Among the most evocative of English landmarks, castles are iconic reminders of the country's feudal past. Historically the landing site of invaders from continental Europe, southern England holds an abundance of castles built to defend the realm and the landholdings of feudal lords. Many castles in southern England have withstood the ravages of time and are now open to visitors, including those who would like to sleep in one of these historic structures. Apart from providing lodging, castle hotels allow guests to explore the history and culture of southern England.
Surrounded by the the rolling moorland of Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle stands on extensive private grounds in southern England. Once the private residence of Viscount Hambleden, the castle underwent several incarnations during its long history, becoming a hotel in 1946. In 2008 the hotel was fully renovated and now features a golf course, swimming pool, and spa, as well as 22 additional lodges spread throughout the castle gardens. Activities such as archery, shooting, and cider-making workshops are offered, as well as horseback riding, hot-air balloon rides, and tours of the surrounding area. A formal restaurant, cafe, and bar provide meals, drinks, and entertainment. Overlooking a central courtyard, the castle bedrooms feature queen-size beds, flat-screen television, and individualized furnishings, as well as private bathrooms and complimentary treats.
Bovey Castle
North Bovey
Dartmoor National Park
Devon TQ13 8RE
England
011-44-844-474-0077
boveycastle.com
Dating back to the 12th century, Taunton Castle once belonged to the Bishop of Winchester and later become the site of "The Bloody Assizes" of Judge Jeffries, a notoriously harsh official known as "The Hanging Judge." Housed in the castle gatekeepers lodge, The Castle Hotel at Taunton has been in operation since the 1950s. The hotel now holds a four-star rating and Gold Award from the English Tourism Board for its facilities, which includes a restaurant, lounge, and 44 bedrooms. A choice of double, twin, or garden rooms is offered, as well as a penthouse suite surrounded by the castle battlements. Rooms come with standard amenities like television, Internet, and private bathrooms, as well as complimentary bottled water, coffee, and homemade butter cookies.
The Castle Hotel at Taunton
Castle Green
Taunton
Somerset
West Country TA1 1NF
England
011-44-01823-272-671
the-castle-hotel.com
Located in West Sussex, Amberley Castle was erected in the 12th century as a residence, later becoming a fortified castle for the bishops of Chichester. Now a 19-room luxury hotel, the castle stands on extensive landscaped grounds close to attractions like Bignor Roman Villa and The Amberley Working Museum. Featuring an 18-hole golf course and a fine-dining restaurant, the hotel offers private dining in its eclectic Medieval-style tree house called The Mistletoe Lodge. Each of the castle's bedrooms and suites include whirlpool bathtubs, four-poster beds, and cable television, as well as complimentary goods like homemade cookies, chocolates, and coffee or tea. All rooms offer views of the garden.
Amberley Castle
Amberley
North Arundel
West Sussex BN18 9LT
England
011-44-01798-831992
amberleycastle.co.uk
