12 castles for a Beauty and the Beast-style stay

Sumptuous suites, antique chandeliers, open fires and sweeping staircases make this 5* hotel a right royal choice. It was the ancestral home of the kings of Thomond and activities on offer include falconry, cycling and fishing. B&B doubles from £200 per night. [Photo: Dromoland Castle]

True grandeur awaits at this renaissance castle, just north of Copenhagen. Dating back to 1746, it is set on the coastline and is fringed by lush parkland, while inside you’ll find chandeliers and ornate furnishings. The bright and stylishly rooms are split between the castle and the old lodge which are connected via an underground passage. B&B doubles from £196 per night. [Photo: SLH]

How about dinner in this 600-year-old castle? The Auld Keep – the oldest part of the castle – features a stag’s head, stone walls, candlesticks and velvet curtains all fit for Beauty and the Beast. The keep also houses its own chapel, while the castle has 17 luxury bedrooms. Doubles from £159 per night. [Photo: Dundas Castle]

The only water castle in Slovenia, the Otočec Castle Hotel is located on an islet surrounded by the Krka River. Its boutique rooms and suites blend original features with modern touches, and many have views overlooking the emerald water. Nearby activities include golf, zip-lining and relaxing in thermal pools. B&B doubles from £226 (€260). [Photo: Otočec Castle Hotel]

Surrounded by woodland, this castle was once the wing of a 13th-century fortification that fell to ruins in the 17th-century. Fully restored in 1863, and later converted into a hotel, it now has rooms furnished with antique furniture and art, wooden flooring, exposed beams and its own wine cellar where guests can get shown around by a resident sommelier. Doubles from £198 per night, room-only. [Photo: SLH]

Sitting on the banks of Lake Geneva, this neo-gothic castle was converted into a hotel in the late 1800s. Its 50 rooms and suites are stylish, yet retain many of their original period features and many of them have lake views. For the ultimate panorama, book the medieval tower, which has windows on all sides. Doubles from £300 per night, room-only. [Photo: SLH]

This castle inside a tiny 13th-century walled village has transformed into a charming hotel and collection of self-catering apartments. By day, you’ll mingle with day-trippers as they wander the narrow lanes. But by night, you’ll have the lamp-lit village to yourself. A great choice for both families and couples and an easy drive to nearby vineyards. One night’s self-catering from £93 per room. [Photo: i-escape]

For a real French chic stay, try this beautiful 19th-century vineyard estate in the French Languedoc. Tucked away amongst the vines, it has beautiful turrets, luxury accommodation as well as a French Brasserie, wine bar and tennis courts. From £191 (€220) per suite per night in high season (sleeps two). [Photo: Château Les Carrasses]

Sitting high above St Brides Bay and the Preseli Hills, this six-bedroom Norman castle is a 5* property fitted with luxurious furniture, linens, and art. Built in 1280, it was the home and birthplace of Lucy Walter, mistress to King Charles II and mother of his child, the Duke of Monmouth. B&B doubles from £150 per night. [Photo: Roch Castle]

We can just imagine Belle wandering through the grounds of this Norman castle, which now boasts seven luxury bedrooms, a tennis court, games room, and private fishing area. It’s set between the Lake District National Park and the Pennines, so there are plenty of fantastic walking routes if you want to venture out. B&B doubles from £150. [Photo: Go Lakes]

Steeped in over 900 years of history, this castle on the doorstep of the South Downs National Park features 19 individually designed, luxury guestrooms. Medieval features meet contemporary fittings, such as luxurious bathrooms featuring exposed brickwork, and open fires in bedrooms. Each room is named after a Sussex castle or early bishop. B&B doubles from £200 per night.

Sumptuous red velvet, dark wood furnishings and glittering chandeliers will welcome you at this 5* hotel, set on Ireland’s picturesque west coast. The castle dates back to 1228, and has 82 guest rooms and a cottage, as well as a spa, cinema wine cellar and billiards room. Doubles from £403 per night. [Photo: Ashford Castle]