13 Fairytale Castles You Can Actually Stay In

Calling all fairy tale fans! If you’ve ever pretended to reign over a fantastical village, mix potions in a dungeon or be rescued by a handsome knight, this one’s for you. We’ve rounded up the best castle hotels Europe has to offer, from grand estates in Italy to medieval marvels in Portugal. Keep on reading to discover which one will set the scene for your next travel story.

• Château de Bagnols, France
• Dromoland Castle, Ireland
• Burghotel Auf Schönburg, Germany
• Hotel Château Gütsch, Switzerland
• CastelBrando, Italy
• Parador de Alarcón, Spain
• Ashford Castle, Ireland
• Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens, Ireland
• Glenapp Castle, Scotland
• Castello di Casole, Italy
• Pousada Castelo Óbidos, Portugal
• Castle Leslie Estate, Ireland
• Amberley Castle, England

Location: Bagnols, France
Stars: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Château de Bagnols has a long and storied history — it was originally built in 1217 and has been owned and renovated by several lords and ladies over the past 800 years. However, it wasn’t until 1992 that it was converted into a hotel.

Staying here will transport you to another time, especially if you book a Castle suite. Each has been decorated with an antique four-poster bed, 17^th- and 18^th-century murals and an ornate fireplace. Prefer a more contemporary aesthetic? The former cellar has undergone a dramatic transformation and now houses the hotel’s collection of modern Chai suites. 

Location: Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland
Stars: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

With a wide range of on-site activities, Dromoland Castle immerses guests of all ages into a world of whimsy and natural beauty. Get up close to mesmerizing birds of prey during a falconry experience, channel your inner Robin Hood during an archery session, try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, rally at the tennis courts or paddleboard on the peaceful waters of Dromoland Lough.

Little ones will especially love the Woodland Fairy Trail, an area of the grounds where imaginations can run wild. This magical path meanders past ancient trees, colourful flowers, tiny doors and mischievous creatures.

Location: Oberwesel, Germany
Stars: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is one of the most romantic castle hotels in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. Located in the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, it invites guests to wander, linger and get lost in the medieval villages, vineyards, forests and meadows that surround it.

When you’re done exploring the grounds, make your way to the fireplace room, library and Tower Museum to get a glimpse of how the noble Schönburg family once lived — and then settle in for a royal feast. There are two on-site restaurants where you can indulge in green bean stew, roasted duck, apple cake and other local delicacies.

Location: Lucerne, Switzerland
Stars: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

When you hear the term “fairytale castle”, what comes to mind? We wouldn’t be surprised if you picture something similar to Hotel Château Gütsch. That’s because it’s modelled after the Neuschwanstein Castle, which is said to have inspired the Sleeping Beauty castle at Disneyland.

Perched atop a 1,600-foot hill, it boasts stunning views of Lucerne and a ton of historical charm. Despite undergoing extensive renovations in both 2014 and 2021, many of this castle hotel’s original details were preserved — including its wooden floors and ceiling stucco. As such, its rooms offer a perfect blend of classic elegance and contemporary comfort.

Location: Cison di Valmarino, Italy
Stars: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Situated at the base of the majestic Dolomites, the 2,000-year-old CastelBrando looks as if it belongs in a storybook. It boasts spectacular views of the Prosecco Hills, rooms and suites that have been decorated with period furniture, and a spa where you can wash away your worries… literally.

The Wellness Centre features a Roman bath, Finnish sauna, Kneipp path, Himalayan Grotto and other facilities that let you experience the benefits of hydrotherapy, thermotherapy and halotherapy. Don’t forget to stop by the sun terrace, where you can look out over the valley while soaking in a hydrojet pool.

Location: Cuenca, Spain
Stars: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Parador de Alarcón has really stood the test of time: this huge defensive structure dates all the way back to the 8^th century! Its exteriors and interiors have a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles — complemented by modern services that seamlessly blend the past and present.

Our favourite thing about this castle hotel, however, is its location. The town of Alarcón, approximately mid-way between Madrid and Valencia, is the perfect base if you want to discover an off-the-beaten-path part of Spain.

