Castle hotels are often viewed as the ideal romantic break – a place where you can live it up like an ancient lord without having to sacrifice your modern comforts. Handily, Europe has an ample supply of many excellent and authentic castle hotels, here are 10 of our favourites…

Amberley Castle, England

Amberley Castle is your best bet for a true English castle experience complete with king-sized beds, a moat and even a working portcullis. Located in the pretty market town Arundel in West Sussex, Amberley is a genuine Norman castle with 60ft sandstone walls and a dungeon. Of course there are no dungeon-esque conditions here and all rooms contain the luxury conveniences expected of a four-star hotel.

• Prices from £150 a night.
• To view prices and/or availability for Amberley Castle Hotel

Ashford Castle, Ireland

If you plump for a stay at five-star Ashford Castle you’ll be in very good company. The luxury Irish hotel is a favourite of A-listers including Brad Pitt, Pierce Brosnan (who had his wedding here) and Barbra Streisand. Surrounded by the castle’s 350-acre estate you won’t be short on things to do either – try dabbling in a bit of falconry or clay pigeon shooting before heading back to enjoy the hotel’s renowned fine dining.

• Prices from €200 a night.
• To view prices and/or availability for Ashford Castle

Burghotel “Auf Schönburg”, Germany

One of the most beautiful and idyllically located castle hotels in Europe is the Schönburg Castle. Nestled in the heart of Germany’s Rhineland, the river views from the castle restaurant would be worth the trip alone. Also expect lavish antique furnishings and interesting historical rooms (including a chapel and a prison tower) at this lovingly restored 12th-century castle complex.

• Prices from €160 a night.
• To view prices and/or availability for Burghotel Auf Schönburg

Dalhousie Castle Hotel, Scotland

This is a luxury castle hotel – located not too far from the city of Edinburgh – where they promise you’ll always feel welcome as the ‘Laird’. The 13th century fortress is set within acres of wooded parkland on the picturesque banks of the river Esk. Still with many of its original features you can grab a wee dram from the ‘secret bar’ next to the open fire, dine in the vaulted dungeon or relax in your own unique castle bedroom.

• Prices from £100 a night.
• To view prices and/or availability for Dalhousie Castle Hotel

Chateau De Codignat, France

This grand French beauty is a pristinely preserved 15th century fortress turned swish hotel. Tucked away in the volcanic Auvergne region it’s surrounded by ancient woodlands and meandering rivers and is easily one of the best castle hotels in Europe. The chateau itself is the stuff of fairy tales with thick stone walls, towering turrets, roaring fires and suits of ye olde armour adorning the corridors.

• Prices from €220 a night.
• To view prices and/or availability for Chateau De Codignat

Ruthin Castle, Wales

Dominating the Welsh market town of Ruthin is this castle hotel originally dating from 1277. Once owned by a number of famous royals including King Edward I, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I the moated castle sits in private landscaped gardens, parkland and woods alongside the River Clwyd. Also holds regular medieval-themed nights so you can have fun with your own band of merry men (or women).

• Prices from £95 a night.
• To view prices and/or availability for Ruthin Castle

Castello Orsini, Italy

This beautiful European castle hotel enjoys an elevated position overlooking the gorgeous Sabina countryside, the Tiber valley and the green mountains of Lucretii, only a few kilometers north of Rome. Despite being a five star spa hotel the rooms still retain a strong essence of ancient castle life with stone wall bedrooms, authentic period furniture and a great hall complete with a very regal long dining table.

• Prices from €175 a night.
• To view prices and/or availability for Castello Orsini

Glengarry Castle Hotel, Scotland

Glengarry Castle Hotel sits on the green and wooded shores of Loch Oich, in the unspolit Great Glen area of the Scottish Highlands. We might have cheated a bit on this one as it’s actually a country manor house but the oh so romantic setting makes it a worthy inclusion. Although it does have castle connections – the ruins of Invergarry Castle (where Bonnie Prince Charlie once stayed) stand within the hotel’s 60 acre estate.

• Prices from £50 a night.
• To view prices and/or availability for Glengarry Castle Hotel

Clontarf Castle, Ireland

You’ll find Clontarf Castle hotel only two miles from the lively city of Dublin. The hotel was redesigned to a boutique standard courtesy of a €10 million makeover budget. With turrets, tapestries and modern interiors (including a new atrium-style lobby) you’re likely to get the best of both worlds in this stylish Clontarf accommodation.

• Prices from €70 a night.
• To view prices and/or availability for Clontarf Castle

Hotel Le Chateau Fort Sedan, France

For a really unique stay why not check into the Fort Sedan? Hôtel Le Château Fort was the largest medieval castle in Europe now turned contemporary hotel. Located in Sedan (in the Champagne Ardenne region of France) it offers soundproofed bare stonework rooms and earthy colour schemes.  It’s also one of the few castles in Europe where you’ll have access to free Wi-Fi throughout.

• Prices from €93 a night.
• To view prices and/or availability for Hotel Le Chateau Fort Sedan

If you like the best castle hotels in Europe we also have the most romantic hotels in Europe.