Who hasn’t dreamed of staying in a castle at least once? Waking up under vaulted ceilings, walking through centuries-old stone halls, and looking out over gardens that have been tended for generations — it’s the kind of experience that usually sounds far too expensive. But across the UK, there are historic castles that welcome guests without the sky-high prices.

These castle hotels give you the best of both worlds: rich history and authentic atmosphere, paired with the comfort and warmth of a boutique stay. Some are wrapped in moats, others overlook rolling hills or the sea, and all of them make you feel like you’ve stepped into another era — without draining your budget.

From medieval towers in Scotland to romantic Tudor castles in the English countryside, here are six affordable castle stays in the UK where you can slow down, wander the grounds, and live out your royal daydreams.

Amberley Castle – A Historic Yet Affordable Castle Stay in West Sussex

Amberley Castle is one of the most atmospheric castle hotels in England — and the best part is, it doesn’t come with the royal price tag you might expect. Tucked into the South Downs countryside of West Sussex, this 900-year-old fortress is surrounded by its original stone walls, a working portcullis, and even its own moat. From the outside, it looks every bit the medieval stronghold, but step inside and the atmosphere softens into something much more welcoming.

The rooms here are full of character: thick stone walls, exposed beams, and leaded windows that frame garden views. Some even have four-poster beds and antique furniture, but nothing feels overly formal or museum-like. It’s a castle hotel where comfort is just as important as history, and that balance is what makes it such a unique place to stay.

What makes Amberley especially appealing is that it’s more affordable than you might think, especially if you book midweek or during the quieter shoulder seasons in spring and autumn. You get the experience of staying in one of the most historic castles in England (complete with beautiful grounds, excellent food, and a cozy, storybook setting) without the hefty luxury rates.

Things to Do Near Amberley Castle

Explore the South Downs National Park: Just minutes from the castle, the South Downs offers some of the most scenic walking routes in southern England. Rolling hills, chalk cliffs, and panoramic views make it ideal for hikers and casual walkers alike. Pack a picnic and enjoy the slower pace of this stunning landscape.
Visit Arundel: Only a short drive away, Arundel is a quintessential English market town with cobbled streets, independent shops, and its own cathedral. Grab a coffee at a family-run café or browse antiques before wandering down to the river.
Amberley Museum: If you’re curious about local history, this open-air museum just outside the village offers a fascinating look at rural crafts and transport heritage — a nice way to spend a relaxed afternoon.

Amberley Castle strikes that rare balance: it’s historic enough to feel magical, but comfortable and approachable enough to feel like home. If you’ve always dreamed of spending the night in a real castle but worried it would break the bank, this is one of the best affordable castle hotels in the UK to put on your list.

Dalhousie Castle – A Historic Castle Hotel Near Edinburgh, Scotland

If you’ve ever wanted to sleep in a real medieval fortress without giving up comfort, Dalhousie Castle makes it possible. Just eight miles south of Edinburgh, this 13th-century stronghold is the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland — and unlike many historic sites, you can actually stay the night.

From the moment you step through its arched entrance, you feel the weight of history. Winding staircases lead you to rooms tucked inside towers, with thick stone walls and windows overlooking 11 acres of parkland. Yet despite its medieval origins, the castle feels welcoming rather than austere. There are roaring fireplaces in the lounges, tartan touches in the rooms, and staff who strike the right balance between attentive and informal.

Part of Dalhousie’s charm is its location. Being so close to Edinburgh means you can spend the day exploring the Royal Mile or the dramatic city-top castle, then retreat to countryside quiet in the evening. If you’d rather skip the city altogether, the Pentland Hills are just a short drive away — full of sweeping views, heather-covered paths, and that wild Scottish air that makes every walk feel restorative.

Staying here isn’t just about the rooms; it’s about the little experiences woven into the place. Dinner in the vaulted dungeon restaurant is one of them: candlelit, atmospheric, and grounded in local produce. The spa tucked into the castle’s old stone vaults is another — a unique space where you can enjoy organic treatments surrounded by walls that have stood for centuries. And the best part? It’s all surprisingly affordable, especially if you plan your trip midweek or outside the peak summer season.

