12 Fairytale castle hotels in England

Castle hotels in England – Quick picks

Studley Castle – Cotswolds

An eye-catching gem in Warwickshire, the 19^th-century Studley Castle is an impressive example of Gothic Revival architecture. Walking and cycling routes wind through the grounds and rural surroundings, and guests can enjoy diverse activities like archery and shooting.

The Stables Spa offers plenty of relaxation, with a steam room, sauna, swimming pool, and variety of treatments.

Catch live music over a tasty meal in the Evesham Restaurant, sample classic British fare in Brassarie32, sip tea in the Garden Room, taste cocktails in the Oak Room, unwind in the Arden Café Bar, get cosy in The Hideaway, or watch a movie in the in-house cinema.

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Thornbury Castle – South Gloucestershire

Located in Gloucestershire, Thornbury Castle has a long and interesting history.

Built in the early 1500s, the grand building was home to Edward Stafford, the 3^rd Duke of Buckingham. Incredibly wealthy, Stafford was one of the only people in England at that time to match King Henry VIII in affluence and status. His magnificent castle was a striking display of power and riches.

This deeply angered the king who, after having Stafford beheaded on charges of treason, took the mighty home for himself. King Henry VIII subsequently stayed in the opulent castle with his then-wife, Anne Boleyn.

Today, the Grade I listed building is home to a luxurious hotel and is a popular place for a lavish wedding or stylish honeymoon.

Uniquely furnished guest rooms take you back to the opulence of the Tudor period. It’s filled with fine touches and interesting features, including rich tapestries, spiral staircases, open fireplaces, four-poster beds, period furnishings, handsome art, and more.

The hotel boasts a gourmet restaurant and wellness treatment rooms, all set in 15 beautiful acres of land.   

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Amberley Castle – West Sussex

Set in the picturesque village of Amberley in West Sussex, the atmospheric Amberley Castle was originally built as a 12^th-century manor house. It was later fortified in the 1370s and was used by the Bishops of Chichester.

Now a Grade I listed building, today the splendid castle houses a luxury hotel. With just 19 beautifully appointed bedrooms, guests can enjoy an intimate stay. Rooms combine period features and antiques with modern conveniences.

Step into the stunning Queen’s Room or Great Room to enjoy fine dining at its best, enjoy active leisure at the tennis court, 18-hole putting green or croquet lawn, and soak up the awe-inspiring views with a stroll through the lovely gardens.

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Bovey Castle – Dartmoor

Located in Devon and on the fringes of the brooding Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle is a relatively new castle, having been built in the early 1900s. Don’t let the lack of history put you off, though; it offers a fabulously luxurious stay with plenty to do.

The main building is a fine example of Jacobean architecture, filled with exquisite carvings. Rooms are individually decorated and furnished. There are further self-catering lodges nestled in the scenic grounds.

The award-winning hotel boasts gorgeous gardens that overlook the Bovey River and a shimmering lake, and there’s also a fantastic 18-hole golf course for guests to enjoy. Savour a delicious meal in the high-class Great Western Restaurant or the relaxed Smith’s Brasserie, and pamper yourself in the Elan Spa.

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Tregenna Castle – St Ives, Cornwall

Built in the 18^th century, the marvellous Tregenna Castle is located in St Ives. The lofty hilltop position provides beautiful vistas of the rugged Cornish coastline.

A great place for families, friends, and couples, the hotel offers a choice of elegant guest rooms, family-friendly apartments, and self-catering homes, all brimming with ageless style and modern amenities.

Next to the seaside, the hotel offers a range of facilities for a fun stay. From the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, play area, golf course, and fitness centre, to wellness facilities such as saunas, hot tubs, yoga studios, and a diverse menu of blissful therapies, there’s definitely no time for dull moments.

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Hever Castle – Kent

Within easy reach of London, the majestic Hever Castle is located in Kent. Constructed in the 13^th century, it’s one of the best castle hotels for history lovers; it has the claim to fame of having been the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII’s ill-fated wives.

Later, it was owned by another of the notorious king’s wives: Anne of Cleves. The regal associations are strong!

Visitors can admire antique furnishings, Tudor paintings, instruments of torture, and a number of Anne Boleyn’s personal items. The expansive grounds include a maze, an Italianate garden, a kids’ adventure playground, and a lake.

