One of the best parts about travelling (for me, at least), is getting to go to a place that’s seen a lot of history, where I can walk on the same streets that centuries of people have walked on, and imagined what life was like back then. Which is probably why I’m fascinated with castles and old stuff. Sure, when you hit up a new destination on your next vacay, you could try to stay in a major city, or a chain hotel, but why not try staying in a castle?
These places are castles you can actually stay in, and if you bring your special someone, you can have some pretty interesting experiences (role-play anyone?) They’ve seen some things, had some bloodshed and are breathtakingly gorgeous. Here, you’re not just learning about the history of the area, you’re sleeping in it. You’re living it.
I can’t wait until my next vacation.
Gillette Castle
Connecticut
This castle overlooks the Connecticut River and was once the private home of William Hooker Gillete, who was an actor famous for playing Sherlock Holmes on stage. The castle, which looks more like a stone fortress than anything else, has 24 rooms, with all the original doorknobs, locks, hidden surveillance mirrors and 60 images that pay tribute to the late actors 17 cats. Every door is hand carved and unique, there are large fireplaces everywhere and the whole interior has a stone and timber, medieval kind of vibe.
Outside, there’s tons of walking paths for a late night rendezvous
Balfour Castle
Scotland
Situated on the most northern island of Scotland, on Shapinsay, is this gem. It’s a 5-star luxury hotel, and it’s surrounded an amazing wilderness and beautiful sights. While it is a full-on hotel with a spa and activities, renting a room might be more within a normal budget, rather than renting the whole castle, but it’d be worth it for the sheer beauty.
I’d guarantee a second and third date. Just don’t suggest the haggis.
Relais Castel Porrona
Italy
If I ever make something of myself and get supremely rich, my plan is to buy a summer house in Tuscany. I might even tender an offer on this castle. Built in the 12th century in the historic village of Porrona, this castle is surrounded by rolling vineyards, fields of sunflowers and groves of olive trees. Every room has it’s own kitchen, but hey, you’re in Italy, why cook for yourself when there’s plenty of good food to go around?
Amberley Castle
England
Built 900 years ago, this castle is just 60 miles away from London, so you can make a quick jaunt into the city for stuff and entertainment. This place is still pretty legit, with it’s retention of the original medieval architecture, stone walls, portcullis and gardens. Inside, each room has a whirlpool bath and tons of other amenities so you can pretend like you’re British nobles or something.
Chateau de Bourron
France
Sitting just an hour away from Paris is this chateau, which reminds me of Hugo Drax’s mansion in Moonraker – a highly underrated Bond film. Built in the early 16th century, this castle’s got it all: wilderness, moats, and if you’re into it, perhaps some kinky French Revolutionary role play.
Dalian City Castle
China
Ok, so this isn’t actually an old castle that you can stay in. But it is technically, a castle. Built in the seaside resort town of Dalian, it was constructed in 2001 or stone and bricks, to give it that authentic feel. Inside, it’s got all the modern amenities (spa, infinity pool, floor to ceiling windows, gym, etc…). With over 300 rooms to choose from, this is an epic place for some Bowser/Princess Peach make-believe games.
Skibo Castle
Scotland
This one might be slightly out of everyone’s price range, but it’s also not on many people’s radar. This is one of Scotland’s best kept secrets, stuck in a remote corner of the Scottish Northern Highlands. Once the home of famous industrialist Andrew Carnegie, it’s now an exclusive hotel and golf club.
Kronovalls Vinslott
Sweden
This is just shy of a castle, maybe more of a grand mansion, but it’s situated on a winery, so you can’t really complain about that. Each room is named after a famous grape, and the furniture and decor come from the 18th and 19th centuries, to give you an authentic trip through time.
Pousada de Obidos
Portugal
Obidos is one of the world’s best preserved walled cities and sitting right above it is this treasure. The castle was started in 781 AD, and it took until the 1300’s to reach it’s final form. Each room has stone walls and a canopy bed, for that authentic medieval/crusades kind of feel. To sweeten the pot, there’s white sandy beaches nearby and a carafe of wine at a restaurant is like $5, so it sells itself.
Ashford Castle
Ireland
This medieval castle was built back in 1228 and is the oldest one in the country. Over the centuries, many families purchased and expanded it, including the Guinness family in the 1800’s. Inside, you get the entire castle experience: chandeliers, gilded mirrors, turrets, armour, oak panelling, ramparts and spooky hallways. This would definitely be a great place to act out your Harry Potter fan fiction.
Schlosshotel Kronberg
Germany
Built between 1889 and 1893, this hotel was built for the German Empress Victoria and was her royal palace until she died in 1901. Then it served a myriad of roles during World War I and II and became a hotel in 1954. Inside, it’s a regal palace with all the original furnishings (or reproductions where necessary), art, and an extensive library. Outside is a golf course designed by Dwight D. Eisenhower, who lived in the hotel for 7 years when the Americans occupied Germany after the war.
Neemrana Fort Palace
India
Constructed in 1464, this palace is built on a hillside so that the king could see his lands. There’s seven palace wings, over 14 layers tiered into a hill, making this a breathtaking place to visit. The company behind this hotel prides themselves on modernizing old palaces, in a non-invasive way, cleverly hiding plumbing, A/C and other modern amenities within the historic architecture.
Castell de Cardona
Spain
If you stay here, it’ll be like you’ve gone back in time. Built in 800 AD, it’s a castle on a tall hill that allows you a 360 degree view of everything. Inside, all the decor is gothic and romanesque and there’s a massive tower that is a key feature of the castle.
Oh, and as a fun fact to get your medieval night started, the fortress was initially constructed by a dude named Wilfred the Hairy. True story.
Thornewood Castle
Washington
Serving now as a Bed and Breakfast, this castle was built in 1901 from the bricks of a dismantled 15th century Tudor-style house, imported from England. It was a wedding present from Chester Thorne to his new wife. As a genuine private castle, this is a pretty swank place to get away from it all if you live in the Pacific Northwest, and there’s tons of grounds and hidden spaces for you to check out.
Peckforton Castle
England
The original owner of this castle, John Tollemach, inherited over 36,000 acres of land in 1840, and decided he wanted to build a fortified home in a medieval style – so he did. This castle as 48 bedrooms and was used as a hostel in WWII for disabled children. Now it’s a hotel and wedding venue with one hell of a ballroom.
Oh, the things you can get up to in an old castle…
H/T The Active Times
