Luxury Castle Honeymoon Inspiration
Why book a castle for your honeymoon?
A honeymoon destination should be a true escape from your everyday world. Where is worthy of celebrating your unique love for one another that can compare to the carefully chosen location of your wedding? May we suggest staying within the walls of somewhere that is also truly exceptional? By that, of course, we mean a castle…
Luxury and comfort of the bedrooms
Whether restored from near-ruins, or passed down graciously through generations, castles boast beautiful, characterful interiors combined with modern luxuries. From sumptuous sofas set before huge, ancient fireplaces, carefully-placed mood lighting and lavishly-draped windows, large rooms become warm, cosy honeymoon retreats.
Ancient architecture
Castles have their own charming history and fascinating stories, told through family portraits, heirlooms and thick stone walls, giving them a unique romantic atmosphere and timeless charm. The first sight of a castle’s magnificent, historic façade will become a treasured memory. Begin the journey of your married life in a castle, a place so many other love stories have passed through.
Scenic landscape
A room with a view is on every honeymooning couple’s wish list, for that moment of calm, appreciation of natural beauty or all-important romantic backdrop. Whether gazing out over a peaceful country estate, wandering hand-in-hand through immaculately-tended gardens or boating along the ethereal shimmer of a lake, the immediate surroundings of a castle will certainly enhance your experience.
Delectably good food
Many castles pride themselves on their cuisine offering, with award-winning menus a regular feature. And don’t forget the castle cellar, which houses the perfect bottle of wine to accompany any dish. Many ingredients don’t have far to travel either; with walled gardens in the grounds producing fresh fruit and veg, game available on shooting estates and fish from the local rivers or lochs, you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere providing fresher, more seasonal cuisine than a castle!
Where to stay
All this and more makes a castle the ideal honeymoon destination for couples looking for that extra magic. Read on to discover a few of our hand-picked suggestions, which can each offer you something uniquely special...
Thornbury Castle
The Tower Suite has one of the largest beds in the UK. All of the individually-styled bedrooms are fit for royalty, displaying iconic period detail and rich colour Imperial prints across flooring, fabrics and walls. Downstairs, Tudor opulence adorns every room; embellished mirrors, picture frames and occasional furniture complement the exposed stonework and dark wood panelling backdrop.
If you book your honeymoon at Thornbury Castle, you’re not only within easy access to London, you will also be treading in the footsteps of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn! You will enjoy British-inspired cuisine that is grown with integrity and served with creativity, alongside a selection of over 200 wines from around the world. Located in south-west England, close to historic Bath and the Cotswolds, this majestic castle has earned a significant place in history and is a delightful place to start your own romantic story.
Ballynahinch Castle
Situated among the vast landscape of mountains, heathland and lakes of Connemara, on the edge of the Owenmore River, this honeymoon destination boasts some of the finest views in Ireland. For adventurers, the opportunities are endless, from exploring the unspoilt beaches of the Wild Atlantic Bay to hiking across Connemara National Park. The 18th-century castle is also within easy reach of cultural landmarks and lovely coastal fishing villages.
Make the most of the castle grounds too, wandering the many estate trails, stopping for a romantic picnic by the lake and admiring the colourful gardens. You can become entwined with nature here.
Featuring a mouthwatering menu that changes with the seasons, the castle’s Owenmore Restaurant is another place you’ll want to frequent. Picture dining by candlelight over dishes of fresh fish or game from the West Coast, gazing out across shimmering water and towering pine trees silhouetted against a pink sunset.
Swinton Estate
This castle hotel features luxurious suites, delectable award-winning cuisine and views over picturesque parkland and a shimmering lake. The 20,000 acre estate is a home to a plethora of experiences bound into a heritage landscape in the famous Yorkshire Dales in the north of England.
From honing your culinary skills in the cookery school to playing a round of golf, to experiencing utter relaxation in the sublime, contemporary spa, this castle estate literally has it all. Make the most of time together outdoors; choose mountain biking, pony trekking, explore the deer park or have a falconry experience. Take delightful walks through breath-taking scenery from wild mountainous moorland to scenic, peaceful rivers.
The luxurious castle is the ancestral seat of the Earl of Swinton and its welcoming atmosphere will envelop you throughout your honeymoon stay. The array of beautifully-appointed bedrooms feature an historical aesthetic, luxurious beds and delightful views.
Ashford Castle
For five-star luxury on your honeymoon, opt for this magnificent castle brimming with unrivalled Irish hospitality. Situated on an equally impressive estate on the banks of Lough Corrib, this 800-year-old castle of national significance has hosted countless notable figures over its remarkable history. Bedrooms and suites are impeccably presented featuring bespoke-designed carpets, richly-coloured fabrics and wall coverings and lavish drapes, which together create a highly-distinguished aesthetic. From lake to parkland views, each room has been thoughtfully styled with grace and opulence and features exquisite antique furnishings with exceptional modern amenities. Castle suites offer the addition of a large private dining space and a guaranteed river outlook.