Dalhousie Castle is one of those rare finds: a true Scottish fortress that lets you live out your historic daydreams without feeling stuffy or unattainable.

Langley Castle – Affordable Castle Stay in Northumberland, England

Driving up to Langley Castle, it’s hard not to pause for a moment. The 14th-century fortress rises above the rolling Northumberland countryside with its turrets and battlements still intact, looking like something lifted from a medieval storybook. Yet once you step inside, the atmosphere shifts from grand to intimate — thick stone walls cocoon you, fires crackle in the lounges, and the staff make sure you feel more like a guest of the family than a visitor passing through.

The rooms keep much of their medieval character, with arched windows and heavy stone walls, but they’ve been restored to feel cozy rather than austere. Some suites even come with four-poster beds and window seats perfect for curling up with a book. For the best experience, try to book one of the tower rooms, where you’ll wake up with views stretching across the green hills of Northumberland. And despite all that atmosphere, rates here are refreshingly reasonable — especially compared with many other castle hotels in England.

One of the reasons Langley stands out is how well it fits into the slower pace of the region. Evenings might be spent lingering over wine in the drawing room or taking a quiet walk through the grounds before bed, while mornings begin with hearty breakfasts that set you up for the day ahead. It’s exactly the kind of place where history and comfort meet without pretension.

Things to Do Near Langley Castle

Staying here also gives you a perfect base for exploring one of the most historic corners of England. Hadrian’s Wall is just a short drive away, and walking a section of this ancient Roman frontier is a must. Trails wind through open countryside, past ruined forts and sweeping views, and they’re rarely crowded. The nearby market town of Hexham is also worth a visit — its abbey is over a thousand years old, and the town itself has a relaxed charm with bookshops, cafés, and a slower pace of life.

If you want to go even deeper into the landscape, Northumberland National Park stretches just beyond, offering wide skies, quiet trails, and some of the darkest stargazing in the country. After a day of exploring, returning to the warmth of Langley Castle feels like stepping back into another world.

Langley Castle is one of those affordable castle hotels that manages to be both memorable and grounding. It gives you the grandeur of a medieval fortress, the coziness of a country inn, and the convenience of a location rich in history and natural beauty.

Château Rhianfa – Affordable Castle Stay on Anglesey, Wales

Perched on the banks of the Menai Strait with views stretching across to Snowdonia, Château Rhianfa feels like something you’d stumble upon in rural France rather than on the coast of North Wales. Built in the 19th century as a romantic Victorian château, it was inspired by French Renaissance architecture, complete with turrets, balconies, and fairytale-like gardens. From the outside it looks grand, but inside the atmosphere is far more relaxed and welcoming than its impressive façade suggests.

The interiors are bright and elegant, with high ceilings, period details, and large windows framing water or mountain views. Some rooms overlook the strait itself, where you can watch the tide shift and boats drift by, while others give you a front-row seat to the dramatic peaks of Snowdonia. Despite its luxurious setting, rates here are often much more affordable than you’d expect for a château-style castle hotel, especially in spring or autumn. That makes it an ideal choice if you’ve always dreamed of a castle stay but want something approachable in both style and price.

Meals at Château Rhianfa lean on local produce — think Welsh lamb, coastal seafood, and vegetables grown in nearby farms — and are often served with a view across the gardens. After dinner, you can take a stroll through the grounds, glass in hand, and let the pace of life slow right down. It’s the kind of place that invites you to unwind as much as it inspires.

Things to Do Near Château Rhianfa

Part of the joy of staying here is how much there is to explore nearby. Just across the strait, Snowdonia National Park offers countless trails, from gentle valley walks to challenging mountain hikes, all with sweeping views and fresh Welsh air. If you’d rather keep things easy, the little town of Beaumaris is just a short drive away. It’s home to a medieval castle, a cluster of independent cafés, and a seafront perfect for a slow afternoon stroll.

Anglesey itself is full of quiet corners worth discovering. Drive west and you’ll find sandy beaches at Rhosneigr, or head north to South Stack Lighthouse, where seabirds circle the cliffs and the sea stretches endlessly into the horizon. Returning to Château Rhianfa at the end of the day (with its gardens lit softly in the evening and the mountains fading into dusk) feels like the perfect contrast between adventure and rest.