Parts of the castle have been changed into luxurious accommodations. You’ll definitely feel like royalty when you stay in the elegant B&B, housed in the Astor Wing and Anne Boleyn Wing. The Edwardian wings were built in a handsome Tudor style and are filled with striking features.

Guests can enjoy a lavish lounge and billiard room, as well as tennis courts and free admission to other parts of the castle. If that weren’t enough, the hotel also boasts a beautiful 27-hole golf club and an exceptional spa.

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Augill Castle – Nr Kirkby Stephen

Located in Cumbria’s village of Brough, Augill Castle enjoys a splendidly scenic location between the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has a really cool story too, having been built in the 1840s by a ridiculously wealthy man who wanted to make his younger brother jealous!

The Victorian-style folly, complete with turrets, towers, and ornate windows, was used as a weekend retreat before eventually falling into disrepair. Since rejuvenated to showcase its full splendour, the stunning castle is now a luxurious hotel.

Inside, you can enjoy the finer things in life, from enormous fireplaces and handsome Jacobean oak panelling to quality textiles and top-quality furnishings. Not to mention the striking embossed dining room and nature-filled grounds. Despite the opulent aesthetics, the atmosphere is soothingly relaxed and laid back.

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Pentillie Castle and Estate – Saltash, Devon

Sitting on the edges of the Tamar River in Cornwall, Pentillie Castle and Estate date back to the late 1600s. Parts of the castle were used as a maternity hospital during WWII. Remodelled in the 1960s, it is a popular wedding destination and hotel today.

The stylish bedrooms have modern amenities, such as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and a hairdryer, and guests can have fun in the basement games room and outdoor swimming pool. Prepare tasty meals in the farmhouse kitchen and explore the wonderful surroundings.

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Walworth Castle – nr Darlington, County Durham

The splendid Walworth Castle can be found in Durham. The Grade I listed building dates back to the 1600s, occupying the site of a former 12^th-century mansion built by the Hansard family (known for detailing parliamentary debates).

It’s had many uses over the years, including as a WWII POW camp and a boarding school, and has even hosted royalty; King James VI of Scotland stayed here in 1603.

Transformed into an elegant hotel in the early 1980s, the hotel has gorgeous rooms throughout the actual castle and in an annexe. Some of the castle rooms boast original features and, if you’re looking for a truly memorable stay, you can even book the King James Suite where the Scottish king rested hundreds of years ago.

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Langley Castle – Hexham, Northumberland

The award-winning Langley Castle Hotel is a stunning 14th-century medieval castle in a woodland estate in Northumberland. It came under attack by King Henry IV’s troops in 1405, subsequently lying as a ruin until its restoration in the late 1800s. Used as barracks during WWII and later as a school, it has certainly seen plenty of action in the past.

Escape to the past and soak up the tranquillity inside the thick stone walls. Each gorgeous room evokes an air of nostalgia, with four-poster beds and other olde-worlde touches.

Want to up the luxury? Check into one of the feature rooms, where you’ll find large fireplaces, glitzy chandeliers, and window seats that provide amazing views. Some even have their own spa tubs or saunas. There’s even more accommodation at Castle View, with suites that are particularly popular with families and friends.

All hotel guests can enjoy the splendid grounds and facilities, which include a restaurant, bar, and attractive drawing-room. 

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Swinton Park Castle – Masham, North Yorkshire

Located in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Yorkshire, Swinton Park Castle was once the seat of the Earls of Swinton. Built in the 1690s, the castle is surrounded by picturesque deer-filled parkland, gardens, and lakes.

There are several room and suite types to choose between, including bedrooms classified with courtly names like Knights, Barons, Earls, and Dukes. All are individually designed with high-quality furnishings and appealing décor. Groups can also check into a cosy three- or four-bedroom cottage.

Amenities-wise, the hotel certainly isn’t lacking. Take a spot of afternoon tea in the sumptuous Georgian-era drawing room, and sip a pint of local beer in the bar, which was once the family chapel.

People of all ages can have fun in the billiards room, and the contemporary spa provides plenty of ways to refresh your mind, body, and soul.     

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