Who hasn’t daydreamed about staying in a castle at least once? Waking up surrounded by thick stone walls, wooden beams, and centuries of stories can feel like you’ve stepped straight into a fairy tale. The good news is you don’t need a royal budget to make it happen. Across the UK there are some beautiful castles that open their doors without eye-watering prices — places where you can sleep under an arched ceiling, wander gardens that have been tended for generations, and take it all in at your own pace.

Here are a few affordable castles where you can do exactly that. They each have their own personality and charm, and they all offer a real sense of history without losing that welcoming, unfussy feel.

1. Amberley Castle - West Sussex

Amberley Castle is one of those places that feels straight out of a storybook. It’s been standing for more than 900 years, surrounded by its own moat and lovely gardens that change with the seasons. Even though it looks grand from the outside — crenellated walls, ivy, and an arched gate — inside it feels surprisingly cozy.

Rooms have original stone walls and wooden beams overhead, but they’re furnished simply and comfortably, so you can appreciate the history without feeling like you’re in a museum. The best part? Stays here don’t come with a ridiculous price tag, especially if you plan ahead or travel in the quieter months. It’s one of those places that invites you to slow down, wander the grounds with a coffee in hand, and imagine what life was like here centuries ago.

What to do nearby:
There are plenty of gentle ways to spend your time. A short drive away is the South Downs National Park, full of easy trails and sweeping hills that feel like they go on forever — perfect for a long walk or picnic. Or visit Arundel, a lovely little town where you can pop into the independent shops, visit the cathedral, and finish the day with a drink at one of its pubs.

2. Dalhousie Castle - Edinburgh, Scotland

Tucked just outside Edinburgh, Dalhousie Castle is one of those places that instantly sweeps you up into another world. The castle itself dates back to the 13th century, so you’re stepping into a proper historic fortress, but inside it feels warm and comfortable — nowhere near as formal as you might expect. Think winding stone staircases, big fireplaces, and views of the wooded estate outside.

There’s a lovely spa tucked into the basement if you feel like relaxing, and in the evenings you can wander the gardens as the light softens, feeling a bit like you’ve stepped into your own private fairytale. What really sets Dalhousie apart is how affordable it is to stay here, especially if you plan your trip outside the busy summer months. It’s an easy base for Edinburgh too — close enough to pop into the city for the day, then come back to your peaceful hideaway in the evening.

What to do nearby:
Spend a morning in Edinburgh exploring its Royal Mile, popping into cafés, or visiting Edinburgh Castle perched high on its hill. Or, if you’d rather stay outside the city, drive to the Pentland Hills for a long, easy walk with sweeping views — they’re beautiful in every season.

3. Langley Castle - Northumberland, England

Langley Castle is one of those places where you’ll want to take a hundred photos as you arrive — all turrets, battlements, and green countryside. Built in the 14th century, the castle has been carefully restored so that the rooms still feel full of character — with thick stone walls, original windows, and four-poster beds — but also properly cozy. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the evening in the drawing room with a glass of wine, then sink into a very comfortable bed feeling like a guest of honor.

And the price is surprisingly reasonable for a real castle experience. Book a room in one of the tower suites if you can — they come with tiny windows and views over the green hills outside. It’s a very different feel to most hotels in this part of England and one you’ll probably remember for a long time.

What to do nearby:
Northumberland is perfect for slow drives and easy adventures. Wander along Hadrian’s Wall and imagine Roman legions marching across this landscape, then stop for lunch in one of the villages along the way. Or drive into Hexham to visit its beautiful abbey and browse the local bookshops before heading back to the castle for a quiet evening.

4. Château Rhianfa - Anglesey, Wales

Sitting right on the Menai Strait with the hills of Snowdonia as its backdrop, Château Rhianfa looks like a dream plucked straight out of France. And in a way, that’s what it is — built as a romantic Victorian château, it still feels like something you’d stumble across on a trip through the French countryside.

The interiors are light and elegant, with big windows that let you look straight out across the water and, on clear days, as far as Snowdonia. Even though it feels very grand, the atmosphere is surprisingly laid-back — staff here are welcoming and unpretentious, and it’s a lovely place to unwind after a day of exploring. Pricing is more affordable than you’d expect for a place this beautiful, especially in the off-peak months, so you get the charm of a luxury château without paying luxury rates.

What to do nearby:
Head into Snowdonia National Park for a day of hiking or take a wander around nearby Beaumaris, a tiny town with a ruined castle, independent cafés, and a gentle pace of life that matches the landscape.

5. Thornbury Castle - Gloucestershire, England

If you want a classic Tudor castle experience — grand gardens, four-poster beds, roaring fires — Thornbury Castle really delivers. Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed here once upon a time, so you’ll feel a real sense of history as you wander its corridors. But instead of feeling like a museum, the castle is very much alive — the rooms are bright and comfortable, with lovely views across the gardens and plenty of little details that make you feel cared for.

What makes Thornbury stand out is that, despite its luxury and historic grandeur, it’s priced surprisingly well — especially if you plan a short stay in the spring or autumn. It’s the perfect base for a gentle, romantic weekend where you can do as much or as little as you like.

What to do nearby:
Head into the Cotswolds for a day — this part of England is famous for its sleepy villages and quiet country lanes. Nearby Wotton-under-Edge is lovely too, with cozy cafés and a small-town feel that matches the countryside around it.

6. Scone Palace - Perthshire, Scotland

Scone Palace is one of those places that just feels regal. Scottish kings were crowned here centuries ago, and when you wander its halls — with their grand portraits, antique furniture, and polished wood — you feel like you’re stepping back into that history. Staying overnight is a surprisingly personal experience, too — you’re one of only a few guests in a real working palace surrounded by forest and hills.

And when you look out the window in the morning, it’s straight onto the green parkland that stretches toward the hills, full of ancient oaks and winding paths. It’s an easy place to relax and just let time slow down. Plus, you’ll be surprised at how affordable it can be to spend a night in one of the most historic spots in Scotland.

What to do nearby:
Wander the gardens on the Scone Palace estate — they’re especially beautiful in the early morning — or take the short trip into Perth for a leisurely afternoon of cafés, independent shops, and a walk along the River Tay.

Staying in a castle is one of those experiences that sticks with you — not just because of the history, but because of the atmosphere. The quiet gardens, the thick stone walls, the sense of stepping into another time. And the best part is, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re after a peaceful countryside break, a romantic weekend, or just something a little different, these castle stays offer that mix of charm, comfort, and value that’s hard to beat.

Wherever you choose to stay, I hope it brings a bit of that magic and helps you create memories you’ll look back on for years!

6 Surprisingly Affordable Castle Stays in the UK You Won’t Want to Miss