You don’t need royal permission to stay in these castles, tastefully converted into hotels. Throughout the British Isles, many former fortresses now battle for your custom instead of the monarch.
You might need a King’s ransom to stay in some of them, but think of the history, the atmosphere and the opulence.
But watch out; on these luxury and spooky castle stays, you may meet the occasional ghostly guest ….
And if it’s the spooky factor you’re after, read about more haunted hotels in Sussex, Brighton and Massachusetts.
Ashford Castle, County Mayo, Ireland
Former home of the wealthy and influential Guinness family, this 800-year-old castle promises the best interior decor, 350 acres of landscaped gardens and wild woodland, breathtaking views of the sparkling waters of Lough Corrib and an award-winning spa.
The hotel is consistently voted one of the best in Ireland for luxury, romance and comfort.
Famous people who’ve signed the guest register include Brad Pitt, John Travolta, Princess Grace of Monaco, Rod Stewart and Tony Blair.
Spooky rating 3/10
Guests staying in the Norman wing have reported doors slamming and the occasional weird wailing.
Address: Ashford Castle, Cong, County Mayo, Ireland F31 CA48
Telephone: +353 94 954 6003
www.ashfordcastle.com
Dalhousie Castle, Scotland
Stepping inside Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle’s ancient walls means leaving behind the rush of modern life, and absorbing 13th century enchantment.
With 35 bedrooms, some with four-poster beds, you’ll feel like a King or Queen. The castle stands within 11 acres of its own parkland on the banks of the River Esk.
Spooky rating 9/10
Paranormal activity is reported within its walls, including poor Sir Alexander Ramsay, reputedly starved to death in 1342 by the castle’s owner William Douglas. And many say they’ve seen the sad, grey ghost of 16-year-old Lady Catherine wandering the turrets and dungeons.
Address: Dalhousie Castle, Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH19 3JB
Telephone: +44 (0)1875 820153
Email: info@dalhousiecastle.co.uk
www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk
Ruthin Castle, Wales
This castle was given to Dafydd ap Gruffyd by England’s King Edward in 1277 as a reward for helping him invade North Wales.
The once grim fortress is now an elegant retreat set in woodland. Guests can relax in the spa and health club or enjoy one of their renowned medieval feasts.
At the height of the Edwardian Age, Ruthin became known for its famous house guests including the Prince of Wales, politicians, actress Lillie Langtry and Lady Randolph Churchill, mother of Sir Winston.
Spooky rating 8/10
The ghost of former resident Lady Grey, who was sentenced to death for murdering her husband’s lover, is said to wander the banqueting hall and battlements and visitors have reported seeing a soldier roaming the grounds and ghostly orbs have been captured on camera.
Address: Ruthin Castle, Castle Street Ruthin, LL15 2NU, North Wales
Telephone: +44 (0)1824 702664
E-mail: reservations@ruthincastle.co.uk
www.ruthincastle.co.uk
Hever Castle, Kent
With over 700 years of history, Hever is famous as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I.
Originally a double-moated 13th century castle built solely for defence, the powerful Boleyn family took it over in the 15th and 16th centuries, adding a Tudor house within its walls. Today, Hever is set in 125 acres of glorious grounds and award-winning gardens.
Whilst most people visit for just a day, a bed and breakfast stay in one of the 28 stunning bedrooms puts you at the heart of the castle’s history. There’s also a longer stay option at Medley Court, a luxurious four bedroom property in the Astor Wing.
Spooky rating 10/10
Well, it has to top the list when your ghost is an actual Queen! Anne Boleyn can be seen, usually on Christmas Eve, drifting silently over the bridge in the grounds. Or you might feel her presence at the window of what was once her bedchamber. Poor Anne was so happy here, before King Henry became obsessed with her, a passion that led to a schism with Rome and Anne’s execution.
Address: Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG
Telephone: +44 (0)1732 865224
Email: info@hevercastle.co.uk
www.hevercastle.co.uk
Amberley Castle, Sussex
Located in beautiful rolling Sussex countryside, the castle is on land first gifted to Bishop Wilfrid in 683 AD by Caedwalla, King of Wessex.
