting.
- Located: Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, England
- Price: From £249 per room, per night (Includes Breakfast)
Thornbury Castle has an impressive 500 year-long history and was even visited by King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn before she lost her head. It is easy to access from London and close to the historic city of Bath. The castle even its vineyard is over 500 years old - from which it still brews its own wine.
It's not just the bedchambers that one will be taken back by, but also the castle’s delicious cuisine.
Here one will enjoy the grand hall that is still hosting parties, balls, and grand feasts after 6 centuries. The grand hall is lined with tapestries, suits of armor, and exposed stone walls. It retains the essence of historical grandeur.
The bedchambers are themselves a trip back in time where one can gaze up to tapestries of a Tudor hunting scene. The hotel boasts 28 bedchambers, each one of which is unique and most have coronet or four-poster beds.
- Number of Bedchambers: 28 Bedchambers In Total
Roch Castle - South Wales
Roch Castle is a restored Norman Castle located in South Wales. It was likely built as one of the outer defenses of the unmarked border that separated the English and Welsh areas of Pembrokeshire for centuries. At the time this part of Wales was Anglicised while the Welsh were still independent to the north (until King Edward I managed to defeat them and build the four outstanding castles of Wales).
- Location: Haverfordwest, South Wales, Wales
- Price: From £160 per room, per night (Includes Breakfast)
This meticulously restored castle sits atop a rocky outcrop and boasts rewarding views of Pembrokeshire (one of Wales' most spectacular regions). It overlooks St Bride's Bay and the Preseli Hills.
- Age: Built In the 12th Century in 1195
One can choose between either booking an individual room, or booking the entire castle for exclusive use. If one has a group and would like to rent out the whole castle, it has 6 rooms and sleeps 12 guests and prices range from £1320 to £1560 per night.
- Exclusive: The Castle is Open For Exclusive Use
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The bedrooms are all en-suite and are fully equipped with all the expected necessities for a luxurious stay. Sleep tightly on the highest quality Sealy mattresses with hypo-allergenic Comforel topper, duvet and pillows, and 300-thread-count linens.
The castle comes with a spacious lounge while the jewel of the castle is “The Sun Room.” Here one can enjoy the floor-to-ceiling glass walls with a viewing platform on the original battlements.
Augill Castle - North England
Located in northern England, this historic castle is picturesquely situated in the upper reaches of the Eden Valley. It boasts the backdrop of the dramatic North Pennines together with stunning gardens. It is only 10 minutes from the Yorkshire Dales (which are renowned across England for their rugged beauty).
- Located: Nr Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, England
- Price: From £180 per room, per night (Breakfast Included)
Augill Castle is considered a superb family retreat and offers experiences that will keep the children well entertained.
Unlike the other castles, this is not a medieval castle but an 1841 Victorian gentlemen's country residence. It was built as his fairytale romantic hideaway.
- Built: 1841
Feel the charm and rusticness of the abode complete with creaking floorboards, ticking clocks, roaring fires, and even a friendly Labrador. This castle is meant to feel more like a home away from home and one can chill out with the resident family or enjoy the privacy by oneself.