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Living like Royalty in these Castles

Living like Royalty in these Castles

By Sienna Bailey

Have you ever dreamed of living in a castle? These fabulous hotels in the UK are all castles designed to give you the royal treatment.
 
Inverlochy Castle (Scotland)

 
Set amongst the spectacular mountains of the West Highlands, this castle is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Scotland. The building the hotel is set in was built in 1863 but the old castle, 2.1 miles away, dates back to the 13th century. Queen Victoria visited the castle several times and it was even thought to be one of her favourite holiday locations, remarking once that she ‘never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot’. She wasn’t the only British royal to visit however; Her Majesty the Queen herself has even stayed here with the Duke of Edinburgh. Clearly, this is a place fit for royalty. Other famous guests over the years have included Charlie Chaplin and Elton John. There are seventeen bedrooms to choose from, all fitted with a private bathroom and views of the grounds and mountains. There are three dining rooms decorated with period furniture allegedly given as a gift by the King of Norway. The menu boasts a range of modern British cuisine with French influences. Situated in Lochaber, also known as ‘The Outdoor Capital of the UK’, many activities take place such as guided walks and Highland Games around the largest mountain in the UK- Ben Nevis.
 
Amberley Castle (West Sussex)
 
This amazing castle housed on twelve garden acres is over 900 years old. It has a long and varied history from being used as a hunting lodge in 1103 to a stronghold during the English Civil War. King Charles II was even said to have visited Amberley after the restoration of the Monarchy in 1660. There are nineteen beautiful bedrooms to sleep in all furnished with antiques. Some even feature whirlpool baths for a modern touch. There is an 18- hole putting course to enjoy and lovely gardens to stroll around, which boasts two lakes and fantastic views of the South Downs. Suits of armour greet guests in the lounge, as well as coats of arms and roaring open log fires. There are two rooms in which to try the restaurant’s fine food: The Queen’s Room, sporting an authentic 12th century barrel-vaulted ceiling, or The Great Room built in 1165 decked in traditional medieval style. If you are a history lover, the hotel offers its own guided tour about its vibrant past.
 
Bovey Castle (Devon)
 
If you are looking for a Downton Abbey style experience, this place is for you. Located in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, this 5- star hotel rests in 275 acres of countryside. Built in the late 1800’s by the Smith family, it became a golf club and hotel in 1930. The manor has been built in neo- Edwardian style with Jacobean style interiors, to create a truly unique looking building. There are twenty-six bedrooms to choose from Classic to Castle, but they also offer private lodges to stay in on the grounds which are especially popular at Christmas. The Great Western Restaurant is decorated in the Art Deco style and serves delicious, attractively presented dishes. They also pride themselves on their traditional Sunday lunches. Smith’s Brasserie has an open fire, cosy seating and countryside views. The spa includes a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and a gym. Kids can even enjoy these facilities with the Bovey Princess package especially for little girls. The hotel offers several English country activities to enjoy, including Falconry, Archery and Air Rifle Shooting and Hot Air Ballooning. There is also plenty to get involved with in Dartmoor including tours and guided walks, Horse Riding and Rock Climbing.
 
Thornbury Castle (Gloucestershire)
 
This is definitely one for the history lovers. This magnificent castle dates back to the 16th century, but Thornbury manor dates as far back as the 10th century and is listed in the Domesday Book. Originally built as a home for Edward Stafford, the Duke of Buckingham, the castle was claimed by Henry VIII for himself after his execution. The King and his new wife Anne Boleyn stayed here for eleven days shortly after their marriage in 1533. Today, the castle is a modern luxury hotel but still has the aura of a traditional Tudor home. Each of the twenty-eight bedrooms are decorated in the Tudor style, containing a wooden four- poster bed and authentic furniture. Walk through the gardens set in fourteen acres of landscaped grounds and even take part in Tudor themed pursuits such as Archery and Falconry. There aren’t many hotels where you can eat in a dungeon, but there is no hint of morbidity in Thornbury’s restaurant who has served the likes of Sophia Loren and Lawrence Olivier. The menu serves traditional and contemporary food which is made with home grown fruits and vegetables grown in the kitchen garden. There is also a Vicarage Farm Holistic Therapy Centre offering various services from Aromatherapy Massage and Reflexology.
 
Glenapp Castle (Scotland)

 
Set in Ayreshire on the isles of the West Coast of Scotland, this fabulous five star hotel was built in 1870 by architect David Bryce on the already established Glenapp Estate. It was built in the Scottish Baronial style- combining elements of the Gothic and Renaissance to create a fairy-tale like building. The castle has had its fair share of famous guests, including Winston Churchill who stayed here in 1944 to discuss the future D-Day landings. Visit the local islands by the Glenapp Castle boat. The thirty-six acres of grounds with secluded gardens are designed by Gertrude Jekyll, the famous 20th century garden designer. Choose from several different rooms with a view, from a Garden View room to the luxurious Master Sea View room. The award winning restaurant has a six course dining menu. Food is sourced from local produce including fresh fish from local fishermen. A 150 foot long glasshouse grows herbs, fruit and vegetables for the kitchen. There is plenty to do from fishing on the River Stinchar to hiking through the Ayreshire countryside. Relax in Pebbles Spa located on the coastline which has a swimming pool, spa, heat experiences, gym, treatment rooms and a bistro.
 

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