Real Castles Around the World You Can Actually Sleep In
Have you ever watched a movie or read a fantasy book and wished you could live in the massive stone fortress? Good news: you do not need to be a king or queen to make that happen.
All over the globe, there are incredible, real-life castles that have opened their heavy wooden doors to everyday travelers. Instead of just walking through a dusty museum and looking at old suits of armor behind glass, you get to actually spend the night and live out your own adventure.
These amazing spots are the perfect mix of old-school magic and modern comfort. You can sleep in a room packed with hundreds of years of history, but still enjoy a super soft bed, great food, and plenty of modern perks like Wi-Fi.
Whether you want to stay in a giant stone tower or a fancy hillside mansion, we have put together a list of places where history truly meets hospitality. Get ready to discover some incredible castles around the world where you can pack a bag, grab your friends, and actually stay the night.
Ashford Castle (Ireland)
Ashford Castle in Ireland is a massive stone building that looks straight out of a video game. Built way back in the 13th century, it is now a famous hotel where you can easily book a room and spend the night.
Walking through its huge halls feels like stepping into the past, but it still has all the modern comforts you want for a great trip.
You will not just sit around inside the castle, either. The huge outdoor area has super fun things to do, like learning how to fly real hawks at their awesome falconry school. You can also try archery, go horseback riding, or take a fun boat ride on the nearby water.
It is a perfect mix of old-school history and outdoor action, making it a fantastic place to visit.
Inverlochy Castle (Scotland)
Hidden away in the Scottish Highlands near Fort William, Inverlochy Castle is a stunning 19th-century mansion. Even Queen Victoria loved staying here back in the day, and now you can do the exact same thing.
The huge stone walls and grand rooms make you feel like you stepped straight into a historical movie. It is super quiet and surrounded by tall mountains, making it an amazing place to crash after a busy day of exploring.
When you are ready for some action, there is plenty to do right outside the front door. You can take awesome hikes up the nearby trails, try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, or go on a fun boat trip across the dark, mysterious waters.
At night, you get to eat fantastic food and sleep in a huge, comfy bed. It gives you the perfect chance to live like royalty while enjoying all the wild nature Scotland has to offer.
Château de Bagnols (France)
If you want to feel like a character in a fantasy movie, Château de Bagnols in France is the place to go. Built back in the 13th century, this massive building actually has a real water moat and a drawbridge you can walk right across.
The giant stone towers and cool courtyard make it look like a movie set, but it is completely real. Today, it operates as a fancy hotel where you get to sleep in rooms with huge fireplaces from hundreds of years ago, all while enjoying fast Wi-Fi and comfy beds.
When you are not hanging out in your historic room, you can head outside for some fun. The castle features a huge swimming pool surrounded by cool architecture where you can swim no matter the weather.
You can also grab a bike to ride through the nearby French towns or have a picnic in the beautiful gardens. It is a fantastic way to step back in time without giving up the fun things you love to do on vacation.
Castello di Amorosa (USA, California – Nearby Stay)
You might not expect to find a huge medieval fortress in California, but Castello di Amorosa proves otherwise. This amazing building looks exactly like an old Italian castle from the 13th century, complete with high towers, a deep moat, and a working drawbridge.
Since the main building is actually a working winery, you cannot sleep inside the walls. However, you can book a room at one of the awesome hotels located just minutes away. This lets you spend your whole day exploring dark dungeons before heading to a comfy bed down the road.
Visiting this huge property feels like stepping into a time machine. You can take cool photos with real suits of armor, walk through long underground caves made of ancient bricks, and check out the farm animals roaming outside.
Even though your room is slightly off the property, spending the day wandering around these giant stone walls gives you all the magic of a historical adventure without ever having to cross the ocean.