The historic United Kingdom is the place to be if you’re looking to experience the life of royalty over your next vacation. Home to an incredible number of castle Airbnbs, these breathtaking rentals come equipped with all the essentials to make you feel like a king or a queen for a few nights. The gorgeous countryside of England, Scotland, and Wales promises a true, quintessential experience when staying at one of these castles. Complete with rustic stone turrets, grand chandeliers, Victorian outhouses, and authentic interiors, you’ll feel a little like you’ve stepped back in time at these castles, in the best way possible.
Private Hire of a Country Castle in Cornwall - Saint Mellion
This huge Cornish castle is best used for events or weddings, thanks to its picturesque grounds and beautiful river running just behind. But it can also be rented out for standard accommodation purposes – although its interiors are anything but standard. This is a castle designed for the whole crew, with space for up to 22 guests across 11 bedrooms. It’s ideally situated on the Cornwall and Devon border with easy access to both and promises a perfect setting for the most memorable experience. All of the first-floor rooms look across the River Tamar and over to Devon or of the historic gardens. They can also all be turned into twin rooms by request if you’re traveling with children or people who’d prefer their own space. Included is the use of the Aga in the kitchen to cook up delicious meals or you can also dine alfresco using the BBQ with outdoor seating on the terrace.
Balintore Castle Kitchen Wing - Angus, Scotland
This Scottish castle is what dreams are made of, with endless turrets fit for a prince or princess and beautiful grounds practically designed for long walks in the afternoon sunshine. A top castle Airbnb in Scotland, this listing is for the kitchen wing, which comes with three bedrooms and space for up to six guests. You won’t be the first guests to stay here: the castle has been welcoming them since the 1860s, which means your great, great, great grandparents could have feasibly checked in here, too. Inside the castle you’ll find a characterful and ever so slightly – self-described – “crumbly round the edges” experience. The rest of the castle is off-limits as it’s only this section that’s been restored, so far. But that access includes everything from a kitchen, Wi-Fi and a TV right through to a traditional Victorian fireplace and a huge garden. There’s also direct access to hill walking, mountain biking, bird-watching and shooting.
Dollarbeg Castle - Dollar, Scotland
This stunning castle Airbnb exists in the beautifully converted former Great Hall of Dollarbeg Castle in Clackmannanshire. Nowadays, the castle has been split into individual properties but each one has been renovated to include its unique traditional charm. The Great Hall has space for four guests in two bedrooms as well as its own private entrance. Built more than 100 years ago, it’s home to an ensuite bathroom inside one of the bedrooms and baroque style throughout. There’s a well-lit, private entrance to this Airbnb, which means it’s totally secluded away from the other properties inside the castle. The kitchen, lounge and dining area upstairs is a huge space with high ceilings, just adding to that authentic castle appeal.
Fairytale Castle Close to Alton Towers - Stoke on Trent, England
Caverswall Castle is a stunning Grade 1 listed property that was built in the early 17th century on the site of a 13th-century castle. So it’s a perfect spot for history buffs or anyone looking to stay in an authentic castle building. It’s also one that doesn’t ever forget that fact, with individual listings offering a chance to stay in each turret or the main castle building. This particular Airbnb listing has space for up to 12 guests inside four self-contained stone castle turrets, each with views of the moat and wildlife. Each turret is two levels high and accessed by an internal spiral staircase. While this might be one of the few remaining castles in England surrounded by a moat, it’s also got all the extras like central heating, Wi-Fi and large TVs. Even if you’re sleeping in the turret, the owners are always happy to invite you into the main castle building for tea in the reception room, principal dining room or the “Wedgwood” library.
Castle Gatehouse at Sudeley Castle in Cotswolds - Winchcombe, England
This amazing mini castle listing sits just on the edge of Sudeley Castle in the Cotswolds. It’s actually a listing to stay in the gatehouse, which comes surrounded by greenery and quaint features throughout. With room for four guests in two bedrooms, it’s a truly unique cottage complete with four-poster beds and ancient structures. Check-in here and you’ll also get complimentary access to the rest of the castle, both inside and out. This impressive structure is complemented with symmetrical gardens lined with iron railings and a stone courtyard in the center. Outside, you can also admire the pastoral views that line the driveway to the castle, neatly connected by a shared patio in the middle with an outdoor dining table and chairs. Better yet, this dog-friendly property allows two furry friends to join you on your vacation if needed.
Rent An Entire Castle - West Ashton, England
This rural castle is close by to beautiful Bath, a city filled with history and a castle to match. This Airbnb listing is for the entire property, which has space for 16 guests in double bedrooms with four-poster beds. This seriously special listing is the closest thing you’ll find to a hotel with pure seclusion, thanks to the crisp white bedding and towels that are laundered by a local hotel company. There are no neighbors for miles around this castle, which means the only sounds from nearby come from nature. Inside the property, there’s a lounge, conservatory, study, drawing room, library, and even a great hall. The latter is particularly good for medieval-themed feasts, banquets or murder mystery-themed weekends. There’s a central turret with an observatory for stargazing and beautiful tapestry paneled hallways leading to the east and west wings. You have the whole place and the grounds entirely to yourself, including a games barn, a duck pond, and a Victorian potting shed.
