Grand castle escapes
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Britain’s castles and stately homes are proof that heritage isn’t static – it’s history clients can step in. Packed events programmes and outdoor activities throughout the summer give even more reasons to explore. From Cumbria’s countryside manors and Aberdeenshire’s strongholds to Cardiff’s urban fortress, Britain’s castles have been transformed into vibrant venues and boutique stays where history meets film sets, open-air theatre, garden festivals, Michelin-starred dining, and luxury spa retreats.
ENGLAND: Cumbria
Muncaster Castle, Eskdale
Meet ghosts and jesters at Muncaster Castle in Eskdale, a grand manor house surrounded by 77 acres of historic gardens (seasonal opening hours between May and October). Still home to the Pennington family after eight centuries, the castle is reportedly one of Britain’s most haunted and is also the only historic home in the UK to still appoint an official Fool (or jester) – a tradition dating back to the 16th century. Clients can explore opulent rooms filled with tapestries and antique treasures. In summer, one of Europe’s largest collections of rhododendrons bursts into bloom, while the estate’s Hawk and Owl Centre hosts birds of prey displays. A diverse programme of events runs throughout the season, from outdoor theatre and live music to food and medieval festivals. Bookable overnight, Ghost Sit in the Tapestry Room, rumoured to be the most haunted are also available.
Getting there: The nearest airport is Manchester Airport, a two-hour drive away. If travelling by public transport, take a train from Manchester to Barrow-in-Furness, then a taxi to the castle.
Lowther Castle, Penrith
For a romantic day out, clients can visit Lowther Castle, a ruined Victorian mansion set within 130 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland, now revived as part of a comprehensive restoration project. Once an extravagant architectural endeavour that nearly bankrupted the Earl of Lonsdale, and left abandoned after 1957, the castle and surrounding estate have been reimagined by landscape designer Dan Pearson , an ongoing project that started in 2007. He has transformed the grounds into a series of visually striking outdoor ‘rooms’, including a garden in the ruins where plants weave through the castle walls and a fairytale-like Rose Garden inspired by the Sleeping Beauty story. Clients can also discover The Story of Lowther exhibition in the Stable Gallery, while families will find plenty to do in the adventure playground.
Getting there: The nearest airport is Manchester Airport, a two-hour drive away. There are regular trains from London, Manchester and Glasgow to Penrith station, followed by a 30-minute taxi ride to the castle.
Askham Hall, Askham, near Penrith
Across the Lowther River, this 13th-century stately family home has been turned into a boutique hotel with elegant period features. it includes oak-panelled drawing rooms, four-poster beds, and art and antiques in every corner. Michelin-starred restaurant Allium, led by Head Chef Richard Swale and ‘Maitre de Maison’ Nico Chieze, serves seasonal dishes crafted from produce supplied by the hotel’s own kitchen garden and surrounding farms on the Lowther Estate. The Health Barn invites clients to relax with luxury spa treatments. Special ‘Wild and Mindful Retreats’, led by spiritual guide Krish Thapa, are also available, including guided meditations, forest bathing, walking and fine dining.
Getting there: The nearest airport is Manchester Airport, a two-hour drive from Askham Hall. Alternatively, take a train from Manchester or London to Penrith, followed by a taxi to the hall (15 mins).
Holker Hall and Gardens, Grange-over-Sands
Holker Hall, set within 25 acres of gardens and woodland, is still the home of the Cavendish family, but clients can explore most rooms and marvel at family portraits and period furniture, as well as a library stocked with a collection of 3,500 books. Across 23 acres of landscaped gardens, clients can stroll among rhododendrons and magnolia trees, seasonal borders, and formal green spaces that range from yew-tree-lined lawns to a sunken garden. Beyond the house and gardens, the Courtyard Café serves lunch using produce grown on the estate, while a packed programme of events includes yoga workshops, talks and garden festivals.
Getting there: Holker Hall is around a one hour 40-minute drive fromManchester Airport. Alternatively, take a train from Manchester Piccadilly station to Grange-over-Sands (around one hour and 50 minutes). From there, it’s a 15-minute taxi ride (around three miles/five kilometres to Holker Hall.
Dalemain Mansion and Historic Gardens, Penrith
Step inside an architectural tapestry spanning centuries at Dalemain Mansion, featuring a 12th-century pele tower (a small fortified stone tower) and medieval hall, 16th-century additions, and an 18th-century Georgian facade. On a guided tour of the mansion, clients will learn about the history of the building and see treasures like 18th-century hand-painted wallpaper, antique Chippendale furniture and preserved toys enjoyed by generations of Hasell family children up close. The five-acre gardens are just as diverse, from Tudor knot gardens and Victorian shrubberies, to a Herb Garden within medieval walls. Home to the Dalemain World Marmalade Awards held in April, the mansion also offers a packed events calendar throughout the summer, including rare plant fairs and classic car shows.