Top off your luxury honeymoon with a couples’ massage in the award-winning spa and an evening of Irish fine dining in the George V Dining Room. Continue the romance exploring Ashford’s secret passageways or a peaceful boat ride through the estate.
Château Rhianfa
Originally built as a gift to a Lady from her husband inspired by her sketches of a favoured French château, this 19th-century fairy-tale castle with its elegant windows, pretty balconies and dainty turrets, overlooks the Menai Strait on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey. Stroll hand-in-hand through the peaceful Grade II-listed Parterre Garden leading to the atmospheric shores of a private beach.
Rhianfa is a wonderful honeymoon destination, not only for its surrounding landscape but also its eclectic interior of rich colour, intricate design and tactile fabrics, in turn adding romance, uniqueness and charm. Choose from an array of individually-styled bedrooms, each combining contemporary luxury with traditional features and period furnishings.
Here you’ll also experience thoughtful hospitality and varied Welsh cuisine welcoming you back after a morning exploring the delightful local town or the north-Wales coast. Soak up views of the towering peaks of Snowdonia over homemade cakes and later savour an intimate dinner in 'Le Dragon Rouge' restaurant.
Glenapp Castle
This award-winning, luxury Scottish castle hotel resides on the Ayrshire coast, surrounded by idyllic gardens, forest and seascapes. A long, tree-lined drive eventually reveals its Scottish baronial façade complete with towers, turrets and crenellations.
Once inside, you can absorb the Victorian splendour of oak-panelled halls, beautifully-upholstered period furnishings and exquisite patterned fabrics adoring every room. The romance here is palpable; embrace dramatic sea views featuring the famous volcanic outcrop of Ailsa Craig, and stroll the lovely grounds from the walled and Italian gardens to the private wooded glen.
Food-loving honeymooners can delight in fine-dining experiences at Glenapp. Indulge in a rustic lunch in the botanical-themed, 200-year-old Mackenzie and Moncur Victorian Glasshouse, reminisce over delicately-crafted afternoon tea and Champagne and share your dreams over a candlelit dinner for two in the castle dining room, whilst admiring moonlit trees on the Mull of Kintyre.
Hedingham Castle - Royal Chamber
Featuring one of the oldest keeps in the country and with a dramatic history spanning 900 years, this secluded sanctuary is like stepping back in time. Offering bed and breakfast, it is a haven of romance for those looking for ultimate peace and privacy. Exposed stone walls and wooden rafters reach up high, encompassing beautifully-crafted furnishings from an ornate canopy four-poster bed to a panelled double bath in front of an open fire.
The spacious chamber is lavishly dressed in regal reds and golds with dark wood throughout. Sparkling chandeliers and lanterns provide a gentle evening glow whilst the large, deep-set arched windows fill the space with morning light as you sit down to a delicious continental breakfast on the beautiful oak table set for two. Those staying in the royal chamber will have the entire castle to themselves as well as the glorious grounds, which include a lake, ancient woodland and landscaped gardens.
Mingary Castle
If your wish is to honeymoon in a renovated castle on the coast, then we wholeheartedly recommend Mingary. From the seafront it is almost indistinguishable from its striking rock and mountainous moorland setting; a true hidden gem perfectly encased in the ancient, remote and beautiful landscape of the Sound of Mull. This 13th-century castle was lovingly and meticulously restored from abandoned ruin across three years and honeymooners passionate about history and architecture would delight in its fascinating and dramatic story.
Inside, floors, staircases and furnishings in light wood, a plethora of floral prints and stoic stone walls create a simple country charm. The five suites feature luxurious Georgian style, through shiny roll-top baths, grand four-posters and sumptuous velvet settees. This is a truly romantic and relaxing haven.
A glass of Champagne at sunset is best sipped at a window as you take in the glorious, ethereal sea views across to the Hebrides. Savour this alongside the daily-changing, six-course tasting menu featuring the very best of seasonal Scottish cuisine.
Why use Celtic Castles?
Our castle experts are available 7 days a week to offer independent advice on any of our castles. We offer a completely free, unbiased service from your initial venue search through to the booking process. Our comprehensive, easy-to-navigate website provides an extensive array of both exclusive-use properties and castle hotels featuring detailed descriptions and beautiful photographs.
What truly sets Celtic Castle apart from the rest is our extensive knowledge and passion for staying in castles – our experts can give advice on how to make the most of your stay. Please don’t hesitate to browse our website or contact us directly to find out more about any of the castles detailed above, along with many more.
We look forward to helping you discover your ideal honeymoon castle destination.