31 mesmerising castles you can actually stay in

Incredibly, there are over one million castles in the world, each typically built on the orders of royalty or nobility. These imposing homes often feature detailed ornate facades, secret tunnels, moats, and a myriad of towers to provide a safe sanctuary for people of importance.

As a symbol of power, the majority of these buildings are built in strategic locations, mostly on hill or mountain tops along important trading routes. And while many of these fortified structures are well-known thanks to the British Royal Family, many of them fly under the radar.

So to provide some unique holiday inspiration, here is a selection of the most beautiful castles you can stay in.