Château Rhianfa is proof that not all castle hotels in Wales come with lofty prices. It’s romantic, scenic, and wonderfully peaceful, offering both a sense of grandeur and the kind of easygoing hospitality that makes a stay truly memorable.

Thornbury Castle – A Tudor Castle Hotel in Gloucestershire, England

If you’ve ever wanted to step into Tudor history without sacrificing modern comfort, Thornbury Castle is one of the best places in England to do it. Located in the Gloucestershire countryside on the edge of the Cotswolds, this 16th-century castle has a fascinating past: Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once stayed here, and much of the original Tudor architecture still remains. Walking through its arched doorways and manicured gardens, you can almost imagine the lives that played out here centuries ago.

Inside, the castle balances grandeur with coziness. Rooms feature four-poster beds, heavy drapes, and intricate stone fireplaces, but they’re furnished with enough modern touches that the space feels warm and inviting rather than austere. Many suites look out over the landscaped gardens, where roses climb the walls and peacocks occasionally wander past. Despite its regal setting and rich history, rates at Thornbury Castle are more approachable than you’d expect, particularly in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. It’s a chance to experience true Tudor luxury without breaking the bank.

Meals are another highlight. The castle’s restaurant serves seasonal British fare using produce from its own kitchen garden and local farms. Dining here is not about formal pomp but rather the pleasure of enjoying simple, well-prepared dishes in a setting that feels like stepping back in time. After dinner, wandering the gardens at twilight or settling into a lounge with a glass of wine by the fire is exactly the kind of slow moment that makes this place special.

Things to Do Near Thornbury Castle

Staying here also gives you easy access to some of England’s most beautiful countryside. The Cotswolds are just a short drive away — a patchwork of honey-colored stone villages, quiet walking paths, and cozy pubs perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Closer still, the small market town of Wotton-under-Edge offers independent shops and cafés where you can spend a relaxed few hours.

If you’re up for a day trip, Bristol is about 30 minutes away and makes a nice contrast with its vibrant harbor, street art, and lively food scene. But many guests find little reason to leave — between the castle’s gardens, historic rooms, and the easy pace of country life, Thornbury is the kind of place where slowing down feels completely natural.

For travelers seeking a genuine Tudor experience that combines history, comfort, and surprising affordability, Thornbury Castle is one of the UK’s standout castle hotels.

Scone Palace – Historic Castle Stay in Perthshire, Scotland

Few places in Scotland carry as much history as Scone Palace. For centuries, this was the crowning place of Scottish kings, including Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II. Today, parts of the palace remain open to the public, but a select few rooms are also available for overnight guests — giving you the rare chance to sleep inside one of Scotland’s most important historic sites.

The palace interiors are richly furnished with antique furniture, portraits, and tapestries, yet overnight stays feel intimate rather than overwhelming. With only a handful of guests at any one time, there’s a sense of privacy and calm that contrasts beautifully with the grandeur of the surroundings. Looking out from your window, you’ll see sweeping parkland dotted with ancient oaks, wildflowers in spring, and the gentle hills of Perthshire in the distance.

What makes Scone Palace particularly appealing is its balance of history and affordability. Staying in such a legendary setting might sound like it requires a royal budget, but midweek rates and off-season availability often make it much more accessible than travelers expect. Add in hearty Scottish breakfasts served in a room filled with centuries-old wood paneling, and it becomes one of the most memorable — yet approachable — castle stays in the UK.

Things to Do Near Scone Palace

The estate itself is worth lingering over. The gardens are especially beautiful in spring and early summer, with rhododendrons, peonies, and long walks past the Murray Star Maze. Even a quiet morning stroll here feels like stepping into a different era. For a more active day, head into Perth, just a few minutes away, where you’ll find riverside walks along the Tay, small galleries, and independent cafés perfect for a slow afternoon.

