Ten Castles You Can Sleep In Across Europe

Spend a night in a stone turret or dine in a grand banqueting hall—Europe offers more than just breathtaking castle ruins. All across the continent, visionary owners have breathed new life into ancient fortresses, welcoming guests into historic rooms and sumptuous suites. Whether you seek medieval romance, modern luxury, or ghostly tales, here are ten stunning European castles where you can become royalty for a night (or three).

Ashford Castle, Ireland

Nestled on the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, Ashford Castle is the epitome of Irish grandeur. Built in 1228 and transformed into a hotel in the 1930s, it’s recognized among the world’s finest castle hotels. Guests enter beneath stone gates to find opulent interiors: Waterford crystal chandeliers, antique furnishings, silk-lined walls, and a spa hidden within centuries-old chambers.

What makes it unique?

• Historical Splendor: Famously owned by the Guinness family, the castle exudes both medieval charm and Victorian refinement.
• Activities fit for royalty: Enjoy falconry, horse riding, fishing, or guided walks through over 350 acres of manicured gardens and ancient woodlands.
• Hollywood Approval: In 1951, "The Quiet Man" starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara was filmed partly on the estate.

Tip: Book the Staterooms or the Reagan Presidential Suite for their elevated views and impressive four-poster beds.

Parador de Cardona, Spain

On a rocky hill above Catalonia’s Cardener River, the Parador de Cardona stands as a testament to 9th-century fortifications. Retained as a state-run hotel since the mid-20th century, this imposing stronghold envelops guests in an authentic medieval experience—with added comfort.

Why stay here?

• Atmosphere: Walk past ramparts and ancient dungeons; sleep beneath original wooden beams.
• Views: Gaze across Catalan countryside from your window.
• Cuisine: Feast on local specialties like butifarra sausage and artisanal cheeses in the candle-lit dining room.

Insider insight: The subterranean Minyona Tower is named after a tragic legend of forbidden love, echoed in the castle’s atmospheric corners.

Château de Bagnols, France

Just west of Lyon, tucked amid Beaujolais vineyards, lies the Château de Bagnols. Originally erected in the 13th century, it now offers five-star elegance within a medieval setting.

Standout experiences:

• Room with history: Sleep in ornately-frescoed suites once home to nobility and a French Queen.
• Gastronomy: The Michelin-starred restaurant showcases the region’s wines and produce.
• Gardens: Walk beside massive ramparts through scented rose gardens and French-Italian parterres.

Authentic touch: Some suites display original Renaissance fireplaces and hand-painted murals.

Schloss Leopoldskron, Austria

Famed as the backdrop for much of "The Sound of Music," Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg offers refined Baroque oomph—and cinematic nostalgia.

Highlights:

• Scenic setting: Overlooks a private lake with panoramic Alps views.
• Salzburg Connection: Host to international festivals, writers’ residencies, and the creative elite since the 18th century.
• Elegant rooms: Original stuccos, marble statues, and ornate painted ceilings.

Practical perks: Guests are a short cycle from Salzburg’s Old Town.

Swinton Park Castle, England

Rooted in North Yorkshire’s rolling hills, Swinton Park blends old-world mystique with contemporary comforts.

What to expect:

• Country living: 20,000 acres of parklands, lakes, and woodlands.
• Award-winning spa: Savor treatments inside converted turret rooms before relaxing in the outdoor hydrotherapy pool.
• Cookery School: Take classes using homegrown produce from the castle estate.
• Sustainable luxury: Dedication to green energy, local foods, and low-impact tourism.

Special moment: Enjoy deer-spotting walks at dusk, then indulge in afternoon tea in the opulent library.

Castel Brando, Italy

Perched high above the Veneto Prosecco valleys, Castel Brando seamlessly fuses history and hospitality. Its roots run back over 2000 years—the castle was originally a Roman fortification, expanded extensively in the medieval era.