It began as a humble timber-framed hunting lodge, built in 1103 by Bishop Luffa. In the following 400 years it was transformed into a fortified manor complete with crenellations, battlements and a portcullis.
Much of the original was destroyed during the English Civil War, but a wealthy cloth merchant bought the ruins and rebuilt the Manor House from what was left of the Great Hall.
Today it’s a 19 bedroomed hotel with an international reputation for luxury.
It’s famous for hosting celebrity weddings, including the nuptials of Dan Baldwin and Holly Willoughby and Dermot and Dee O’Leary.
Spooky rating 9/10
Regularly named as one of the most haunted places in Britain, Amberley Castle Hotel has a whole host of trapped souls. Most famous is the wailing form of Emily, a servant-girl who killed herself when her Bishop lover wouldn’t acknowledge the child she was carrying. But Emily is not alone; visitors report hearing men shouting, and running feet in the corridors.
Address: Amberley Castle, Near Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9LT
Telephone:+44 (0)1798 831 992
Email: info@amberleycastle.co.uk
www.amberleycastle.co.uk
Bickleigh Castle, Devon
Promoted mainly as a wedding venue and party location, Bickleigh Castle has a history that goes back hundreds of years.
In 600 AD, the Saxon Meeting House was constructed, and its chapel became the centre of an historic ‘motte and bailey’ construction to defend the community from invaders.
Barons, princesses and courtiers have made it their home across the centuries – and you can too for a long weekend or short break in their B&B cottages.
Spooky rating 0/10
Devon has masses of ghostly goings-on, but none seem to centre around Bickleigh, so you shouldn’t have an unwelcome guest at your wedding!
Address: Bickleigh Castle, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 8RP.
Telephone: +44 (0)1884 855 363
Email:info@bickleighcastle.com
www.bickleighcastle.com
Bovey Castle, Dartmoor
Set in the rolling hills of Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle is spectacular and luxury is assured with 5 AA red stars, given only to the most outstanding hotels.
It has 60 bedrooms and 22 self-catering country lodges tucked away within the grounds.
Built in 1907 it may not be the most historic of castles, but it is a perfect example of a British stately home.
Spooky rating 3/10
Set in a national park, you’re more likely to hear birdsong and foxes than ghostly screams. There is a rumour of a headless ghost, but this probably dates back to smuggling times, when stories were told to keep the Excise Men away on moonless nights. A little more believable is the occasional smell of lavender in some of the rooms.
Address: North Bovey, Dartmoor National Park, Devon, TQ13 8RE
Telephone: +44 (0)1647 445000
www.boveycastle.com
Roch Castle, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Much more rugged, with roots in Wales’ turbulent past, Roch Castle was built in 1195 and has been home over the years to conquerors and courtesans.
Abandoned for centuries and left as a romantic ruin, it was rebuilt in 1900 and now houses six luxury bedrooms, many with spectacular views over St Brides Bay and the Preseli Hills.
Spooky rating 6/10
A number of spirits and otherworldly beings are said to make Roch Castle their home, including Lucy Walter, who was born in the castle in 1630. She later became a courtesan of Charles II and bore him a son, who became James, 1st Duke of Monmouth. Lucy, dressed in white, glides through the castle and its doors.
Address: Roch Castle, Roch, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA62 6AQ
Telephone: +44 (0)1437 725 566
Email: stay@rochcastle.com
www.rochcastle.com
Rowton Castle, Shrewsbury
Another prime wedding and family celebration location, Rowton Castle was built in the 17th century and is a grade II listed country house.
Its history is more family home than fortress, having been owned by the Lyster family for more than 400 years.
The castle is set within 17 acres of gardens and has 19 individually styled classic bedrooms.
Spooky rating 2/10
A few people have claimed hearing strange sounds in the night, and possible paranormal activity in the bedrooms.
Address: Rowton Castle, Halfway House, Shrewsbury, SY5 9EP
Telephone: +44 (0)1743 884 044
Email: post@rowtoncastle.com
www.rowtoncastle.com
Have you ever stayed in a castle? Was it the height of luxury? And did things go bump in the night due to otherworldly activity?
Where to next?
• Windmills to stay in
• Ghost walks
• Ghost Towns UK