ENGLISH CASTLE HOTELS

England is a land dotted with magnificent castles, many of which have recently thrown down their drawbridges to allow overnight guests. I took a tour around England, looking for the best regal sleepovers within driving distance of London.

Sleep like royalty in England

Hever Castle, Kent

Although smaller in size than some of it’s English castle contemporaries, Hever Castle really punches above its weight in the history stakes, as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, England’s short-lived queen. The Medieval stronghold has everything you would desire from a castle, with swans gliding across the impressive moat, a dramatic wooden drawbridge and crenelated walls with flags flying high.

Once the public leave at the end of the day, that’s when the magic really begins, as overnight guests get sole access to the beautiful walled grounds. Retire for the night to the Astor bed and breakfast wing, added onto the back of the original castle and consisting of 28 Tudor style rooms, many with roll-top baths and four-poster beds. At daybreak, feast on salmon and scrambled eggs in the grand breakfast room, overlooked by noble portraits of Tudor forbearers. It’s quite possibly the most fun living history lesson you’ll ever have!

Best for: Bringing history to life Drive time from London: 1 hour hevercastle.co.uk

Warwick Castle, Warwick

For a truly unique sleepover straight out of the pages of a fairy tale, visit Warwick Castle to bed-down in the oldest tower in the world that you can still sleep in. The castle boasts two Rapunzel style suites in its 14th century tower, each with carved four-poster beds, vaulted ceilings and leaded windows overlooking the beautiful Capability Brown designed gardens.

Guests staying at the tower’s Rose Suite or Peacock Suite are given the red carpet treatment, with champagne on arrival, a private tour of the castle from the resident history specialist, plus 24-hour concierge access. Breakfast is a seriously regal affair, taken in one of the castle’s private staterooms, fulfilling all these lord of the manor desires!

Included in your stay is a two-day pass to the immense castle, which was originally founded by William the Conqueror and boasts an impressive great hall decorated with shining armour. Warwick Castle is big on daytime entertainment, including hosting the U.K’s biggest birds of prey show, plus a spectacular jousting display featuring fireworks. The castle is also in the middle of Shakespeare’s England, so there’s plenty of picturesque historic towns to explore locally.

Best for: Medieval themed daytime entertainment Drive time from London: 1 hour 30 minutes warwick-castle.com

Leeds Castle, Kent

Leeds Castle has had a long habit of attracting famous overnight guests, ranging from Henry VIII to Charlie Chaplin. Situated in Kent (not Leeds, slightly confusingly) Leeds Castle is often referred to as the loveliest castle in the world, as the picture perfect castle sits on its own island, surrounded by a reflective moat. It’s had many reincarnations – starting life as a Norman fortress, then a royal Tudor palace, before being taken over by the glamorous American socialite Lady Baillie in the ‘30s, who hosted Hollywood stars and British prime ministers. A visit to Leeds Castle will satisfy design enthusiasts, as the interiors showcase many of Lady Baillie’s eclectic antiques and paintings, giving it an air of old school glamour.

Whilst Leeds Castle continues to be a hugely popular daytime attraction, few people know that you can now actually stay overnight. Sleepovers happen in the 16th century maiden’s tower or the stable courtyard house, both offering luxury bed and breakfast en-suite rooms with views across the ‘Garden of England’ landscape.

Best for: A sophisticated castle sleepover Drive time from London: 1 hour 15 minutes https://www.leeds-castle.com/

Boringdon Hall, Devon

This enchanting 16th century manor house is a castle in every way but name – from its crenulated skyline and the imposing coat of arms above the entrance, to the fact that Queen Elizabeth has bedded down here, Boringdon Hall’s walls are seeped in history.

It’s recent renaissance is as a foodie-destination, since award-winning chef Scott Paton took over the kitchen, where he’s won three AA rosettes and is currently angling for a forth. The evening tasting menu draws diners from near and far, showcasing locally sourced ingredients, many of which are grown on the grounds.

Alongside fine dining, Boringdon Hall is also home to the fantastic state of the art Gaia spa, which uses its own natural skincare products that have been handmade in Britain. Opt for a four-poster bedroom in the main house, or the royal suite, complete with its own hot tub. This historical home makes a great escape for a serious dose of rest and relaxation.

Best for: A gastro-getaway Drive time from London: 4 hours boringdonhall.co.uk

Bovey Castle, Devon

For a castle stay with a serious dose of five-star luxury, head to Devon’s Bovey Castle, situated right in the heart of the beautiful Dartmoor National Park – think rolling moors with wild horses grazing and a manor house with Hogwarts style interiors.

Originally built in 1907 for the son of stationary giant WH Smith, the vast hotel now includes 60 generously sized guestrooms, 22 lodges, an 18-hole golf course and an Elan Spa. Friendly, tweed-clad staff are on hand to help you pick from the hotel’s jampacked schedule of country pursuit activities, which includes clay pigeon shooting, fishing, sloe gin making and an adrenaline-pumping 4x4 off road experience through the estate. As evening falls, dine at one of Bovey Castle’s two award winning restaurants, which include the exclusive Great Western bistro, before having a nightcap in the Art Deco panelled bar and retiring to your guest room within the main castle. Note that the suites at the front of the castle offer uninterrupted views across the valley.

The next morning, revive body and mind with a bespoke treatment at the tranquil spa, watch the daily falconry show out on the terrace or try your hand at crolf (golf meets croquet, if you haven’t yet given it a swing) out on the lawn.

Best for: A five-star luxe experience

Drive time from London: 3 hours and 35 minutes boveycastle.com