Hever Castle, Kent. Copyright Gretta Schifano
My favourite game as a child was Kings, Queens and Princesses. This involved lots of dressing up, flouncing about and bossing around imaginary minions with my brother and sister for hours on end. My sister’s and my bedroom was our castle, but we’d have loved to have stayed in a real one. Here are five of the best castles around the UK where families are welcome to stay.
Star Castle Hotel, Isles of Scilly. Copyright Gretta Schifano
Star Castle
Star Castle Hotel is in a stunning location on St. Mary’s, the largest of the beautiful Isles of Scilly, a cluster of islands 28 miles from Cornwall. The hotel is in a star-shaped former fortress and enjoys spectacular views of the islands and the sea. The hotel is luxurious, homely and welcoming and has an indoor pool and an excellent restaurant. I stayed there for three nights with my husband and son, and absolutely loved it. You can read about our trip in my posts Star Castle Hotel, Isles of Scilly and Exploring the Isles of Scilly and Things to do in the Isles of Scilly with kids.
Bovey Castle
Bovey Castle is a luxury Devon resort and the only hotel in the world to offer a Lego room service menu. It also offers activities such as archery and falconry displays. We stayed there one February half term and really enjoyed it. Read all about it in my posts LEGO room service at Bovey Castle and Things to do around Bovey Castle and Dartmoor with kids.
Falconery display at Bovey Castle. Copyright Gretta Schifano
Hever Castle
Hever Castle in Kent was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, one of King Henry VIII’s wives. Today it’s a brilliant place for a family day out, with an excellent adventure playground, boating lake, water maze, yew maze and historic formal gardens. It’s also has a luxury hotel and golf club in the grounds. Read more in my post Family days out: Hever Castle, Kent.
Clytha Castle
You can rent the Landmark Trust’s Clytha Castle in Monmouthshire for three night breaks or more. The miniature castle dates from 1790 and was built as a memorial to the owner’s wife. The property sleeps four and is well-equipped and beautifully furnished.
Watching the sunset from Star Castle Hotel, Isles of Scilly. Copyright Gretta Schifano
St Briavels Castle
St Briavels Castle is a Youth Hostel in a moated Norman castle in Gloucestershire. The hostel offers private rooms and welcomes families. It was once King John’s hunting lodge and is a great base for exploring the Forest of Dean (check out my post 7 great outdoor activities in the Forest of Dean).
Over to you
Have you ever stayed in a castle? Do you have any recommendations to add to this list?
