England: Stay like a Royal
Britain has a rich history and it is reflected in its many castles dotted around the country. Many of them are still in great condition and some of these have been converted to hotels. This gives an opportunity to a tourist to stay for a few nights like a ‘Royal’.
England too has its fair share of these castles dating from the 11th century to the 19th century, from early Medieval times to the Victorian era.They are spread across England, from Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire in the north, to the Cotswolds, Devon and Cornwall in the south.
The castles feature extensive gardens, public rooms, lounges, restaurants and bars. You feel as if you are inside the pages of a fairy tale, experiencing the lives of kings and queens, dragon hunters, and knights in shining armour! The interiors are a celebration of the historic periods, with four poster beds, luxurious tapestries, fireplaces, antiques and priceless furniture.
Some of the popular castles converted into hotels are:
Bovey Castle is set within 275 acres of beautiful countryside within the Dartmoor National Park. Purchased originally by W.H.Smith in 1890 from the earl of Devon, the 5000 acres estate was developed by his son, Frederick. He built the lavish manor house in a Neo Elizabethan style with beautiful interiors.
It was later purchased by the Great Western Railway which converted it into a hotel with a golf course, resulting in its patronage by many celebrities. The property kept on being upgraded until finally being known as Bovey Castle in 2003. It achieved its five star status in 2004 and was then bought by the award winning Eden Hotel Collection as part of their portfolio of luxury UK hotels.
Stay:
The castle boasts 60 bedrooms and 22 self-catering lodges, along with a spa, indoor pool, a renowned restaurant, an award-winning 18-hole championship golf course and a huge range of outdoor activities across the estate and surrounding national park. The views, overlooking the wooded hills, are beautiful.
The interiors showcase huge stone fireplaces, sweeping mahogany staircases, ornate plaster ceilings, oak paneling, sparkling wallpapers, feather-filled sofas and luxurious fabrics. The rooms are artistically decorated and the bathrooms are perfect.
Activities:
Apart from the golf course and the heated swimming pool, there are tennis courts, steam room, sauna and gym, a croquet pitch, archery and rifle range, bike rides, Dartmoor tours, Deer park tours, fly fishing and hot air ballooning.
Visitors can also indulge in Cider making, clay pigeon shooting, falconry, horse carriage rides and Yoga classes.
Culinary experiences:
Smith’s Brasserie:
Smith’s Brasserie is well known in the area for its beautiful decor, views from the terrace and award winning menus. The menu is carefully curated, from small plates to authentic dishes, made from high quality locally sourced produce.
Great Western Grill:
This is an award winning restaurant with a well curated menu featuring the best of British cuisine. It is made using locally sourced, sustainable produce.
Amberley Castle is a luxury hotel with a history dating back to the 12th century. It is owned by the Brownsword family at present. The castle provides guests with an opportunity to create wonderful memories during their stay. Many famous celebrities visited the castle in its earlier days when it was in the ownership of various bishops, including Kings and Queens.
Amberley Castle converted to a hotel in 1989, enjoying a reputation for luxury accommodation ever since. The castle is located in a village of the same name which is very easy to get to from London.
Tall, old castle walls, a magnificent staircase and a moat, though dry, add to the atmosphere of the hotel.
Activities:
The activities include tennis courts, an 18 hole putting green and a croquet lawn.
Stay:
There are 19 luxurious guest rooms encompassed by 12 acres of gardens. The interiors reflect the history of the castle, with four poster beds, antique furniture, velvet curtains and lattice windows. There are classic rooms, superior rooms, deluxe rooms and suites.
The bathrooms are more contemporary with luxurious bathtubs and a separate shower area. Amberley Castle is an ideal venue for weddings too, giving the guests a feel of the bygone era.
Culinary Experiences:
The restaurant is in the magnificent Queen’s room, with its barrel vaulted ceiling dating back to the 12th century. The cuisine is an exquisite combination of flavours designed by the Head Chef. The restaurant has gained a reputation as one of the best ones in the area for a fine dining experience.
Hever Castle is a 13th century moated castle, surrounded by 125 acres of greenery and situated just 30 miles from London. It was the childhood home of Henry VIII’s second wife, the mother of Queen Elizabeth I.
So historically, Hever Castle has great value as a castle hotel. It was built in 1270 by William de Hever William and remained in the family for many generations before being owned by King Henry and finally ending up with the present owners, the Guthrie family.
