Wannabe princes and princesses all over the world dream of living in a castle with towers and turrets, secret passageways and medieval moats. Although you might not ever live in a castle, staying in one is the next best thing. We’ve shortlisted our favorite castle hotels around the world for your family vacation.
Bovey Castle, Devon, U.K.
Set on a 275-acre Dartmoor Estate, the magnificent Bovey Castle has 64 beautifully decorated bedrooms, an indoor pool, a spa and a golf course. The hotel treats younger guests like royalty the minute they step through the door. There’s a playroom crèche for 3 to 6 year olds, outdoor activities including archery, golf lessons for older ones, and pony rides in summer to keep your little ones entertained, while you relax and enjoy the regal surroundings.
Dromoland Castle, County Clare, Ireland
Enjoy a fun-filled royal adventure at Dromoland Castle, one of Ireland’s finest castle hotels. Kitted out with a mix of antiques and contemporary furnishings, this enchanting 16th-century castle is the ideal base for exploring the stunning coastlines and historic castles of western Ireland. It caters exceptionally well to families with modern amenities and plenty of classic country estate past times including falconry, archery and boating. There’s also a kids’ club during school holidays when you fancy some time off!
Ashford Castle, Mayo, Ireland
Another Irish treasure, this magnificent 13th-century castle, overlooking Ireland’s second largest lake, has been renovated to its former glory. Ashford Castle has hosted everyone from Mary Queen of Scots to Brad Pitt, and even President Ronald Reagan has had the Presidential Suite named after him. Young visitors get the royal treatment with things like kids menus and junior spa treatments and a children’s afternoon tea, which is not to be missed! There’s a host of estate activities for the whole family including falconry and horseback riding.
Chateau de Corcelles, Beaujolais, France
This very grand 17th-century chateau near France’s famed Champagne region is steeped in history. It was at Chateau de Corcelles that Napoleon first met his wife and Christian Dior held lavish parties. This castle hotel welcomes children of all ages and its maze, donkeys and ponies are always a hit with young travellers. There’s a swimming pool and tennis courts, and you can borrow bikes to explore the countryside.
Schloss Fuschl Resort & Spa, Salzburg, Austria
This legendary fairytale chateau overlooks Lake Fuschl near the enchanting city of Salzburg. Schloss Fuschl Resort & Spa has been renovated, balancing traditional style and modern comforts. There’s an indoor pool and outdoor Jacuzzi, and kids can jump into the lake in the summer. Boating on the lake is a must.
Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, New York
Much closer to home is this lakeside fairytale hotel in New Paltz near the Catskills, not far from Manhattan. Resembling a Victorian castle, Mohonk Mountain House is hugely popular with families thanks to its superb facilities including a kids’ club and array of year-round outdoor activities ranging from golf and horseback riding in summer to skiing and snow tubing in winter.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Whistler, British Columbia
Set in British Columbia’s Coast Mountains, two hours north of Vancouver, this landmark castle hotel is ideal for families wanting the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation year round. Whistler is a top ski resort and Fairmont Chateau Whistler is ski-in ski-out, so no long treks to the ski slopes! The hotel has bags of kid-friendly amenities and endless activities to keep everyone entertained, including golf and tennis in summer.
Oheka Castle, Huntington, New York
You don’t have to travel to Europe to indulge your family’s royal fantasies. Huntington on Long Island is home to the grand Oheka Castle, where Taylor Swift was famously filmed in her video ‘Blank Space’. The mansion’s opulent interiors provide a mix of historic charm and 21st century comfort. Kids will be treated like little princes and princesses from the minute they arrive. They also get a castle activity book and the restaurant has a kids’ menu.