What Do Our Experts Look For When Choosing a Castle Stay?

There's something undeniably magical about staying in a castle. Whether it's the history held within ancient stone walls, sweeping landscapes, or the feeling of stepping into another world entirely, it's an experience unlike any other.

One of the most common misconceptions we see is that all castles offer a similar experience - when in reality, each one has its own atmosphere, personality and sense of place.

For almost 30 years, Celtic Castle has built an extensive portfolio of remarkable properties alongside first-hand knowledge of what makes each one special.

When we share recommendations, they come from genuine experience of the castles themselves - whether through an overnight stay, a meet-and-greet visit or sampling their dining experiences. Tell us what you're looking for, and we can help point you in the right direction. Best of all, our service is completely free and comes with no obligation.

So when choosing a castle stay, it's worth considering what experiences our experts value most…

At a Glance

• Location & surroundings
• Atmosphere & authenticity
• Character & history
• Dining
• Activities
• Practical considerations
• Choosing the right type of stay

Location, Setting and Surroundings

Location can shape the entire feel of a castle stay.

Some guests are naturally drawn to complete seclusion - open landscapes, peaceful surroundings and a true sense of escape. Others prefer being closer to towns or villages, where a castle retreat can be combined with exploring the wider area.

For some, like Louisa, being close to water is a key attraction - whether that means a peaceful loch, a dramatic waterfall or scenic riverside walks right from the castle doorstep.

Lizzy believes the setting is often one of the first things to consider:

"Every castle has its own sense of place. Some sit close to transport links and local attractions, while others are tucked away in spectacular surroundings - be it rolling countryside views, waterside or gorgeous gardens - offering a journey into another world."

Julie is particularly drawn to castles that feel immersive while remaining accessible:

"When choosing a castle venue, I am particularly drawn to locations that feel secluded and immersive while still being reasonably accessible. Beautiful natural surroundings, such as lochs, mountains, woodland or coastline, are important to me because they enhance the overall experience and create a strong sense of place. My preference is to travel by car, so I am happy to take a drive out each day to explore whatever is on a castle's doorstep. This makes returning to my castle 'retreat' each evening even more comforting."

Beth also values having plenty to discover nearby:

"I love castles that offer plenty to explore right on the doorstep. Being able to wander through charming towns and villages, browse local shops, and discover great places to eat without needing to get in the car is always a huge bonus for me."

Practical considerations can also influence the final choice. Transport links, driving distances and proximity to airports can all help set expectations, particularly for international visitors or larger groups.

Seamy highlights how accessibility can make a real difference:

"As someone who does not drive, being able to use public transport to get to the castle of my choice is super important! A recent favourite has been Cringletie; a train and a scenic bus later and I was knocking on their door!"

Atmosphere, Style and Authenticity

No two castles feel quite the same, and the atmosphere is often what guests remember most.

Some properties embrace their history with stone walls, antique furnishings and traditional layouts, while others combine heritage features with contemporary comfort and luxury.

Amy captures the individuality of each property:

"Every castle has its own personality. Some feel deeply atmospheric and traditional, with exposed stone and historic features, while others have been thoughtfully restored into more modern, relaxed spaces. Even castles of a similar age can feel completely different inside."

For Simon, authenticity is often more appealing than perfection:

"I tend to enjoy places that feel authentic, maybe even a little rough around the edges."

Julie also looks for castles that retain a strong connection to their past:

"I prefer castles that retain their historic character and authenticity rather than those that feel overly modernised. Original features, period furnishings and a genuine connection to the building's history help create the unique atmosphere that I associate with a memorable castle stay. And I love a four-poster bed; to me, these give the experience a regal feel."

Ultimately, the balance between history and comfort comes down to personal preference. Some guests seek contemporary luxury, while others want a stay that transports them to another era.

