Beautiful scenery, history, and a possible ghost or two await anyone who makes the decision to stay in a castle. Whether it’s the castle keep, castle courtyard or tower top, there’s nothing like the majesty of a century-old accommodation to humble even the most difficult-to-please guest.
There are many different ways to organize a stay in the fortress: the Internet, a directory of castle accommodation, organized visits and referrals from friends. Whichever way you choose, there is something available to satisfy every traveler in your entourage. Some of the most popular destinations for a castle stay include Italy, Ireland, France, and of course the UK.
If your interest lies in beautiful scenery, surely all of them will be satisfying beyond imagination. Others offer more specialized opportunities in the areas of food, wine, history, or ghost hunting. And again, others can provide a mix of your interests to save you from having to agonize over too many options.
Ballyseede Castle in Ireland is one of the combined castles located in Tralee, Ireland, the capital city of County Kerry. This magnificent structure dates back to the 1590s and stands as one of my favorite stays of any B&B. Even though our stay was only a few days, we felt like part of the family. The history of the castle is an integral part of English history as it belonged to the Fitsgerald family who refused to swear allegiance to the crown. Gerald, the 16th Earl of Desmond, was making his way to the castle after three centuries of war. His head was then caged and placed on Tower Bridge. The castle was then leased to Robert Blennerhassett for the price of one red rose per year. The Blennerhassett family maintained the occupancy until 1965 when it was converted into a hotel.
Ballyseede also features beautiful landscaping, traditional decor, a cozy lobby bar, and a friendly ghost some call Hilda. It is also located at the entrance to the Ring of Kerry, close to the beautiful Arnold Palmer Tralee golf course and close to the west coast to the north. Something for everyone awaits at Ballyseede Castle.
If you’re focused on wine country, the Chateau de Gilly in Vougeot, France, in the Burgundy region, should be high on your list of options. Tucked away between Dijon and Beaune, this 14th-century chateau began as a Cistercian monastery and boasts manicured gardens, billiards, a world-class spa, moat, and a cellar with more than 15,000 vintages. The Traversacs bought the castle in 1987 and transformed the property from a cold, cavernous castle and wasteland into the now luxurious hotel and gardens. You can choose from six different categories of chintz-covered rooms suitable to suit not only your budget needs but also the needs of your soul. To satisfy your body’s needs, a trip to Thee Chateau de Gilly is in order. Choose from facials, massages, body scrubs and more. And to satisfy your stomach, be sure to visit Le Clos Prieur, which features only the best of cuisine to accompany the château’s more than 600 varieties of vintage wine.
Nearby is the Chateau de Clos Vougeot vineyard, which was the flagship vineyard of the monks and is the largest single vineyard entitled to grand cru designation in the area.
A tour of the Chateau shows off the vineyard’s collection of antique wine presses, the original kitchens, the monks’ dormitory, and the cellars. Other attractions include the beauty of wine country, farmhouse restaurants, museums and art galleries, and spectacular cooking classes.
Hop on the Chunnel and take the train to County Durham, England, and check in to the luxurious confines of Lumley Castle. Built in 1388 by Sir Ralph Lumley, the castle has come and gone from family member to nobility and back again. The House of Scarborough still owns the castle and was succeeded in title by the 13th Earl of Scarborough in 2004. Lumley Castle is surrounded by parkland and overlooks the River Wear. The rooms are uniquely decorated and are available as single, double or suite rooms. The King James Suite features a 20-foot Queen Anne canopy bed, flowers, champagne, and its own sitting area. Take a swim and soak in the warmth of the surrounding parks.
Enjoy the tranquility of a bedroom in the castle’s original stable, or climb a spiral staircase or turret to find your single or double accommodation. Many rooms have four-poster beds and some have a Jacuzzi. Dine in the Black Knight Restaurant, which offers fresh ingredients in style and is complemented by one of the extensive cellar offerings, or enjoy afternoon tea by the fire or a pre or post dinner drink in the Library Bar . For a more intimate setting, book a candlelit dinner in the Gilt Room for just one or up to 13 of your closest friends.
So whether you’re interested in a lighthouse with a lighthouse, a wonderful windmill, or a castle nearby, there’s a unique bed and breakfast for you anywhere in the world. Haunted armor is not guaranteed.
