The 5 Most Beautiful Castles You Can Stay in, UK

Let us help you stay in the most remarkable castles in the UK

~

A view of the walls and garden at Castle Narnia, Plum Guide home in Wales, UK

When we say we’ve found the perfect holiday home for you, we mean it. No trip is complete without accommodation that suits your every need, and that’s where Plum Guide comes in. We’ve done the hard work for you by searching far and wide to build our collection of the world’s most remarkable places to stay. So take a look at this guide to the finest castles in our UK collection to ensure quality you can trust.

Discover the greatest castles in our UK collection

Take a look at 5 of the very best castles we have to offer in the UK. Your high standards are guaranteed to be met by the quality and character that these homes display.

Castle Gold, Argyll and Bute, UK

An exterior shot of Castle Gold, Plum Guide home in Argyll and Bute, UK

An exterior shot of Castle Gold, Plum Guide home in Argyll and Bute, UK

Click to book Castle Gold now: from £980 per night Juxtaposing the old with the new, the rustic with the elegant and medieval with romantic – this 16th Century castle is a magical force to be reckoned with. Perched in a quaint Scottish village amidst the ancient landscape of Kilmartin Glen and 8,000 years of history – you'll be located off the beaten track and in one of Europe's most archaeological areas when staying here. From ancient forts, burial tombs, rock carvings and standing stone – unspoiled Scotland awaits your discovery. With its restoration complete in 2019, the castle itself retains tons of original character, alongside modern home comforts and stylish designs throughout. Each of the five guest suites features its own ensuite bathroom, underfloor heating, walk-in wet rooms, luxury bedding and there are three free-standing copper bathtubs to fight over.

Around the castle, you'll find plenty of nooks, window seats and comfy corners to cosy up in with a hot drink in hand. At the heart of the. home, the grand hall provides the perfect place to gather around the fire in the evenings, socialise and listen to music on the record player. We love the quirky designs here – from the artwork to the antique furniture pieces the castle is brimming with elegance and personality. Over in the dining room, enjoy a delicious locally sourced home-cooked meal under the original stone barrel-vaulted ceiling for a truly majestic experience. Beyond the castle walls, the extensive gardens include a large outdoor dining table alongside a barbecue, pizza oven and a fire pit for alfresco dining. There's even a wild swimming pond for those brave enough to take a dip in nature. Set off on blissful walks to discover what the hosts call "an outdoor museum" as Kilmartin Glen has the largest number of historical finds within a six-mile radius. Whether you're into paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, photography, distillery tours, eating out or even island hopping – the village of Kilmartin Village, just a three-minute walk away quite simply has it all. Sleeps up to 10 | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms

The Crown Jewel, East Lothian, UK

An exterior shot of The Crown Jewel, Plum Guide home in East Lothian, UK

An exterior shot of The Crown Jewel, Plum Guide home in East Lothian, UK

Click to book The Crown Jewel now: from £1694 per night Escape to a fairytale castle near the coastal town of North Berwick as you live like royalty. Notable guests to this 16th century home include King James VI of Scotland where he once sought refuge. Hopefully you won’t be retreating from a rebel army, but instead relaxing in the opulent surroundings. Restored in 2002, the home boasts modern amenities amongst historical character such as grand fireplaces, antique tapestries, and coats of arms. Seat 32 guests around an antique French walnut table as a private chef prepares a feast fit for a king in the vaulted dining room. If you fancy a bit of quiet time, sneak off to the library with its own private bar and array of leather-bound books. When night time falls ascend one of two spiral staircases to reach the bedrooms where a complimentary drinks trays will be waiting for you. Feel every inch a royal as you step out of one of the roll top baths, place your feet on the heated floor, and cosy up in your fluffy robe. Wake up in one of the antique beds to views of rolling countryside. You’re perfectly placed to enjoy access to world famous golf courses, while Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, lies just 18 miles away. Or simply enjoy spending time in your own slice of Scottish history. Sleeps up to 13 | 7 Bedrooms | 7 Bathrooms

