Love The Traitors? These 6 castles let you live the faithful fantasy
Clytha Castle, Monmouthshire
One of Britain’s most romantic castles, not only was pint-sized Clytha built in the 1790s as a memorial to its owner’s recently deceased wife, but the castle is also a vision of dainty, storybook style. Restored by the Landmark Trust, there is space for just six guests beneath its ornate crenellations and behind its Gothic-style windows.
A circular kitchen, a lounge with an open fire and Rapunzel-ready turrets all add to the fairy-tale charm. As do views of the Usk Valley; set on a small hill overlooking the landscaped grounds of Clytha Park, the castle comes with stirring views towards the Skirrid mountain.
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Doyden Castle, Cornwall
This tiny cliffside fortress near Port Isaac is understandably popular with honeymooners given it sleeps just two. It was built by local bon viveur Samuel Symons in the 19th century as a place to entertain his friends.
Despite the castle’s small dimensions, space has been found to incorporate custom-designed wine bins. For today’s guests, the biggest draw is the coastal location; wake up to views of the waves from the comfort of bed, then head out for a day’s hiking along the adjacent South West Coast Path, or surfing in nearby Polzeath, before returning to Doyden for a wholesome – or hedonistic – evening by the open fire.
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Kilmartin Castle, Argyll & Bute
Available on a B&B basis and for exclusive-use rental, Kilmartin Castle treads a slick line between hip and historic. Set at the gateway to Kilmartin Glen – soon home to a newly polished archaeology museum – the building dates to 1550 but fell into ruin until the 1990s, when it was restored.
In 2014 Anglo-Aussie couple Stef Burgon and Simon Hunt bought the castle and refurbished it more extensively. Its five bedrooms and grand hall now feature underfloor heating, copper bathtubs, art, antiques and a spin-yourself vinyl collection, but the castle’s ancient stone walls, spiral staircases and arrowslit windows still take centre stage.
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Forter Castle, Perthshire
A 16th-century keep stationed between Blairgowrie and Braemar, Forter hosts 12 to 16 guests in Caledonian splendour. Built by the Ogilvys of Airlie in 1560 to guard the entrance to two strategic passes, the castle now serves as an elegant gateway to the Cairngorms.
Restored from ruin by owner-designer Katharine Pooley and her father, it’s decorated with heather-hued rugs, intricate tapestries and sparkling crystal. A hand-painted ceiling in the great hall, by artist Jenny Merredew, depicts the traditional Scottish song ‘The Bonnie House of Airlie’ – and the infamous destruction of the castle by the Campbell clan in the 17th century.
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Noblestone Castle, Norfolk
Few stays deliver the fantasy of castle living quite as convincingly as Norfolk's Noblestone Castle. Reached by drawbridge and encircled by its own swan-dotted moat, this Grade I-listed fortress dates back to 1455, yet seamlessly combines centuries of history with the comforts expected of a luxury group retreat.
Inside, grand oak-panelled dining rooms, elegant reception spaces and roaring open fires set the scene for memorable gatherings, while 15 beautifully appointed bedrooms accommodate up to 30 guests in regal style.
Book your stay at Noblestone Castle.
Finnie Castle, Scottish Borders
For those seeking a castle stay steeped in genuine Scottish history, Finnie Castle offers a rare opportunity to experience life inside a beautifully restored 15th-century stronghold in the heart of the Scottish Borders. Surrounded by ancient woodland and overlooking the tranquil River Jed, the castle combines centuries-old character with warm, inviting interiors, from its magnificent Great Hall with ancestral portraits and an ornate fireplace to its atmospheric turrets, chapel and vaulted undercrofts.
Sleeping up to 18 guests across nine individually designed bedrooms, it is an exceptional setting for family celebrations and group escapes.
