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 Top 10 romantic castle hotels in Europe…
Amberley Castle, England – a stunning old English castle hotel
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 – one of the most romantic places to stay in Europe
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 – a fairytale castle in the heart of the Rhineland
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 – a 15th century fortress turned swish hotel
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 – a castle owned by a number of famous royals
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 – easily one of the best castle hotels in Europe
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 – a gorgeous boutique hotel
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 – the largest medieval castle in Europe
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
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With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. Hailing from the Emerald Isle she calls a small coastal town near Dublin home, but has lived in a few countries including Saigon, Vietnam where she resided for over a year. She counts supping on Bloody Marys on a rooftop in Manhattan, downing Singapore slings at the Raffles Hotel, daring a paraglide on the Grand Cayman, spending an exotic Christmas in Malaysia and exploring the Angkor Wat, Cambodia as her all time favourite travel moments. Although, she’ll always have a special place in her heart for the city where she makes her annual pilgrimages – Paris, her true city of lights.
You have missed Castell Deudraeth in North Wales from the list, while its not the most pretty it is on the Portmerrion estate so what more could you want?
Oh, they are just amazing! I’m planning to stay in a castle next summer in the UK.
I think the most beautiful castle hotels are anyway located in the old good England!
I loved the eclectic list of castle hotels you’ve provided. European castles are majestic and beautiful pieces of art, which deserve endless appreciation !
Lovely post and a great choice of castle hotels, some of these look really interesting!
Lovely post!
They all look gorgeous but I think the French chateau is my favourite. Now just to save up for it!
These castles are so beautiful and so well made. Would love to go and visit.