Crawley's Castle, South Scotland, UK

An exterior shot of Crawley's Castle, Plum Guide home in South Scotland, UK

An exterior shot of Crawley's Castle, Plum Guide home in South Scotland, UK

Click to book Crawley's Castle now: from £3828 per night This sprawling estate is a landmark Scottish castle with a rich history dating back to 1785. Since its origins, it has belonged to Clan Home and, while it remains in the Home family to this day, they're letting guests in for an unforgettable holiday. Each room in the castle displays its own character; such as the rosy drawing room with plush sofas and embellished walls, or the turquoise parlour with historic family paintings and ornate mahogany furnishings. The upstairs bedrooms are capacious and grand, with luxurious lounge and dressing areas, helping you to put on your glad rags for a grand feast in the big dining room. If you're not cooking, play a game of pool in the billiards room, sip cocktails by a fireplace in one of the drawing rooms, or simply strut down the towering hallways - it's not often you get to stay in somewhere as unique as this. Sleeps up to 24 | 12 Bedrooms | 12 Bathrooms

Isobel's Expeditions, Midlothian, UK

An exterior shot of Isobel's Expeditions, Plum Guide home in Midlothian, UK

An exterior shot of Isobel's Expeditions, Plum Guide home in Midlothian, UK

Click to book Isobel's Expeditions now: from £7903 per night An extraordinary place to stay, mixing the fairytale architecture of a 19th century baronial mansion with a chic, modern interior and luxurious furnishings, this place is a true showstopper. Just a ten-minute drive from Edinburgh Airport, it's the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion as a family or a group of friends. A flexible space, with the main house sleeping up to eighteen guests, and a nearby gate lodge able to offer additional room for a further eight, it's not short of beautifully decorated bedrooms. On the ground floor, grand entertainment space begs for an elegant soiree to be held here, with a fabulous entrance hall, dramatic lounge, bar, piano room and orangery – where fine dinners can be held. Bedrooms are spread across three floors and feature deep carpets, opulent furnishings and en-suite bathrooms. Outside, wander the manicured gardens and park-like grounds, head off on hikes or play some tennis on the private courts. Just a twenty-minute drive from the center of Edinburgh, this estate is in the ideal location to escape to the country while staying close enough to easily explore the city. Sleeps up to 18 | 9 Bedrooms | 9 Bathrooms

Castle Narnia, South Wales, UK

An exterior shot of Castle Narnia, Plum Guide home in South Wales, UK

An exterior shot of Castle Narnia, Plum Guide home in South Wales, UK

Click to book Castle Narnia now: from £200 per night Set on the grounds of a historic landmark – Manorbier Castle, this unique home presents guests with the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in its history. Roam the atmospheric tunnels and fairytale towers where Gerald of Wales was born in 1146. As the castle closes from the public at 4 pm, after hours will be all yours to explore as you please. Adding to the rich tapestry of Manorbier Castle's incredible history, the property also appeared in the BBC adaptation of C. S Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – which in our view makes this place comparable to a fantasy dream world, most definitely worth writing home about. Your stay in the cottage residence grants breathtaking views, not just of the castle's medieval architecture, but across Manorbier Bay and out to sea. Familiarise yourself with the romance and mystery of ancient Welsh folklore through the humble interiors and timeless artwork found inside the cottage. While the contemporary fittings of the kitchen and bathroom ensure comfort and practicality, the classic designs seen in the living space and bedrooms reflect the Norman exteriors with elegance. Enjoy a slice of privacy in the serene courtyard garden, where you'll hear the waves crashing in the distance. Situated just a short walk down to the beach, head towards the glistening waters of the beautiful Manorbier bay. Pembrokeshire is dotted with picturesque golden beaches and steeped in the rich history of Celtic myths and legends, as well as historical towns, castles, harbours and hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered, only a short drive away. Sleeps up to 12 | 5 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms

Plum Guide journal banner

Why book through Plum Guide?

  • We meticulously test every home available in each of our destinations, selecting only the top 3%.

  • Our professional Home Critics obsess over every last detail, so absolutely nothing is left to chance.

  • Our friendly team of experts is just a phone call away, and always ready to help in any way they can.

Read what our guests have to say on Trustpilot.

Discover more remarkable Plum Guide homes with different distinguishing features

Plum Guide Destination Expert's profile photo

Written by

Stay in the world's most beautiful homes

Search for a holiday home