Location: Cong, Ireland
Stars: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Turrets, ramparts, a moat and an arch bridge give Ashford Castle a distinctly medieval look — but its amenities are definitely not from the middle ages. This magnificent retreat, nestled in the west of Ireland, features elegant suites, an award-winning spa and some truly exquisite restaurants.

Whether you’re eating breakfast (and overlooking Lough Corrib) in The Drawing Room, sipping afternoon tea in The Connaught Room, indulging in a sumptuous dinner in The George V Dining Room or enjoying a nightcap in The Prince of Wales Bar, you’re in for a treat.

Location: Mohill, Ireland
Stars: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Calling all future brides and grooms! If you want to feel like a king or queen on your big day, consider booking a destination wedding at Lough Rynn. This 300-acre estate features rolling lawns, walled gardens and a stunning ballroom that are guaranteed to look great in photos.

Or, if you’ve been happily married for a couple decades now, treat yourself to the Golden Years package. Tailored especially for guests over 60, it includes two nights of luxury accommodation, daily Irish breakfast, a meal at the Sandstone Restaurant and a high-tea experience. Basically, all you need for a romantic weekend getaway!

Location: Girvan, Scotland
Stars: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Located in South Ayrshire, an area of Scotland that’s often overlooked by tourists, Glenapp Castle is a true hidden gem… or should we say hidden crown jewel?

While every room in this castle hotel is spacious and lavishly furnished, we can’t help but put a spotlight on the incredible penthouse suite. Here, you’ll find four gorgeous bedrooms (each with their own bathroom), a period kitchen and dining area, a private rooftop terrace, a library and games room, and a media room. In other words, this is an ideal spot for an extended family vacation. Plus, there are countless activities and experiences to be enjoyed within the castle grounds.

Location: Casole d'Elsa, Italy
Stars: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Castello Di Casole doesn’t look as “castle-y” as some of the other properties on this list, but trust us: it is just as enchanting. Built more than 1,000 years ago, guests who stay at this castle hotel get a sense of what Tuscany was like during a period when agricultural civilizations thrived — a feeling that’s only enhanced by the surrounding vineyards and olive groves.

While there’s nothing wrong with spending your days at the infinity pool, you’ll regret not signing up for one of the hotel’s curated activities. Each painting lesson, truffle hunting experience, flower workshop and cooking class immerses you in the area’s natural beauty and culture.

Location: Óbidos, Portugal
Stars: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

With only 17 rooms, securing a reservation at this historic hotel isn’t easy — so try to be as flexible as possible with your travel dates. This is especially true if you have your heart set on staying in the castle itself and, more specifically, the Special Suite. Also known as the tower room, it has a very medieval aesthetic with stone walls, beamed ceilings and candle sconces.

Most of the other rooms are in the Casa do Castelo (the cottage that’s right next to the castle), but you shouldn’t let that deter you. They’re just as quaint! And besides, the majority of your time will probably be spent exploring the village of Óbidos. 

Location: Glaslough, Ireland
Stars: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

At the Castle Leslie Estate, there are three accommodation options to choose from:

• The Castle: Those looking to relax and escape the daily grind should opt for one of the Castle rooms. They’ve been decorated with antiques, heirlooms and heritage details rather than televisions and minibars.
• The Lodge: The Lodge has all the amenities you expect to find at a modern hotel, plus a ton of character. This is also where the estate’s accessible rooms are housed.
• The Old Stable Mews: Situated in a refurbished coach house, these accommodations are ideal for families and small groups that want to live out their cottagecore fantasies.

Location: Arundel, England
Stars: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

With its high curtain wall and working portcullis*, Amberley Castle will awe and delight guests from the moment they arrive on the property — and it only gets better once you step inside.

This 900-year-old castle hotel features elegant rooms with four-poster beds, meticulously landscaped gardens, a fine dining restaurant, comfortable drawing rooms and an 18-hole putting green, among other amenities. Awarded one key by Michelin, you can trust that your stay here will be exceptional.

*A medieval, vertically closing gate. You’ve definitely seen these in movies and TV shows before.

Whether you’re planning an intimate trip for two or a magical family vacation, you can’t go wrong with staying at a castle hotel in Europe. Check out our Europe Sale or chat with our Travel Experts today — and remember to subscribe to Flight Centre Perks to be notified of our latest deals.