In part 1 we investigated several castles in Scotland with a water connection. Whilst Scotland’s many lochs and peninsulas lend themselves to lots of castles set by water, there are plenty of places to visit elsewhere. Here are a few to get you started…

Carr Hall Castle

Located in northern England, between Leeds and Manchester, Carr Hall Castle was restored from a dilapidated state by entrepreneurs Terry George and Michael Rothwell.

Located in a private deer park, the castle has its own lake, which supplies a working waterwheel. Next to the wheel is the Castle Suite, a newly built venue for weddings or corporate events, seating up to 50 guests for a formal reception or up to 100 guests for a buffet. Continuing the watery theme, the castle also has its own private swimming pool.

Carr Hall Castle is available for a minimum of 2 nights, starting at 3495 pounds for up to 10 adults in 5 luxurious bedrooms.

www.celticcastles.com/castles/carr-hall-castle

Ballynahinch Castle

Ballynahinch Castle is a 4 star hotel overlooking the famous Ballynahinch Salmon River in Connemara, near County Galway, Ireland. The river offers some of the best fishing in Ireland. Connecting 68 square miles of loughs and rivers to the Atlanic Ocean, Ballynahinch River is a direct route for salmon and sea trout heading to and from the sea.

Ballynahinch Castle offers 40 guest bedrooms of varying grades, many with views overlooking the river. The local catch can be sampled in the castle’s restaurant, which was awarded 2 AA rosettes.

Accommodation is available from 140 euros per room per night, for bed and breakfast accommodation.

www.celticcastles.com/castles/ballynahinch

Fitzpatrick Castle

Fitzpatrick stands on the picturesque South Dublin Coast, yet is just 9 miles from the bustling city centre. Guests to the area can enjoy a sea safari, as well as exploring the coastal area and the local nature found there.

A number of different room types are available in the hotel, with a large amount offering spectacular views across Dublin Bay.

Individual rooms can be booked from 140 euros per room per night, for bed and breakfast accommodation.

www.celticcastles.com/castles/fitzpatrick-castle

Château d’Audrieu

With large part of France land locked to the rest of Europe, châteaux by the sea are less common than in the UK or Ireland. Château d’Audrieu, however, is located in the Normandy region, just a short journey from France’s northern coast.

The coastline has historical interest with the beaches of Normandy being the scene of a crucial turning point in World War 2; the first point of occupied France to be liberated from invading German forces. This led to a build up of almost 3 million allied troops in the area over the following months and became a launching point to ultimately liberate the rest of the country.

Château d’Audrieu itself is a luxury 18th century hotel with 25 bedrooms and 4 suites. Prices start at 173 euros per person per night for bed and breakfast accommodation.

www.celticcastles.com/chateaux/chateau-d-audrieu

Caverswall Castle

When people think of a traditional castle, one of the features that will often spring to mind is a water filled moat. Many castles in our portfolio don’t have such a feature, but one that most definitely does is 13th  century Caverswall Castle in Stoke on Trent, England.

The main building sits inside a courtyard with octagonal towers at each corner. Around this wall runs the extensive and reflective moat, with entrance gained by travelling over a bridge.

The castle itself is sold on an exclusive use self catered basis and, when taking into account the four turret cottages, can host up to 22 adults and 8 children. Prices start at 1500 pounds per night.

Caverswall Castle is coming to our website shortly, keep an eye on out for an introductary article on this very blog, coming soon!