Getting there: From Manchester Airport, it’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive to the estate. Alternatively, take a train to Penrith station, followed by a 10-minute taxi ride.
Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa, Penrith
Clients can indulge in country house luxury at Armathwaite Hall, a 17th-century mansion set within 400 acres of deer park and woodland on the shores of Lake Bassenthwaite in the Lake District. The hotel offers 43 rooms, including individually designed ‘feature rooms’ and suites, some of which boast floor-to-ceiling windows and views onto the lake and surrounding mountains. The Dining Room restaurant serves classic British cuisine and creative modern dishes celebrating Cumbrian produce, while Zaika specialises in authentic Indian cooking. Steak and seafood is served at the more informal The Grill. The spa features a 16-metre infinity pool, a state-of-the-art gym, a traditional sauna and an outdoor hydrotherapy pool. Beyond spa and dining, the hotel organises activities including guided nature walks, foraging sessions, mountain biking and kayaking on Lake Bassenthwaite.
Getting there: From Manchester Airport, it’s a two hour 30-minute drive to the estate. Alternatively, take a train to Penrith station, followed by a 40-minute taxi ride.
Information for the travel trade
Information for the travel trade:
Cumbria Tourism:https://www.cumbriatourism.org/traveltrade/
SCOTLAND: Aberdeenshire
Castle Fraser, near Kemnay
Castle Fraser is a 15th-century baronial tower house that feels straight out of a storybook. Used as a filming location for The Queen, the castle invites clients to walk through history – several rooms reflect different centuries, from the medieval Great Hall to the elegant Georgian dining room and the Victorian bedrooms. Inside, marvel at antiques, family portraits, trap doors, secret staircases, and even the Laird’s Lug – a hidden spy hole used to watch guests in the Great Hall. Outside, the walled garden brims with herbaceous borders, as well as fruits and vegetables which are used in the courtyard café. Woodland trails offer a chance to spot red squirrels, roe deer, buzzards and dragonflies.
Getting there: The nearest major airport is Edinburgh Airport, with the journey to Castle Fraser taking three to four hours by car. Alternatively, take a train from Edinburgh Waverley station to Aberdeen or Inverurie, followed by a short taxi ride to the castle.
Craigievar Castle, Alford
Step into a fairytale at Craigievar Castle , a pink turreted tower house said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Built in the 16th-century by the Forbes family and completed in the 1620s, its interiors are filled with armour, art and family treasures from when it was a lived-in home until the 1960s. Set on a hillside, the castle is surrounded by woodland trails which allow 360-degree views of the pink castle. Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, access to the castle is via guided tour only.
Getting there: From Edinburgh Airport, Craigievar Castle is around a three-hour drive. Alternatively, take a train from Edinburgh Waverley station to Aberdeen, then it’s a 40-minute taxi journey to the castle.
Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven
Climb up to the ruins of Dunnottar Castle, built on a 50-metre rock above the North Sea. Once a stronghold of the Earls Marischal, one of Scotland’s most powerful families, this medieval fortress has witnessed Viking raids, English invasions, and Jacobite uprisings. In the 1650s, it sheltered the Honours of Scotland – the nation’s Crown Jewels – from Oliver Cromwell’s troops, preserving them for the monarchy. Its rugged silhouette inspired the castle in Disney’s Braveand also featured in I, Frankenstein (2014). The walk up rewards clients with sweeping views across the North Sea, with waves crashing dramatically below.
Getting there: From Edinburgh Airport, Dunnottar Castle is around a two-and-a-half-hour drive. Alternatively, take a train from Edinburgh Waverley station to Stonehaven (two hours and 20 minutes), then it’s a 10-minute taxi journey to the castle.
Balmoral Castle, near Crathie
For a regal day out, clients can experience Balmoral Castle, the Scottish holiday retreat of the Royal Family since Queen Victoria’s reign. The grounds, gift shop, restaurant and Ballroom Exhibition are open to the public on selected dates until 9 August 2026 (check website for dates). Clients can also join a guided tour for a deeper dive into royal history. The 45 acres of formal gardens – including greenhouses and vegetable patches – showcase King Charles III’s passion for gardening, while estate walking trails lead through lawns, moorland and woodland, offering views of the Cairngorms mountains and a glimpse of royal country life.
Getting there: The easiest way to get to Balmoral Castle from Edinburgh Airport is by car, which takes around two hours 30 minutes.
Pitmedden Garden, Pitmedden
Get a glimpse of 17th-century Scotland at Pitmedden Garden, a recreated formal garden composed of intricate parterres formed by nearly six miles (10 km) of clipped hedging and seasonal planting in geometric patterns. Originally created in 1675 and restored in the 1950s by the National Trust for Scotland, the garden is not only a showcase for historic garden design, but also for sustainable gardening, featuring a reimagined upper terrace with a biodiverse meadow and an orchard of over 200 fruit trees. The site is also home to the Museum of Farming Life where clients can experience what it was like to live and work in the early 1900s. They can explore a farmer’s living room, visit horses in the stables, and discover machinery used more than one hundred years ago.