Seamy reflects on the magic of finding that balance:

"This all comes down to personal taste, but there is nothing I enjoy more than a castle that brings you back to days gone by. Traquair Castle is a fabulous example; beautiful furnishings and modern amenities combine with the spirit of a bygone Scotland to make a truly unique experience."

Character and Individuality

Beyond style and design, many guests are naturally drawn to castles with a strong sense of personality.

That might come from architectural quirks, fascinating restoration stories, distinctive features, or simply the feeling that a property has a story of its own.

Lizzy highlights what makes each castle unique:

"No two castles are the same. Each has its own character and identity, with the exterior only offering a glimpse of what lies within. From hidden corners and historic features to distinctive interiors and stories, discovering what makes each castle unique is an essential part of the experience."

Beth is drawn to properties that successfully blend heritage with modern comfort:

"My perfect castle combines historic character and modern comfort. I'm drawn to properties with an authentic, impressive exterior, paired with stylish, clean and contemporary interiors that make guests feel instantly at home."

History also plays a major role in shaping a castle's individuality.

Roger, The Castle Man, loves discovering the stories behind each property:

"The charm of a historic building is very special. I love hearing the stories behind the castle and the people who have walked its corridors over time - discovering historical facts in the library, joining a tour or meeting the owners can make the experience even more memorable. I'm fascinated by unusual architectural features and love sitting in a great hall, imagining who sat there 500 years ago and the conversations they shared."

Of course, personality is not always found in the building itself. Sometimes, it is the people who bring a castle stay to life.

Seamy reflects on the impact of the teams behind each property:

"No two castle stays should ever be the same, and I often find that it is the onsite teams that make all the difference. Their character is truly woven into every castle stay and I have fond memories of my chats with every single staff member I have spoken (and laughed!) with."

Often, it is these details - whether architectural, historical or personal - that guests remember long after their visit.

Dining Experience: More Than Just a Meal

Dining often becomes an important part of a castle stay, although expectations can vary widely.

For some guests, it's about fine dining and carefully crafted menus. For others, it's the appeal of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and a stronger connection to the surrounding landscape.

For several members of the Celtic Castles team, food is a highlight of the overall stay.

Louisa shares what makes dining such a special part of visiting a castle:

"Fine dining feels like a real indulgence and is one of my favourite parts of a castle stay. The attention to detail, exceptional service, and creativity of the chefs make every meal feel like a special occasion. Castle teams have a wonderful way of making guests feel welcomed, valued, and thoroughly spoiled."

For many guests, dining is also an opportunity to discover something new. Julie particularly enjoys a tasting menu, where the chef has the freedom to create dishes around a particular style or occasion, giving her the chance to sample ingredients she might not otherwise choose.

Of course, not every guest is looking for a formal dining setting.

Lizzy points out:

"Food is a diverse topic. I love fine dining, but it's not for everyone. For some, checking menu options is a great way to plan and choose from a shortlist of places to stay, but I prefer to embrace whatever is on offer as part of the castle experience."

The type of stay can also influence what matters most. Roger often looks beyond the dining room:

"If I am self-catering in a castle, I want to know what the kitchen and equipment is like and how easy it is to access local ingredients. If I'm staying at a castle hotel, I love those that have their own walled gardens, with produce grown on the estate. Being able to chat with the kitchen team adds something special."

Whether it's a multi-course tasting menu, a hearty breakfast before exploring, or preparing a family meal together in a castle kitchen, food often becomes one of the highlights guests remember most.

Activities and Immersive Experiences

For many guests, the magic of a castle extends far beyond the walls of the building itself.

Some properties offer falconry, archery or themed evenings, while others host whisky tastings, storytelling or live music inspired by local traditions. In quieter settings, the grounds become an attraction in their own right - ideal for walking, exploring or simply taking time to slow down.

The activities that appeal most can vary greatly from one guest to another.

Lizzy enjoys making the most of what a castle's surroundings have to offer:

"A wander in the castle gardens is always a big draw for me. Some properties rely more on what's in the local area, so finding the places I'd like to explore before setting off from home helps with planning and ensures I have options for any rainy days."