Noteworthy features:

• Culinary focus: Several restaurants, including a medieval tavern and panoramic terrace.
• History lovers: Guided tours through atmospheric courtyards, Roman vestiges, and restored frescoes.
• Varied rooms: Choose from modern suites or atmospheric period chambers scattered throughout the complex.

Tip: Book spa treatments in former noble apartments for breathtaking hillside views.

Burg Schwarzenstein, Germany

With a commanding perch over the rolling Rheingau vineyards near Frankfurt, Burg Schwarzenstein appeals to gourmands and romantics alike.

Experience highlights:

• Wine immersion: Enjoy tastings of Germany’s top Rieslings, just steps from where the grapes grow.
• Cuisine: Two acclaimed restaurants, including the gourmet Schwarzenstein, regularly feature in top European dining awards.
• Room to relax: Some suites offer floor-to-ceiling windows over patchwork vineyards, blending modernist interiors with medieval shell stone.

Memory-maker: Toast your stay with local sparkling Sekt on the al fresco terrace at sunset.

Dromoland Castle, Ireland

Once the ancestral home of Gaelic royalty, Dromoland Castle in County Clare exemplifies Ireland’s castle-hoteling tradition at its most luxurious.

Signature experiences:

• Golf: World-class course meanders through 490 acres of leafy woodland.
• True indulgence: Sip whiskey by roaring fireplaces in the library bar.
• Regal rooms: Lavish, canopied beds warmed by hand-embroidered drapery and Irish linens.
• Outdoor pursuits: From clay pigeon shooting to archery, classic country activities abound.

Note: Try the Afternoon Tea in an oak-panelled drawing room overlooking walled gardens.

Hotel Castillo de Santa Catalina, Spain

On a hill above Malaga, the Castillo de Santa Catalina offers sweeping Mediterranean views and Moorish-influenced elegance.

Why it stands out:

• Authenticity: Built in 1624 as part of the city’s defensive ring, fortified by thick battlements and watchtowers.
• Spanish glamour: Interiors combine 20th-century palatial style with period mosaics and beamed ceilings.
• Intimate romance: Suites with private terraces bask in subtropical light, perfect for honeymooners.

Extra: Step out for a sunset stroll along ancient walls and elegant gardens filled with citrus groves.

Culcreuch Castle, Scotland

Few castles deliver Scottish atmosphere like Culcreuch, just an hour north of Glasgow. Nestled at the foot of Fintry Hills, the castle dates back to 1296 and wraps up centuries of romance, clan legends, and a delightful dose of the supernatural.

Why choose it?

• Original stonework: Massive walls, great fireplaces, and suits of armor evoke the time of Highland chiefdom.
• Haunted reputation: According to local legend, the castle’s Lady in Green still wanders the halls.
• Natural beauty: The estate’s loch, woodlands, and gardens offer birdsong—and tranquility—at every turn.
• Warmth: Friendly Scottish hospitality is paired with hearty breakfasts and cozy tartan décor throughout the rooms.

Recommendation: Don’t miss an evening whisky by the great hall’s fire—if your nerves allow.

tips for booking a castle stay

Dreaming of your own castle getaway? Here’s how to make it perfect:

Pick your period: Castles vary, from medieval authenticity to 19th-century showpieces. Decide if you want moats and battlements or gilded salons and lush tapestries.

Check access: Remote fortresses offer privacy but often require a car or advance transfers.

Consider amenities: Spa, Golf, Fine Dining? Prioritize what distinguishes your chosen castle—some are serene and quiet, others buzz with activities.

Book early: True castles are few, and the best book up fast for holidays and special occasions.

Ask about rooms: Not all bedrooms are equal—some feature ancient staircases or historic quirks, while suites may offer plush hotels’ polish.

Be curious: Talk to the staff—they’re often passionate about the ancestral stories, restoration adventures, and guardian spirits that infuse each stone with life.

Whether you yearn for knightly grandeur in the German hills or candlelit feasting in a French château, Europe’s castle-hotels promise not just a place to stay, but a legend to become part of. Embark on this journey, and you’ll carry the magic of turrets and towers long after you return home.