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Our expert writers are often hosted free of charge to gain the first-hand experience necessary for their reviews.
To stay in a castle is to wake up in one of England’s fascinating achievements in history. Battlements, battlements, moated castles, heavy curtains, four-posted beds, enchanting follies and banquets are the stuff of medieval dreams, and where these features existed they were well preserved.
You’ll often find that castle holidays in England come with extra touches such as free entry to exhibitions and museum tours, or special out-of-hours access to the grounds. What’s more, many of the places below feature stylish restaurants, modern outbuildings, and even smart spas. Here you can find the best castle hotels in England in places like Yorkshire, Northumberland, Cornwall, Kent, Devon, Cheshire and Warwick and near London.
How do we examine
Every hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are often hosted free of charge. They stay at least one night, test at least one meal, and try other experiences the hotel has to offer.
The best castle hotels in England at a glance
Situated on 125 acres of land in Kent’s High Weald, the double-moated Hever Castle dates back to the 1300s. Known as Anne Boleyn’s childhood home, the castle’s rooms contain priceless furniture, tapestries, antiques, one of the country’s finest collections of Tudor paintings, and two prayer books written and signed by Anne Boleyn. Bed and breakfast rooms are located in the Anne Boleyn Wing and Astor Wing, part of the ‘Tudor Village’ built around 1903; Each wing has its own dining area, fire-heated living room and intimate seating areas. Entrance to Hever Castle’s attractions and gardens is included in every room rate.
Bovey Castle’s impressive setting overlooks the lush forested hills of Dartmoor National Park. On the doorstep lie miles of wilderness, shrub-covered steppes where wild horses roam, and villages lost to time. Built in 1907, the baronial granite country house has retained all the magnificent features of the period, including large stone fireplaces, wide mahogany staircases and mullioned windows. Despite its chic décor, it’s the least expensive luxury hotel imaginable: muddy dogs, kids and walkers are all welcome. Outside, the 275 acres include an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, a croquet range, an archery and rifle range, and beautiful lakeside walks. There is a free falconry show on the garden terrace most mornings.
Once a real-life castle with an astonishing history dating back to the 12th century, Amberley is now part of the Relais & Chateaux group and offers fine dining and corridors filled with museum-worthy artefacts. The current building dates partly back to 1103 and has passed through the hands of many flamboyant bishops, kings and queens. She visited Henry VIII in 1526 (to seek divorce advice), Charles II in 1660, and Elizabeth II as princess. The hotel, which has been operating as a hotel since 1989, still has a magnificent door, a suit of armor on its landing and spears on its walls. The romantic 12-acre grounds include the ruins of a great hall destroyed in the Civil War.
Leeds Castle is set amidst 500 acres of stunning Kent parkland and gardens, including a lake, meandering river and Japanese garden. History, romance and intrigue ooze from the castle, which dates back nearly 900 years. As well as self-catering cottages and opulent medieval tents, there are a number of elegant lodging rooms in the 1930s Stable Courtyard and the 16th-century Maiden’s Tower. Breakfast and dinner are served in the 17th-century oak-beamed and timber-framed Castle View Restaurant, which, as its name suggests, overlooks the castle. Guests can also explore the exhibition centres, falconry centre, Go Ape Tree-top adventure trail and adventure playgrounds.
This is much more than a hotel; It’s an experience. With just two suites to choose from, guests are offered the chance to see behind the scenes of one of Britain’s most famous castles after the doors close and visitors have gone home. Dating back to the 14th century, the castle has been periodically neglected and restored over the years; This means the architecture and design bear quirks from nearly 600 years of British history. The State Rooms have a distinctly royal theme, including the bed where the Queen Mother allegedly died. Glamping and hostels are available elsewhere.
Built in neo-Gothic style for a Victorian lawyer, this ridiculously fun property has all the castle essentials: towers, turrets, battlements, leaded windows and unexpected staircases. Owners Simon and Wendy Bennett took a leap of faith when they wanted to give up running the Mayfair restaurant in 1997 and found the castle empty. All large-scale, the rooms are furnished in a shabby cottage style with rugs on wooden floors, acres of billowing curtains, bold wallpaper and a mix of antiques and favorites with a modern twist. It may not be suitable for the shy and reserved, but it is ideal for families and anyone who enjoys adventure.
If you have a 14th-century castle, you can also opt for the whole medieval hog. It’s rich, warm and dark, with heraldic wall coverings, flagstone floors, lavish drapes, medievally costumed staff and plenty of red velvet. Inevitably the castle rooms are the most atmospheric, with their large walls and deep windows, and are filled with items and buckles; The most expensive offerings are bathrooms behind secret doors and heavily draped four-poster beds. Staff are irresistibly cheerful and can organize fishing on the nearby River Wear, arrange discounted rates on the neighboring golf course and provide secure bike storage. The hotel has an extensive events programme.
The 14th-century castle reflects its medieval history well, with its exposed stone walls, wood paneling, wrought-iron candelabra, armour, gilt-framed portraits and a variety of heraldry. There’s a dramatic staircase, a guest room filled with knee-high sofas, a traditional beamed dining room, and acres of red and gold curtains. Guests (and non-residents) can take part in historical tours of the castle’s battlements, as well as walking trails on the grounds. In terms of accommodation, the most luxurious rooms are in the castle and may include four-poster beds and window seats with thick stone walls. Food is also taken seriously here.
You’ll find excellent leisure facilities along with generous portions of old-world character at this towering country hotel. The health club, which includes an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna and gym, is a key selling point, and all facilities are free to use for guests. There is also a hairdresser and beauty salon, as well as several treatment rooms. Beautiful buildings in various incarnations have stood here for centuries – George Washington’s great-grandfather allegedly once lived in the area – but current construction is late Victorian. It’s worth noting that there are two new, adjacent wings that offer a less baronial experience.
One of the most characteristic castles to stay in England. Built in the mid-19th century, Peckforton is the Victorian style of a medieval castle, complete with sandstone battlements, arrow slits and stone spiral staircases, and stands on its own small wooded peak in the Peckforton Hills. The furnishings are in keeping with its historic character: there are old French tapestries on the bare stone walls, armours dotted around and heavy red curtains emblazoned with the Peckforton coat of arms. The decoration of the rooms remains true to the feel of the period; Think plenty of dark wood furniture and rich colours, and in some cases fireplaces can be lit during the winter months.
With a rural location 15 minutes’ drive from the historic town of Shrewsbury, the sheer elegance and tranquility of this beautiful 17th-century castle will restore your faith in romance and beauty. Overflowing with character and sophistication, this room features traditional décor including wood-paneled walls, sumptuous armchairs, large artworks and quirky murals. The hotel is primarily used as a wedding venue, but they also sometimes accommodate overnight guests looking for a private country getaway. The food is amazing, from the appetizers on the garden terrace to the restaurant’s seasonal menu.
Set within the original garrison walls amid four acres of subtropical gardens, this striking star-shaped castle combines centuries-old character with contemporary charm. Built in the 16th century, the castle was actually the first defense point for the approaching armies that wanted to invade the island. Converted into a hotel in 1933, it was taken over by the Francis family in 2003, who transformed the hotel into a charming family-friendly retreat. The interiors have a fresh and contemporary feel; Robert Francis’ wife Teresa is primarily responsible for the style. Highlights include spectacular views from the towers and ramparts, locally produced wines, and lobster and crab caught daily by the owner.
Contributors: Suzie Bennett, Gabriella Le Breton, Suzanne King, Natalie Millar-Partridge, Caroline Mills, Helen Pickles, Sandra Shields, Penny Walker and Debbie Ward