Beth values castles where relaxation is just as important as adventure:

"I particularly love castles that offer opportunities to unwind and relax. Spa treatments, wellness facilities, and peaceful surroundings add an extra layer of luxury and help create a truly memorable escape."

Many castles provide far more than guests might initially expect. Activities on the estate can become a real highlight, with some properties also arranging experiences on-site, allowing guests to enjoy even more without needing to leave the grounds. Depending on the castle, these can include everything from boat trips and falconry displays to golf courses and other outdoor pursuits.

Roger recommends looking ahead:

"Many of these experiences can be viewed and booked in advance, so I always recommend reserving ahead where possible to avoid disappointment."

Louisa enjoys finding the right balance between activity and relaxation:

"For me, the perfect castle stay combines relaxation with memorable experiences. My family loves getting involved in activities such as mini Highland Games, outdoor pursuits, and team challenges. After a day of adventure, there's nothing better than unwinding in a luxurious spa."

Whether it's trying something new, exploring the surrounding estate or simply enjoying the slower pace of castle life, the right activities can add another dimension to a stay.

Practical Considerations: Dogs, Families and Access

The finer details can often make all the difference when choosing the right castle stay.

While the setting and atmosphere may initially capture attention, factors such as accessibility, room layouts, pet policies and suitability for different age groups can often influence the final decision.

For Louisa, travelling with family means finding a property that works for everyone - including four-legged guests:

"If I'm travelling with my family, I always look for dog-friendly castles with good grounds (for our Sprocker Spaniel) so we can all enjoy the outdoors."

Julie also considers the needs of everyone travelling:

"While atmosphere and character are important, practical considerations also influence my decision. I often book holidays on behalf of my wider family and a couple of members have dogs, which need to be factored into the planning. We also have a wide age range in the group - from 4 to 84 - so accessibility, plenty of bathrooms and a good selection of activities are key for us. For me, this results in a more comfortable and inclusive experience for everyone."

For larger family gatherings, the layout of the property can be just as important as the location.

Roger offers some helpful advice:

"When bringing families together, choosing bedrooms can feel complicated, but a little planning helps. Prioritising comfort for older family members first, then considering adjoining rooms or larger spaces for those with children, usually works well. Sometimes putting the kids together creates its own fun, especially if the castle has a games, TV or cinema room."

Many castles are wonderfully suited to families, groups and guests travelling with dogs, but every property is different. Lizzy recommends taking time to consider the finer details beforehand, helping to ensure expectations are met and the whole stay feels comfortable and stress-free.

Choosing the Right Type of Stay

By this stage, many guests have a clearer idea of what they are looking for - but one final consideration is the style of castle break itself.

Are you drawn to the atmosphere and convenience of a castle hotel, the flexibility of a self-catering property, or the exclusivity of having an entire castle to yourselves?

Roger has a simple rule of thumb:

"Sometimes it all comes down to the nature of the stay. For couples on a short break, a castle hotel often works beautifully. For small family groups or celebrations, either a self-catering property or an exclusive-use castle with full staffing and added services can be ideal. Family stays in castle hotels can also be fantastic, especially where there are additional activities on the grounds or nearby."

There is no single 'best' way to experience a castle. The right choice depends on the occasion, the people travelling and the type of memories you hope to create.

Our Final Thoughts

At Celtic Castles, our role is simply to remove uncertainty and open up possibilities. With almost three decades of experience and first-hand knowledge of each property, we aim to match guests with castles that genuinely suit what they are looking for.

Because no two castles are quite the same. Whether your priority is location, atmosphere, dining, activities, family-friendly facilities or complete exclusivity, the perfect castle is the one that feels made for your occasion.

Every castle has its own personality, story and sense of place. And when those elements come together, a castle stay becomes something truly unforgettable.

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