How do you choose the right castle for your bucket list?
How do you choose the right castle for your bucket list?
We always say that everyone should stay in a castle at least once in their lives; it may just be a night, it might be for a family gathering or special event, but just get it on your list!
So how do you choose the right castle, as they come in all shapes and sizes and offer not just a place to rest your head. There is so much more to the experience.
Location and Guests?
The first thing that is important is the location; do you want to in a remote Scottish glen or near to a tourism hot spot?
The second thing is who will be with you? Your partner, your family and additional friends or, if it is an event, will this be a special birthday or possibly a wedding celebration? Once you have your numbers, you can then start to match possible locations to castles of the right size.
Hotel, Self-Catering or Fully Staffed?
Do you want a castle hotel experience with everything done for you, where you will be sharing the property with other guests, or do you fancy a whole castle to yourselves where you do the cooking on a self-catering (vacation rental) basis? Or do you want the castle exclusively for you and your guests and also have it fully staffed so that you don’t have to do a thing?!
Amenities and Budget?
Consider what amenities you may like; is a pool important; a spa facility; activities on the grounds or nearby; or it might just be the historical experience that sits at the top of your list?
Budget is always that all-important question too; is this a one-off, trip-of-a-lifetime that you are happy to throw a bit of money at, or are you looking for something a bit more modestly-priced?
A 500-Year-Old Tudor Castle Hotel
To choose a castle hotel, location will probably be the most important criterion and then the rooms, closely followed by the quality of the food and dining experience. So, if you would like Tudor, with over 500 years of history, with easy access to London, you would not go far wrong with Thornbury Castle; check out the Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour Suites (though you wouldn’t be disappointed with any of the rooms at the castle, all are unique at the castle).
The Full Braveheart Experience
If you want to have the full Braveheart experience and hide away in a Scottish glen with your family or friends then Forter Castle, with its rich history, would be the perfect spot. This castle will sleep 12 – 16 people and allow you to create your own ‘Come Dine with Me’ experience during your time there, or bring in a chef to celebrate an extra-special occasion.
Fully-Staffed Luxury Experience
To choose a fully-catered experience and have your own set of butlers and chef, taking a trip over to Ireland and stepping into what could have been a set in a Harry Potter movie, Lismore Castle offers an exquisite historical stay where nothing is ever too much trouble. You will feel like a king or a queen for all the time you are staying at the property and, in fact, you will just dream about coming back from the moment you leave.
The above is just a handful of properties to tempt you… we have many more here at Celtic Castles and will happily share our first-hand knowledge and experience to help you choose your perfect property!
Whatever castle experience whets your appetite, add it to your bucket list now…that’s the first step in making it a reality.
The next step is to speak to us about your requirements and let us advise you on the best options for you!