A little further afield, the rolling hills of Highland Perthshire are ideal for scenic drives or easy hikes. Towns like Dunkeld and Pitlochry make great half-day trips, offering colorful houses, historic bridges, and welcoming pubs. Returning to the calm of Scone Palace in the evening, with its history echoing through the halls, is the perfect way to end the day.

For travelers drawn to Scotland’s past but also craving quiet comfort, Scone Palace is one of the most unique (and surprisingly affordable) castle stays in the country.

How to Plan Your Affordable Castle Stay in the UK

One of the best parts of traveling in the UK is how accessible history can feel. Castles aren’t just landmarks to admire from a distance — in many places, they’re living, breathing hotels where you can check in, unpack, and spend a night or two soaking up centuries of stories. And as these six properties prove, a castle stay doesn’t always mean sky-high prices.

If you’re planning a trip, it helps to think about location first. Amberley Castle and Thornbury Castle are both within easy reach of London, making them perfect for a weekend escape tied to a city break. Dalhousie Castle and Scone Palace are ideal if you’re traveling through Scotland — one close to Edinburgh, the other right in the heart of Perthshire. For something coastal, Château Rhianfa gives you access to both Anglesey’s beaches and Snowdonia’s mountains. And if you’re drawn to wilder countryside, Langley Castle in Northumberland is surrounded by rolling hills and Roman history.

Booking midweek or outside the peak summer season can make these stays even more affordable, and it often means you’ll have quieter grounds and fewer crowds. Most of these castles also run their own restaurants, serving seasonal, locally sourced food — so factor in at least one dinner on site to make the most of the experience.

The real beauty of a UK castle hotel is the slower pace it invites. You don’t need to rush around ticking off landmarks. Instead, spend a morning wandering the gardens, an afternoon exploring the nearby countryside, and an evening by the fire with a glass of wine. Whether you’re looking for romance, history, or just a different kind of weekend away, these castle stays give you the chance to pause, breathe, and feel part of something bigger than yourself.

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!

More Historic Stays and Castles to Explore

If the idea of spending the night in a castle has you inspired, you might also enjoy these guides:

Step Back in Time: 6 Vintage Hotels in Europe You Need to Experience – boutique hotels that bring the past into the present with charm and character.
Journey Through Time: Exploring the Charm of 8 Historic Hotels Around the World – from grand old palaces to quiet retreats, these stays carry centuries of stories.
Abandoned Castles in Spain: Hidden Gems to Visit – explore Spain’s atmospheric ruins and discover castles that still hold their magic.
Sleep Stays in Sweden – from treehouses to floating cabins, here are some of the most unique places to rest in Scandinavia.

FAQs About Affordable Castle Hotels in the UK

Are castle hotels in the UK expensive?
Not always. While some luxury castles come with high price tags, many historic castles across England, Scotland, and Wales offer surprisingly affordable rates — especially if you book midweek, visit in the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn), or look for smaller, family-run properties.

Which castle hotels in the UK are best for couples?
For a romantic getaway, Thornbury Castle in Gloucestershire and Château Rhianfa in Wales are excellent picks. Both combine beautiful historic settings with cozy rooms and scenic gardens perfect for slow walks.

Do I need a car to stay at these castles?
A car makes it easier, especially for castles in rural areas like Langley Castle in Northumberland or Scone Palace in Perthshire. However, places near major cities — like Dalhousie Castle outside Edinburgh — can be reached by train or bus with a short taxi ride.

What’s included in a castle hotel stay?
Most castle hotels in the UK include breakfast, with many offering dinners made from locally sourced produce. Rooms typically blend historic features (like stone walls and wooden beams) with modern comforts. Some properties, like Dalhousie Castle, also have spas or wellness facilities.

When is the best time to book a castle stay in the UK?
Spring and autumn are often the sweet spots — the weather is pleasant, gardens are at their best, and rates are lower than in peak summer. Winter can also be magical, especially in castles with roaring fireplaces and cozy lounges.

Are castle hotels family-friendly?
Some are, but not all. Properties like Langley Castle welcome families and offer larger suites, while others focus more on couples or adult guests. Always check the hotel’s policy before booking if you’re traveling with children.

6 Castle Hotels in the UK That Are Surprisingly Affordable