The seven best European castles you can actually stay in
If you want to live like royalty while you travel the European countryside, why not go the whole hog and stay in a castle while you’re at it?
We’ve scoped out all the best European castles on offer so you can make like sleeping beauty, put a pea under your mattress, or pretend to be Megan Markle. Whatever floats your boat.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
This magnifi cent castle is an 800-year-old stone extravaganza. It’s the former home of the Guinness family and we can be assured they have good taste – just look at the black gold they created.
It’s all very Irish, which means the luxury comes with warm hospitality and very little snobbery. There are 83 rooms at Ashford Castle, so it’s not likely your client will miss out; although booking in advance is recommended. There’s also a Hideaway Cottage for those that desire privacy and prefer to look upon the castle rather than look out of its ramparts.
However, the castle is more than a place to sleep – it also comes with a school of falconry across its 350 acres of ancient Irish woodland.
Dornroschenschloss Sababurg, Germany
This German castle is the setting for the legend that is Sleeping Beauty. For a quick fairy tale refresher, she slept for 100 years in an ivory tower and was awoken by the kiss of her one true love, none other than Prince Charming himself.
So it’s fitting that you can sleep in the very place that fostered a century-long slumber. The castle is found in Reinhardswald Forest and is 650 years old.
A high stone wall encircles the forested property, and legend has it that the wall was the inspiration for Grimm in the imagination of the wall of thorns in the story.
Chateau Heralec, Czech Republic
It’s a palace, and the closest version of a castle you’ll find in the Czech Republic. It’s also as pretty as you’d expect from the country whose capital is picturesque Prague.
The 17th-century chateau prides itself on its health and wellness offering – beyond Prague, the Czech Republic is renowned for its treatment and overhaul centres, with cutting-edge detox and rejuvenation clinics.
It harks back to a time, many centuries ago, where travellers would come to the Czech Republic to take the water – the mineral waters underground in places like Karlovy Vary are infamous.
At the Chateau, the L’Occitane spa, steam baths and saunas aplenty will have clients as relaxed as royalty.
Leeds Castle, UK
Of course, the castles we are all so well acquainted with are usually of the romantic Germanic or stoic English kind.
Leeds Castle is a typical English rampart and has a lineage of royal history. No less than six queens have lived in Leeds Castle – which misleadingly, is not actually in Leeds, but rather Kent, quite close to London.
Those queens include Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII, of six wives infamously. It’s all a little less scandalous these days.
A pick of the castle rooms is Maiden’s Tower, given its propensity for the female royal counterparts. And for something much lower key, but as fun, try Knight’s Glamping, a circus-style striped tent in the vineyard of the castle.
But these were knights, so the trimmings remain high quality: expect four-poster beds and fur throws.
Chateau de Mirambeau, France
This chateau is a romantic vision. A slight incline of immaculately preened grass leads to the cream and charcoal building with an observatory and all the usual castle ostentations, from turrets to lookouts.
It is perfectly positioned at the junction of the Cognac and Bordeaux vineyards. It, therefore, has a cognatheque, an exclusive tasting room for the finest cognacs.
The décor of the property is eclectic and colour-coordinated, with that French sense of fun and style. There are chandeliers and heavy drapery and the design is welcoming despite being rare plus art and antique dominated.
But it’s not entrenched in history, just look at the huge pool and sun loungers. It feels like a privilege to stay here.
Castello di Monterone, Italy
One of the older castles of this collection, Castella de Monterone, dates back to the 13th century. It’s medieval but not at all dark, despite emerging in the dark ages.
It’s hard to be dark in the rolling hills of Umbria. The castle is perched high on a hill with country views, walkways, stone arches, and spiky pine trees.
It’s rather romantic and couples are a constant. The room’s walls frequently feature a real stone wall, dating back 800 years.
The things those stones have seen. The bar is renowned, its stained glass windows and view as enticing as the traditional Italian aperitifs. The castle is also a short walk from Perugia, which marks the pilgrim’s road to Assisi.
Inverlochy Castle, Scotland
This 19th-century castle is unmistakably Scottish. It’s facing a loch (or lake) for a start, and it looks remarkably similar to that nostalgic TV series Monarch of the Glen.
The green hills of the highlands of Ben Nevis rise around the castle. Even Queen Victoria stayed there, on her way to the royal residence of Balmoral.
She sketched and painted. “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot,” she wrote in her diary. The hotel has a Rolls Royce Phantom for that extravagant touch and pursuits are very traditional, including golf and clay pigeon shooting.
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!