Castle Country Estate Breaks
Reasons to book a short break on a castle estate
A castle estate break has so much to offer; grand, elegant rooms to relax in, delectable food and wines to savour and activities aplenty, both outdoor and indoor. With all of this and more on your doorstep, you’ll never have to venture outside the castle grounds, allowing you to make the most of your time experiencing a unique and wonderful setting.
Adventure at every turn
For those in search of adventure and exploration, there’s plenty on offer. From organised fun with sports on the estate to the quiet delight of a walled garden; from the rush of cycling through miles of enchanting woodland to floating on a beautiful, tranquil lake.
Architectural heritage
Each castle has its own charming history and fascinating stories – simply sitting in their rooms and wandering their grand hallways will capture your imagination and take you back into the past.
A generous dose of luxury
Far removed from the battle-scarred buildings of the past, these castles are grander and more comfortable than the finest of homes. The fires are lit, sheets are of the best quality, drinks are served in antique glasses, with the emphasis on making you feel like a true Laird or Lady.
Fine dining in stylish surroundings
You can enjoy award-winning cuisine at any time of day, served with impeccable presentation and flawless hospitality, accompanied by the finest wines from the castle cellar. Enjoy a freshly-brewed morning coffee in the drawing room and later, retire to the library with a barrel-aged dram of whisky or an exquisite cocktail mixed at the glamorous bar.
Now that you are surely considering a stay in a castle for your next short break, take a further read of the castle hotels we have selected below. We guarantee you luxury, variety and grandeur from any one of these wonderful settings…
Bovey Castle
This richly-historic and beautifully-presented castle nestled in the rolling valleys and thick forests of Dartmoor National Park features a fabulous spa, renowned restaurant and stunning 18-hole championship golf course. Each sumptuously-adorned bedroom reflects Bovey’s distinct five-star hospitality and will become an elegant haven for the duration of your stay.
Gaze over lush vistas of the River Bovey through the stone arches and balustrade terrace of the brasserie and take tea beside the two-storeyed windows of the great hall. Bask in the spa’s whirlpool and mesmerising Dartmoor views and take a refreshing dip in the stunning orangery’s art-deco swimming pool.
From peaceful fly-fishing on the estate’s lake and river to exhilarating off-roading across the wild countryside, you can experience a variety of outdoor activities. You can admire the stunning castle façade over croquet on the lawn or even take a sloe gin-making class.
Swinton Park
The ancestral seat of the Earl of Swinton, this striking castle sits proudly on its secluded, sprawling 20,000-acre estate situated in the famous lush landscape of the Yorkshire Dales. It is easily accessible, just 15 minutes from the A1 and under an hour from the city of York.
Indulge in seasonal fine-dining and exquisite wines at the historic and elegantly-decorated Samuel’s Restaurant, which offers guests a seamless service within atmospheric walls. Sleep in the castle’s luxurious bedrooms, featuring magnificent views, and sip cocktails in the contemporary, light-filled Terrace Bar.
Soak up the peace and serenity of this heritage landscape with lakeside walks or pony-trekking, explore the varied terrain through cycling, hiking or mountain biking or try your hand at salmon-fishing along the four-mile stretch of the River Ure. Experience the onsite cookery school, wellness spa or a round of golf on the adjacent nine-hole Masham Golf Course.
Ashford Castle
Located on the banks of the mesmerising Lough Corrib within a spectacular estate combining beautiful manicured gardens, abundant forest and woodland rich in bird-life, Ashford Castle is just 45 minutes from Galway City and conveniently close to two airports.
Boasting sumptuous bedrooms and dramatically-characterful public rooms bursting with history and antiques, it's a wonderful setting to enjoy an all-encompassing short break. Dine on authentic Irish cuisine, matching your dishes from the vast wine cellar housed within secret passageways, and bask in delightful views from every window.
Inside, the cosy cinema and award-winning, stunningly-designed spa are both heavenly escapes for luxurious nights in. Out on the estate you can enjoy hiking, cycling and wandering the tranquil gardens to your heart’s content or enjoy a game of tennis or golf. Experience a trip on the lake for cruising, boating, kayaking or paddle-boarding or a morning at Ireland’s first falconry school.
Dromoland Castle
Dromoland has a noble lineage dating back a thousand years to one of the last High Kings of Ireland, and the gardens share the same designer as the Gardens of Versailles! The castle boasts true historic grandeur from every room and from its plethora of windows enjoys fabulous views across the lush landscape of County Clare.
Ideal for a short break, Dromoland is a magnificent playground of country pursuits. Go boating or fishing on the generously stocked lake, Dromoland Lough, and admire the castle from afar. Try your hand at falconry, archery or clay-shooting and sample the swimming pool, tennis courts, 18-hole championship golf course and fabulous spa.
If you are planning a short break as a family, the kids will love the go-karts, cycling and nature trails – look out for the deer, pheasants, squirrels and ducks!
Castle Leslie
One of the last great Irish estates still owned by its founding family, Castle Leslie sits in 1000 acres of stunning countryside just an hour from Belfast and 80 minutes from Dublin. Since the 1600s this distinguished, charming home has played host to poets, politicians and celebrities.
The beautifully-unique interior gives way to surprising features and stunning design elements, from the almost fully-glazed conservatory to the storytelling wall murals, sculpted mirrors and grand piano. Each room is a carefully-curated character in itself brimming with colour, warmth and decadence.
Indulge in relaxation with a trip to the Victorian Treatment Rooms or ignite your senses outdoors with invigorating parkland walks, splashing through the shallows of the lake on horseback or getting up close to a bird of prey with a falconry experience. You can learn a new skill – archery, clay-shooting or fishing – or watch the world go by on a horse-drawn carriage or boat ride.
Glenapp Castle
An award-winning five-star castle hotel on the Ayrshire's coast, surrounded by stunning manicured gardens, thick forest and breath-taking night skies, Glenapp offers a true short break escape. Enjoy stunning views out to sea, the famous volcanic outcrop of Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran.
Within, Victorian splendour presides with lavish décor amongst period furnishings in grand rooms. For larger group stays The Castle Penthouse Suite, an exclusive-use four-bedroom penthouse, sleeps up to eight guests and features a sauna, library, games room, and a private chef. A dedicated butler will happily arrange activities and experiences for your group.
A scope of activities is on offer from within the estate, from horse and carriage rides to tennis, deer-stalking and Highland Games. The gardens and the rivers and bridges of the arboretum are a must-see, whilst games on the lawn will have you making the most of this unique historic setting.
How can Celtic Castles help?
Short breaks in exceptional locations leave us with lasting memories. We hope our expert advice and carefully-selected castle shortlist will help you with your getaway plans.
You can browse our website to find out even more details about these fabulous castle hotels, perfect for short breaks or weekends away, or discuss your requirements free of charge with one of our castle experts, available 7 days a week.