Historic England - Stay in a castle

Step back in time to the days of knights and battles, when castles were vital to the defence of the kingdom. Visiting historic castles is undoubtedly a highlight of any trip in England, but if you really want to live England's heritage, why not stay overnight? Below are some delightful castles around England where you can live like a King, Queen, Lord or Lady for while.

North East England

Lumley Castle (www.enjoyengland.com/Accommodation/Chester-le-street/Hotel/36188/Lumley-Castle-Hotel.htm), County Durham
Standing proud for more than 600 years, Lumley Castle dominates the County Durham landscape. Surrounded by stunning parklands overlooking the River Wear, it is a magnificent monument to a bygone age of chivalry and honour.

Walworth Castle Hotel (www.enjoyengland.com/Accommodation/Darlington/Hotel/37211/Best-Western-Walworth-Castle-Hotel.htm), Darlington 
Walworth Castle Hotel just outside Darlington in County Durham, was built in 1189. Recently refurbished to an extremely high standard by owners Rachel and Chris Swain, Walworth Castle Hotel really is the ideal venue to sample England's Living History.

Augill Castle (www.enjoyengland.com/Accommodation/Kirkby-Stephen/Guest-Accommodation/88745/Augill-Castle.htm), Eden Valley
Since its building in 1841 Augill Castle has seen its fair share of colourful incumbents, not least the man whose vision the castle first was.

South East England

Amberley Castle (www.enjoyengland.com/Accommodation/Arundel/Country-House-Hotel/44375/Amberley-Castle-Country-Castle-Hotel.htm), Sussex
Hidden away for 900 years near the picturesque village of Amberley in the chalk South Downs, Amberley Castle is a magnificent historical treasure that offers beautiful landscaped gardens, fine examples of medieval architecture and an unrivalled atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.

South West

The Castle Hotel (www.the-castle-hotel.com), Somerset
Steeped in the drama and romance of English history and once a Norman fortress, the Castle lives at peace with its turbulent past but preserves the atmosphere of its ancient tradition. It has acquired a worldwide reputation for the warmth of its hospitality.

Thornbury Castle (www.enjoyengland.com/Accommodation/South-Gloucestershire/Hotel/53894/Thornbury-Castle.htm), Gloucestershire
Kings and queens have stayed here. Courtiers have flirted with ladies-in-waiting in the ancient yew-hedged gardens. Serving girls have chattered in the stone-flagged courtyard. Today, Thornbury Castle is the only Tudor castle in England to be open as a hotel.

Camelot Castle (www.camelotcastle.com/), Cornwall
Sitting proudly in Tintagel, the birthplace of King Arthur, the stunning Castle Hotel offers rooms with a priceless view over the Cornish coastline complete with a private beach and crystal clear sea and sand!

Yorkshire

Swinton Park (www.enjoyengland.com/Accommodation/Masham/Hotel/70700/Swinton-Park.htm), Yorkshire Dales
Swinton Park is set in 200 acres of parkland, lakes and gardens. Guests have access to rivers, reservoirs, moorland, dales and beautiful countryside bordering the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The recently refurbished spa, is equipped with a sauna, jacuzzi and relaxation zone and the restored Georgian stables have recently been converted into a state of the art Cookery School, run by celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager.

Warwick Castle

Bursting to the towers with tales of treachery and torture, passion and power and above all fascinating people, times and events, Warwick Castle is so much more than simply a castle. There’s something for everyone in 2009, with a bumper calendar of events and entertainment to enjoy.