Ever wondered what it feels like to be a king or queen during medieval times? It feels hard to imagine the lords and ladies of a time long ago, with all of the fanfare of the middle ages from its royal courts, knights, and executions. We may have thankfully moved past that era now, but the novelty and intrigue of their lives remain, along with the castles and fortresses that once housed these regal warriors and leaders.
Nowadays, you don’t need to be a member of court to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of such castles, and some castles even allow travelers and tourists to even stay for the night. Instead of a regular hotel, here are some castles that might be worth considering staying at when you book your next trip to the British Isles.
1. Leeds Castle
If there was a place where you’d be able to live like royalty, even for a day, then Leeds Castle in England is the right place to be. It’s a lovely castle fitting for a Hollywood historical epic, pretty and gorgeous to see and be in. Be sure to take part in their regular country-house parties, where guests can fully live like kings and queens, able to explore the castle and stay up all night.
2. Carbisdale Castle
Of course, staying at a castle will have its costs, and while they may not be the exorbitant sums that the lords and ladies of yesteryear have had to pay, most castles today would still fetch a hefty price to stay in for one night. This is why it comes as a pleasing delight to know that this Scottish wonder won’t break the bank if you stayed here. The best thing about this castle is that it was able to maintain quite a lot of the original interiors, having dormitories and game rooms beside their marble sculptures and sweeping staircases. Nowadays, you don’t need to spend a fortune to experience a fortune.
3. Kinnitty Castle Hotel
Though it looks more like an Irish manor than a castle, the establishment is every bit as interesting as a regular castle. Kinnitty underwent heavy changes steeped in the history of Ireland, like it burning down during the Troubles and its eventual reconstruction. Each of its 37 rooms are very different from each other, so you’ll be sure to get a unique experience each time. Additionally, the lawns and parklands that surround the estate are teeming with sports life, and you’ll often find equestrians, tennis, or golfers on the premises, and maybe you’d be inclined to join in with them.
4. Chillingham Castle
If you want a castle that’s stuck to their roots since the 13th century, then the continuous familial lineage of Chillingham Castle might give you interest. It might be a bit of a stretch to say that they’ve stuck to their English roots though, as the castle has undergone a tremendous redevelopment after falling into disrepair. It may not be as quite exact to the original layout back in 1246, but it is nonetheless just as marvelous to witness. See the well-attended gardens and the variety of spaces available for booking, the castle is definitely worth visiting.
5. Ballygally Castle
These castles naturally bring history with them, but some even bring their fair share of ghost stories, and Ballygally Castle is a strong example of this. Situated in Northern Ireland, the seemingly haunted castle has this reputation due to the spooky atmosphere it exhibits. But don’t be mistaken, the castle is as every bit as luxurious as you could imagine, especially when the fun starts in the fine dining room and bar. When you somehow get bored of that, there’s also the gorgeous view of Ballygally Bay to stop and look at in awe.
