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If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping where kings dined, knights once patrolled, or nobles danced by candlelight, now’s your chance. Across Europe and beyond, centuries-old castles have been transformed into welcoming retreats. These storied structures, filled with ancient stone, secret staircases, and sweeping views, offer guests the rare thrill of stepping directly into history—without sacrificing comfort. Whether you want a turreted escape in Ireland or a medieval fortress in Spain, these nine castles let you live like royalty, if only for a night. Prepare for fireside feasts, grand halls, and dreams woven in stone.
1. Ashford Castle – County Mayo, Ireland
Dating back to 1228, Ashford Castle is one of Ireland’s most luxurious—and storied—hotels. Once owned by the Guinness family, it boasts opulent rooms, sprawling gardens, and views of Lough Corrib. Guests can enjoy falconry, horseback riding, or a quiet afternoon in the Victorian greenhouse. Inside, the castle retains its historic charm with grand wood-paneled rooms, ornate chandeliers, and antique furnishings. A stay at Ashford isn’t just about luxury—it’s about immersing yourself in a rich Irish legacy where every stone tells a story.
2. Château de Bagnols – Beaujolais, France
Surrounded by vineyards and golden hills, Château de Bagnols is a 13th-century French masterpiece turned elegant countryside hotel. The castle features moats, towers, and frescoed ceilings, blending medieval architecture with modern luxury. Guests stay in lavish suites adorned with canopies and antique tapestries. Sip local wine in the garden, dine under vaulted ceilings, and watch the sunset over the French countryside. With its regal ambiance and romantic history, Château de Bagnols offers a fairy-tale escape amid Beaujolais vineyards.
3. Kasteel TerWorm – Heerlen, Netherlands
Perched atop a forested hill, Burg Colmberg has stood since the 13th century. This beautifully preserved fortress now operates as a hotel, offering rooms with timber beams, thick stone walls, and panoramic views over Franconia. Dining in its medieval banquet hall feels like stepping into a knight’s tale, complete with traditional German cuisine. Located along the Romantic Road, the castle provides easy access to charming Bavarian villages and countryside. A night here is both a historic adventure and a peaceful rural retreat.
4. Dromoland Castle – County Clare, Ireland
Once the ancestral home of the O’Brien clan, Dromoland Castle blends regal heritage with five-star indulgence. Dating back to the 16th century, the castle now offers lavish suites, sprawling grounds, and world-class hospitality. Guests can enjoy falconry, archery, golf, and afternoon tea in the grand drawing room. The interiors showcase gothic revival architecture, velvet furnishings, and crystal chandeliers. Nestled in the green heart of Ireland, Dromoland offers more than just a stay—it’s a portal into aristocratic life, complete with lakeside walks, candlelit dinners, and warm Irish charm fit for royalty.
5. Inverlochy Castle – Fort William, Scotland
Queen Victoria once described Inverlochy Castle as “lovely and romantic,” and the sentiment holds true today. Set in the Scottish Highlands, this 19th-century baronial mansion combines royal elegance with natural grandeur. Guests are treated to antique-filled rooms, Michelin-star dining, and nearby adventures like loch kayaking and mountain hikes. Its turrets and ivy-covered walls offer timeless charm, while the misty surroundings make it feel like something from a Scottish legend. A night here is pure Highland magic wrapped in velvet and stone.
6. Thornbury Castle – Gloucestershire, England
Once visited by King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Thornbury Castle is steeped in Tudor history. This 16th-century castle-hotel boasts regal suites with four-poster beds, suits of armor, and fireplaces large enough to stand in. The walled gardens and spiral staircases enhance the historic feel, while afternoon tea and fine dining ensure modern indulgence. Located near the Cotswolds, it’s ideal for history buffs seeking an immersive English experience—complete with moats, towers, and royal echoes.
7. Parador de Oropesa – Toledo, Spain
This former 14th-century fortress turned luxury hotel offers sweeping views of the Sierra de Gredos mountains and ancient olive groves. The Parador de Oropesa’s rooms feature stone archways, tile floors, and wooden shutters, preserving its noble lineage. Originally home to the Alvarez de Toledo family, the castle’s ambiance blends medieval strength with Spanish warmth. Enjoy regional cuisine on the terrace, explore the cobblestone streets nearby, or simply take in the sunset from the ramparts. It’s authentic, atmospheric, and unmistakably Castilian.
8. Dalhousie Castle – Bonnyrigg, Scotland
Just a short drive from Edinburgh, Dalhousie Castle combines 700 years of history with spa-level comfort. Guests can stay in turreted rooms, enjoy treatments in the dungeon-turned-spa, or dine by candlelight in the castle’s stone vaults. Falcons fly over the grounds by day, and the castle glows with warm lamplight at night. Once a stronghold of clan battles and royal visits, Dalhousie now invites you to relax like a lord—with just enough medieval edge to spark the imagination.
9. Schloss Leopoldskron – Salzburg, Austria
This grand rococo palace was built in 1736 and sits on the edge of a peaceful lake, framed by alpine peaks. Best known as a filming location for The Sound of Music, Schloss Leopoldskron offers guests ornate halls, mirrored ballrooms, and suites once frequented by royalty and artists. While not a fortress in the traditional sense, its history and opulence are unmatched. Stay in the adjacent Meierhof or inside the palace itself—and wake up to mist rising over the water, just as Mozart might have imagined.