Luxury Aristocratic Hinwick House and Estate - Hinwick, England
This Hinwick-based castle is huge and foreboding; a place that looks like it would fit in far more on a movie set than a standard place to sleep for a night. This spacious property is one that’s designed for larger groups, with room for up to 16 guests and 15 bedrooms dotted throughout. Hinwick House was built in 1710 for an aristocratic family and was modeled on Buckingham Palace. A luxury spot not too far away from London, it comes with three turret cottages, two lakes, tennis courts, a deer park, and a 17th-century clocktower as well as the main building. The castle also has a huge collection of antique Persian rugs, with over 150 priceless rugs decorating the property and seven custom-made grand chandeliers, just in case you’re looking to impress your other guests. Staying here gives you free rein to explore them all, as well as the property’s primary features like Smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, spacious bedrooms, and plenty of room.
Carnell, Carnell Estate East Ayrshire, Scotland
Every room of this castle has kept a little of its original charm, which means staying here is more than just a place to sleep: it’s also a chance to immerse yourself into an alternate reality where you’re king or queen for a few days. With 10 bedrooms and space for up to 20 guests, this charming castle doesn’t hold back with incredible amenities and features. Set within a private 2000 acre estate, this Airbnb is very much a family home and is very comfortable, with a log-fired hall, fresh coffee in the mornings, and newspapers. It’s a place that hasn’t held back with extra touches like chess, backgammon and bridge as well as other board games and an excellent whisky collection in the Billiards Room. During the summer months here, you can also play tennis, fish in the pond and take a horse ride around the estate.
Ashby Manor House - Ashby Saint Ledgers, England
The Manor House has 10 bedrooms and nine bathrooms as well as plenty of other rooms just waiting to be wandered around. Known as one of the most intriguing and historic houses in England, it features names like Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes in its endless history. As well as the bedrooms and living space, there’s a billiards room, games room, library, and pool, ensuring you’re suitably entertained at all times. The beautiful south-facing statue garden provides a stunning setting for a drinks reception if you’re looking to book this Airbnb castle for a special occasion. Within easy reach of London, this castle feels like it should be located somewhere far more remote than it actually is. The best part? This property has only recently been converted into an Airbnb, which means you’d likely be one of the first to stay here.
Number 6 Narrow Water Castle - Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland
Take a trip across the water to Northern Ireland to stay in Number 6 Narrow Water Castle. Along with its quintessential name, it’s an equally as quaint castle with extraordinary views overlooking the water and valley. This huge castle is home to various different listings and this particular one is for a two-bedroom luxury apartment tucked neatly inside. It fuses together plenty of modern features as well as some of the castle building’s original charm, which dates back to the 1680s. Stay here and enjoy two en suite bedrooms, a grand open plan living and dining area with a skylight and exposed beams and also the beautifully landscaped gardens all around. The landscaped gardens provide unrivaled idyllic views in this unique setting. As well as walks across the farmland and forest, you can even book to go horse riding at the nearby equestrian center.
The Pavilion at Foulis Castle, Highland Scotland
More than 500 positive reviews mean this Scottish castle in the Highlands must be doing something right. A truly wonderful place to stay for a relaxing break, this two-bedroom property has space for five guests and gives you access to a self-catered wing of 15th-century Foulis Castle. Unlike many draughty buildings, this one comes fully kitted out with top-notch central heating, which means you’ll never feel anything less than seriously cozy. It’s also one where you’ll never stop appreciating the views around you. The kitchen area overlooks the castle courtyard and gardens and has all modern facilities like a 38″ flat-screen Smart TV with broadband internet connection & Sky TV Cinema. Foulis Castle also has guided tours which are held each week which are free for guests of the castle to attend.
Ancient Castle Above the River Tweed - Scotland
You won’t find many castle Airbnbs quite so authentically ancient as this crumbling tower block on the Scottish Borders. Set high above the River Tweed, it’s an imposing building that seems to almost spill out stories from the past before you’ve even walked inside its doors. This castle Airbnb, known officially as Neidpath Castle, is home to a few different listings but one of the most special is this second-floor chamber. It’s home to an antique four-poster bed, a deep roll-top bath, and an open fireplace, which means it’s basically impossible to stay here and not let your imagination run wild about its previous inhabitants. There’s also a small kitchenette with a fridge and kettle as well as delicious provisions, courtesy of the owners, for a continental breakfast. It’s got space for two guests in one bedroom and you’re free to explore the whole castle while you’re there.
Unique Castle With Magical Views - Teignmouth, England
Yannon Towers is known best for a few things: its stunning estuary views and its huge number of returning guests. This unique castle is one of the finest in the UK if you’re most concerned about a traditional experience and waking up to the brilliant sounds of nature every morning. This five-bedroom listing has room for up to 10 guests and is full of historical features. There’s a beautiful oak carved fireplace and a stone spiral staircase leading to the spectacular tower bedroom as well as wood-paneled walls, four-poster beds, and unique original antique downstairs toilet. The kitchen and bathrooms are all modern but haven’t forgotten their original character. The house is just a quick walk from the local town or seafront and also has easy driving access to plenty of south Devon attractions.
16th Century Scottish Borders Tower - Scotland
The beautiful stained glass windows are one of the first things you’ll notice at this 16th century Scottish Borders castle. This private bedroom inside the castle dates back to 1574 and is a great opportunity for a miniature castle experience without renting out the entire place. It’s an adventure from start to finish staying here, starting from a wander through a huge stone entrance, into an inner paneled entrance hall and through a private door up an ancient and narrow staircase to a tiny sitting area with a shower room and kitchenette. There’s a spiral stone staircase leading to a romantic and secluded upper chamber, which is where you’ll sleep. This Airbnb has room for three guests in one bedroom, making it ideal for couples or those traveling with a small child. The chamber itself is beautiful with exposed beams, stone floors with underfloor heating, a reading nook, and a bookcase full of books. It’s totally private and very romantic.