Getting there: From Edinburgh Airport, Pitmedden Garden is around two hours 30 minutes by car. By public transport, take a train from Edinburgh Waverley station to Aberdeen, followed by a 30-minute taxi ride.
Maryculter House Hotel, Aberdeen
Set on the banks of the River Dee just outside Aberdeen, Maryculter House stands on a site founded by the Knights Templar in 1225. The baronial mansion turned luxury hotel overlooking Peterculter Golf Course offers 40 modern bedrooms with views across the grounds which include a chapel ruin and an ancient burial site. The restaurant serves Scottish produce, while the six-acre grounds along the River Dee provide walking paths and landscaped gardens. Dating back to 1460, the Great Hall is the oldest part of the hotel, with exposed brickwork and an original fireplace.
Getting there: From Edinburgh Airport, Maryculter House is around two hours 30 minutes by car. By train, travel from Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdeen, then it’s a 20-minute taxi ride to the hotel.
information for the travel trade
Information for the Travel Trade
Visit Scotland - Castles:https://www.visitscotland.com/things-to-do/attractions/castles
Visit Aberdeenshire: https://visitabdn.com/
WALES: Cardiff
Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle is a historic landmark with more than 2,000 years of history. Originally a Roman fort, it was later transformed into a Norman stronghold and, in the 19th century, reimagined as a Gothic Revival gem by architect William Burges. With its richly decorated interiors and imposing towers, the castle is one of Wales’ most striking attractions. It has also appeared in productions including Doctor Who and the TV series Sherlock, providing a backdrop for historical and fantasy scenes. Clients can relive the castle’s history while exploring its beautifully preserved rooms and gardens. The castle also hosts regular events, including film screenings and live gigs.
Getting there: The nearest airport is Cardiff Airport. From there, take a shuttle bus to the city centre (30 to 40 minutes) or a direct train from Rhoose Cardiff International Airport railway station (30 minutes).
Royal Mint Experience, Llantrisant
Step inside one of the world’s oldest institutions at the Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant, 12 miles (19 km) northwest of Cardiff. Here, clients can explore 1,100 years of history within a working factory which produces around five billion coins each year. Visitors can strike their own coin, handle gold bars, and watch production in action, before exploring the museum spanning ancient to modern currency. For a deeper look, behind-the-scenes tours reveal the craftsmanship behind coins used in more than 60 countries.
Getting there:Cardiff Airport is the nearest hub. Take the shuttle bus or train from the airport to Cardiff train station in the city centre. From there, it’s a 20-minute bus or taxi ride to Llantrisant.
Dyffryn Gardens, St Nicholas
Spread across 55 acres in the Vale of Glamorgan, seven miles (11 km) southwest of Cardiff, Dyffryn Gardens is a series of beautifully designed outdoor ‘rooms’, from a Mediterranean garden to rose borders and formal lawns. Created in the early 1900s and now carefully restored by the National Trust, it is particularly stunning in summer, when the garden is at its most vibrant. Glasshouses, a walled kitchen garden, an arboretum and seasonal events add extra reasons to visit.
Getting there:Cardiff Airport is the nearest hub. Take the shuttle bus or train from the airport to Cardiff train station in the city centre. From central Cardiff, it’s a 20-minute drive to St Nicholas.
Loving Welsh Food
Find out why leeks became a Welsh national symbol and try Welsh artisanal delicacies on a Loving Welsh Food guided tour. The company offers a range of public and private guided walks through Cardiff’s markets, Victorian arcades and independent food shops, with plenty of opportunities to try and buy. Over four-and-a-half hours, clients can discover Welsh food traditions and produce, from regional cheeses to traditional cakes, while meeting local makers along the way.
Getting there: Tours depart from central Cardiff locations within walking distance of Cardiff Central Station and major hotels. The nearest hub is Cardiff Airport.
The Parkgate Hotel
Just steps from Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, The Parkgate Hotel is set within two Grade II listed buildings (the former Head Post Office and the old County Court), mixing grand heritage architecture with chic contemporary design. Its 170 guest rooms are individually styled, while The Sorting Room – a 2 AA Rosette Awarded and Michelin Guide listed restaurant – and rooftop spa add fine dining and wellness. Clients can expect restored period features, including original beams and staircases, alongside a wealth of modern amenities.
Getting there: The nearest hub isCardiff Airport. Take the shuttle bus or train from the airport to Cardiff train station in the city centre (30 to 40 minutes).
information for the travel trade
Information for the Travel Trade
Visit Wales:https://traveltrade.visitwales.com/