Activities:
Apart from the extensive gardens great for a leisurely stroll, there are many activities one can indulge in at the Hever Castle.
There are 2 golf courses, one being an 18 hole par 72 championship course and the other a 9 hole course at the Hever Golf Club. Tennis courts are also part of the sports activities and equipment for the same is available for the guests.There is a spa as well for many different rejuvenating experiences. For children, there is a maze, a play area, an archery range and a miniature model house museum.
Stay:
There are 27 rooms situated in two extensions which were added at a later date. They are known as the Astor wing and the Anne Boleyn wing. These are furnished with gorgeous antique furniture, exquisite tapestries and invaluable art pieces. A beautifully panelled lounge, a dining area and a Billiards room are available for the guests.
Four more rooms are available in Medley Court, which is part of the Astor wing. A lounge with a fireplace, a kitchen and a dining room are part of the cottage.
Culinary Experiences:
There are multiple options for pleasing the palate at Hever Castle. There is indoor seating and outdoor seating in restaurants, a takeaway facility, some interesting kiosks serving ice cream and barbecue and a doughnut van.
The Waterside Restaurant, Bar and Terrace:
The Waterside serves Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon tea for the guests as well as visitors. The menu is extensive and everything is prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Cafés:
The Moat café and Guthrie Pavilion café serve sandwiches, cakes, hot snacks and drinks. There are a lot of picnic spots with benches in the grounds for which takeaway is available at the Moat café.
Originally conceived and built in 1511 by Edward Stafford, the second richest man in England after the king, Thornbury Castle has since seen a lot of history. Having been taken over later by King Henry VIII, it became Queen Anne’s and his own residence for some time.
Its easy accessibility from London, the magnificent Tudor architecture and the opulent interiors contribute to its success as a hotel. The surrounding 15 acre park adds to the beauty of the property.
Stay:
Thornbury Castle has 26 painstakingly restored bedrooms, each with its unique slice of history. Some have four poster beds, ornate ceilings, stone walls and roaring fireplaces.
The opulence is reflected in the furniture, the tapestries and the luxurious fabrics used to recreate the original atmosphere. Deluxe, super deluxe rooms and suites offer an unforgettable stay!
Activities:
There are many walking trails along a variety of beautiful gardens, and for the sports inclined, Archery, Falconry and Croquet can be enjoyed on the lawns.
Culinary experiences:
Thornbury Castle has cultivated a reputation as a culinary destination as well. Chefs work with the finest and freshest produce which is locally sourced. To complement the experience, sommeliers offer a selection of the finest vintages from the castle’s extensive cellar. Menus are impressive and food is served in royal surroundings.
A decadent afternoon tea is served in continuation of the British tradition. Private dining experiences and weddings are welcome.
Augill Castle was built in the 1830s by John Bagot Pearson, a solicitor, as a weekend retreat. The design reflected the Victorian Gothic style, but it went through a lot of remodelling in the next 100 years.It is set in around 10 acres of grounds in a rural setting with beautiful views all around. The present owners have elegantly renovated the property to create a memorable stay for the guests. A few quirky touches create an old world atmosphere, giving the castle a charming homely character.
Oak panelled walls from the 17th century, a stone fireplace and a magnificent gilded ceiling create an atmosphere of warmth. Eclectic design is the theme running throughout the castle.
Stay:
There are 13 huge bedrooms having majestic views through ornate windows. The bedrooms offer a unique blend of historic elegance and modern amenities. They have luxurious fabrics, antique furnishings, bold wallpapers and comfortable linen. Many bedrooms open into a private garden overlooking the castle grounds.
Activities:
There are many walking paths along blooming flower borders. A Tennis court is available for the sporting guests. There are board games and toys to keep the children entertained.
Culinary experiences:
Food at Augill Castle is a celebration of the past and the present. Locally sourced fresh ingredients are used to create global flavours, all reflecting the passion of the chefs. Breakfast is a leisurely affair while dinners are course by course meals. The afternoon tea has been reinvented by Augill Castle and is very popular in the region!
The Great British Bar on the property showcases the best of small British distillers, brewers and fermentors with spirits, cider & beer sourced from them. Augill Castle’s own 1837 Gin is the ‘star’ of the collection.
There are many more such properties throughout Great Britain. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a ‘Royal Holiday’.
