Behold, Dollarbeg castle (Picture: Vrbo)
Holidaymakers can get a taste of the regal life by staying at one of several fabulous castles dotted around the UK.
It’s likely to appeal to fans currently watching the final season of Netflix’s The Crown, with travel site Expedia reporting a huge spike in interest for accommodation near Balmoral Castle (185%) and Windsor Castle (200%) last season.
Whether you’ll be travelling from abroad or you’re looking for a taste of grandeur on home soil, there are seven amazing options to choose from, ranging from the south of England to Scotland.
So, if you’re on the hunt for a regal, historical and aesthetically-pleasing location for next trip, look no further.
Middleton Castle, Norfolk, England
Middleton Castle (Vrbo/@simonhird)
A family home since the early 1600s, this historic castle is a wonderful choice for guests craving peaceful seclusion of the Norfolk countryside. The castle is surrounded by a moat and acres of rolling lawns, farmland and woodland. On the inside it is beautifully decorated, with four reception rooms, including a games room with billiards, table tennis, a snooker table and board games.
It can host up to 30 people in 15 bedrooms and can be booked on Vrbo from £4290 per night, with a minimum stay of three nights.
Fenton Tower, North Berwick, Scotland
Fenton Tower (Picture: Vrbo)
This magnificent 16th century tower near Edinburgh has had a number of distinguished visitors over the centuries, including King James VI of Scotland. It had a meticulous restoration in 2002 to prepare it for guests who wanted to take advantage of the countryside and golf courses. Fenton Tower is an ideal choice for those who love sporting and recreational activities like fly fishing, horse riding and archery which can all be organised on sites closeby.
The castle can host up to 13 people in nine bedrooms and can be booked on Vrbo from £2,427 per night, with a minimum booking of two nights.
Thornbury Castle, Relais & Châteaux, Bristol, England
Thornbury Castle (Picture: Expedia)
This upscale 16th century chateaux is just a stones-throw away from Bristol and is fit for all kinds of royalty, official or otherwise. Thronbury Castle was originally built by Edward Stafford, one of the richest men in London by the time of King Henry VII’s reign, but was renovated in 2021 and offers all of the four-poster glamour travellers looking for fancy are clamouring for. Why not experience the splendour and dine in the banquet hall or have a bite to eat while having a picnic in one of the private grounds.
It’s one of the more affordable options on the list, and you can stay there from £259 per night for a deluxe double room and can be booked on Expedia.
Dollarbeg Castle, Clackmannanshire, Scotland
Dollarbeg castle (Picture: Vrbo)
Dollarbeg is a truly spectacular castle bursting with character and just so happens to be close to both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Built in 1889, it has since been converted into a series of fully equipped apartments. It sleeps six people in three bedrooms and while you’re all there, feast your eyes on the dramatic and scenic views from the comfort of a private rooftop terrace. If the weather’s not ideal, relax in the hot tub like a true king or queen before snuggling down to enjoy a film in the cosy cinema room.
It costs £362 per night with a minimum stay of three nights via Vrbo.
Castle Eden, Durham, England
Castle Eden (Picture: Vrbo)
This 17th century castle in Durham will transport you to your very own period drama. It’s set across 17 acres of gardens, woodland and open land, there is so much to explore without needing to leave the property. With 11 beautifully decorated bedrooms for your slumber, the castle has more than enough space for large groups. Don’t miss relaxing the sauna or taking a dip in the hot tub or the converted bar at the base of the house, which used to be the castles dungeon. Perhaps avoid the former dungeon at night!
The castle sleeps 32 in 12 bedrooms with an average price of £1184 per night via Vrbo with a minimum stay of only one night.
Glimerton House, East Lothian, Scotland
Glimerton House (Picture: Vrbo)
This warm and welcoming Georgian mansion is located in the heart of East Lothian. It’s an exclusive-use country estate that was home to the Kinloch family for thirteen generations. It has ten luxurious bedrooms, six exquisite reception rooms and a stunning billiards room. Guests can enjoy the expansive grounds and woodland trail, a range of garden games and the brand new 200-yard driving range.
It sleeps 20 in 10 bedrooms and can be booked on Vrbo from £4,000 per night for a minimum three-night stay.
Dunskey Estate, Stranraer, Scotland
Dunskey Estate (Picture: Vrbo)
If fairytales are your vibe, this castle, which is set in 2,000 acres of private estate, combines history and romance. The castle has Delft tiles on mantle pieces and original artworks and an ever-growing collection of ceramics. The Castle’s bar takes its character from oak wood panelling salvaged from the attic and the library has rows of antique books and a full-size billiard table original to the castle. Fancy a stay?
It sleeps 42 guests in 21 bedrooms and can be booked on Vrbo from £1020 per night. The minimum stay is three nights.
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It’s giving royalty.