If you haven’t had the good fortune of being born into aristocracy like the newly crowned King Charles III, no matter, it doesn’t mean you need to remain a stranger to the benefits of being royal.
With so many castles scattered across the countries of the United Kingdom and neighbouring Ireland, there’s a handful which you can call your own for the night.
Delicious has gathered the best, both those that have been revamped into a luxe hotel, and those to rent in their entirety.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
Call one of Ireland’s oldest castles home for the night with a stay at Ashford. Once owned by the Guinness family (yes that Guinness), this historic abode sits perched on the shores of Lough Corrib near Galway.
Construction began in 1228, with more elaborate buildings added in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Since its multimillion-dollar refurb in recent years it’s now a swanky hotel, dressed in opulent interiors synonymous with royalty – think antique furniture, and Waterford crystal chandeliers.
And did we mention it hosts Ireland’s first falconry school? Prices start at $1449 per night for one of its 82 rooms.
Glenapp Castle, Scotland
Hop over to Scotland and it’s where you’ll find the slightly more modern Glenapp Castle, a Victorian-era mansion that was born back in 1870.
Reminiscent of a castle from a fairytale, this Scottish mansion is available to rent in its entirety if you fancy going all out, otherwise grab one of its 17 rooms suites.
But it’s not just the gold-laden interiors that will tempt you here, but the grounds which include manicured gardens, forest, and access to the neighbouring Irish Sea. Prices start at $850 a night per room.
Roch Castle, Wales
Past, present, and future mingle successfully in this one-of-a-kind castle in Wales. Once a fortress which dates back to the 12th Century, this brick beauty has infused a seriously modern refurbishment (and done it well).
The result is a collection of six bedrooms, each with ensuites and all the futuristic creature comforts you could think of. Plenty of glass and minimalist styling complete the look.
Rent each of the rooms individually from a measly $315 a night, or make the most of Roch Castle’s exclusive rental accommodating 12 guests at a time.
Highclere Castle, England
If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey you’ll be no stranger to Highclere Castle, which was the set of the fictional Abbey itself.
In reality it’s a Victorian castle still home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon sitting on 5000 acres in idyllic Hampshire. The Grade I listed house was built back in 1679 and today contains more than 200 rooms within its stone walls.
While you can’t stay within the castle itself, you can hire the venue for a special occasion (like, say a wedding) and stay in one of a neighbouring duo of equally historic and well-dressed lodges – London Lodge or Grotto Lodge – on the estate instead.
Broughton Hall Estate, England
Few can claim the same family home for close to a century, but the Tempest family can. Broughton Hall was built back in 1597, tucked into the rolling Yorkshire dales.
There’s 3000 acres to explore here, including luscious woods, moors, and gardens established back in the 18th Century.
Choose to stay in one of the hall’s 17 rooms decked out in chandeliers, tapestries and rich wallpapers galore. Or stay outside of the castle itself in one of the Estate’s smaller properties – there’s a cluster of cottages, farmhouses and more within the property to hire.
The Hall itself can be hired for minimum three nights for around $50,000, including full-catering and staff.
Crom Castle, Northern Ireland
Elegant is an understatement when it comes to this castle sitting among the islands and woodlands of the Upper Lough Erne region, one of Ireland’s most important conservation areas.
Historically this place has been the home seat of the Earls of Erne (for the past 350 years to be exact) but today it’s also a five-star hotel, within an estate managed by the National Trust.
The west wing is available to rent, catering to groups of up to 13 within 7 bedrooms, each colourful for a castle.
Exclusive use of the wing is available for just under $4000 per night, which includes not just the bedrooms but a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, TV and computer room, bar, laundry, cloakroom, boot room and domestic quarters, not to mention a terrace with access to a nearby lake.
— celticcastles.com/castles/crom-castle
For more travel, food and lifestyle news, go to delicious.com.au
Originally published as Fit for a king or queen: Where to stay in a castle in the United Kingdom