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If you’ve ever dreamt of stepping into a storybook, Europe’s castles are your golden ticket to turn your dreams into reality. These towering treasures each come with fascinating histories, surreal architecture, and enough charm to make a dragon swoon. Pack your crown and get ready for a whirlwind tour of Europe’s most enchanting castles, complete with places to stay nearby fit for modern-day royalty.
Palace of Versailles, France
Versailles isn’t just a palace; it’s a golden gateway to French opulence. Once the home of Louis XIV, the Sun King himself, this sprawling estate flaunts hallways dripping in gold, a Hall of Mirrors that’s basically a selfie wonderland, and 2,000 acres of gardens that redefine grandeur.
Where to stay nearby: The Waldorf Astoria Versailles, Trianon Palace , sits just a stone’s throw from Versailles’ palace gates. The Michelin-starred dining and plush rooms will have you feeling just like the French nobility of the halls you just wandered – minus the powdered wigs.
GETTING THERE
Alnwick Castle, England
Calling all Potterheads; you can finally visit Hogwarts without running into a train station wall with a simple visit to Alnwick Castle . Even without the wizardry, the castle’s gothic architecture and lush gardens are spell-bounding.
Though it’s famous for hosting Harry’s broom-flying lessons in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, this medieval masterpiece also serves up a serious history of its own. Beyond the magic curtains, you’ll find history re-enactments, falconry displays, and gardens straight out of a herbology class.
Where to stay nearby: The Cookie Jar , a lavish hotel in the heart of Alnwick, offers cosy rooms and quirky charms right in the heart of the town.
GETTING THERE
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Perched atop Castle Rock, this fortress looms over the Edinburgh skyline. With a history older than many fairytales, dating back to the 12th century, it’s been the backdrop for epic battles, royal intrigue, and is the home of the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny – used in ancient coronations. Though the views of the historical jewels and ancient stones are mesmerising, you’ll have to decide for yourself whether they beat the panoramic views of the town below.
Where to stay nearby: The Balmoral Hotel combines timeless elegance with views of the castle. Its luxurious spa and whisky bar make it the perfect royal retreat.
GETTING THERE
Dover Castle, England
Known as the “Key to England,” Dover Castle has been guarding the cliffs since Roman times. During World War II, it also doubled as a command centre and hospital, adding a modern twist to its rich past – talk about multitasking! Embark on a journey through the secret wartime tunnels to explore deep into the castle’s history, or revel in the shore-stopping views of the English Channel if you’d rather stay surface level.
Where to stay nearby: The White Cliffs Hotel is the perfect springboard for discovery, sitting in a convenient distance from both Dover Castle and the photo-worthy white cliffs.
GETTING THERE
Bran Castle, Romania
Bran Castle is Romania’s most legendary haunt and is often known as Count Dracula’s favourite place to hang out. Though it’s unlikely you’ll find any suspicious bats hanging around the castle, a hidden stairwell found in the 1920s – undiscovered for 550 years – adds a touch of real-life mystery to this gothic gem. Whether you’re chasing history or a bloody good time, pack your sense of curiosity and garlic for this vampiric royal venture.
Where to stay nearby: For a royally good rest after exploring Dracula’s mancave (architectural masterpiece), stay at Bran Chalet for views of the castle to accompany your morning coffee.
GETTING THERE
Schwerin Castle, Germany
Nestled on an island in Lake Schwerin, this whimsical castle looks like it’s been plucked straight from the pages of a Grimm Brothers’ tale. With 653 rooms worth of history (yes, really!) and an air of mystery, it’s no shock that this castle is home to a friendly ghost named Petermännchen. If ghosts aren’t your thing – the ornate interiors and surrounding parkland will win you over.
Where to stay nearby: Hotel Speicher am Ziegelsee offers lakeside tranquillity with modern comforts, just a scenic stroll from Schwerin Castle for your post-tour nap.
GETTING THERE
Windsor Castle, England
Fit for more than just a queen, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and has been the British monarchy’s go-to spot to kick-back for over 1,000 years. From its State Apartment to St George’s Chapel, a tour of this castle is a crash course in royal splendour with the Changing of the Guard being the ultimate crowd-pleaser. If you’re guilty of being a royal family fan, you might recognise St George’s Chapel as the location where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot.
Where to stay nearby: The Castle Hotel Windsor , part of the MGallery collection, offers elegance right by the castle’s gates and is the most historic hotel in Windsor. You’ll be sure to sleep like a royal without the royal budget.
GETTING THERE
The Palace of Pena, Portugal
Set high in the Sintra mountains, the Palace of Pena is a colourful concoction of Romantic architecture. With its candy-hued towers and intricately curated gardens, it’s like stepping into a painter’s dream. Though the palace itself is enough to claim your gaze the whole visit, the views from the palace are even more impressive with the scenery stretching out to the Atlantic Ocean.
Where to stay nearby: Tivoli Palacio de Seteais offers 18th-century beauty and scenes of the Sintra hills, making you feel like royalty at every glance.
GETTING THERE
The Alcázar of Segovia, Spain
Recognise these turrets? The Alcázar’s turrets inspired Cinderella’s castle – and become part of Disney’s zeitgeist! This striking fortress will be instantly recognisable to any cult-fans of the Disney classic, complete with blue roofs and pointy turreted towers. Perched atop a rocky crag with sweeping views of Segovia, its stone walls tell stories of Roman, Moorish, and Christian eras with the grand Throne Room seating countless members of royalty throughout history.
Where to stay nearby: Only a bibbidi-bobbidi-boo from the castle, stay at Hotel Real Segovia – so close that you won’t even have to take your pumpkin carriage to visit, glass slippers will do just fine!
GETTING THERE
Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark
Set on a serene lake in Hillerød, just outside Copenhagen, this Renaissance beauty is the stuff of Danish daydreams. Once a royal residence, it now houses the Museum of National History . Even without the collection of hundreds of Denmark’s historical artefacts filling its halls, the castle’s elaborate interiors and exquisite gardens are a feast for the eyes within themselves. The Great Hall is particularly dazzling with its gilded ceilings and ornate tapestries.
Where to stay nearby: Stay at the Hotel Hillerød for easy access to the castle in an ambient setting or stay in Copenhagen and drive only 35 minutes out of the city to visit Frederiksborg as a day trip.
GETTING THERE
Culzean Castle, Scotland
Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Firth of Clyde, Culzean Castle is a sight to behold. Its luxurious interiors and blooming gardens are wedding-photo worthy and the nearby coastline is shore to please, with many couples choosing to spend their special day there.
Where to stay nearby Culzean Castle Country Park offers exclusive accommodation options within the castle grounds, letting you sleep like a laird and wake up to stunning sea views.
GETTING THERE
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