Last weekend I travelled to Bristol, England, for a day trip with my partner. We checked out a Tudor-era castle that’s been transformed into a hotel, and I ended up learning a lot about the property. England is full of historic buildings, and many of them have been turned into businesses that can be explored, but unlike a National Trust building (which can be toured during the day only), there are a number of castles in England that have been turned into hotels. My personal wishlist for a weekend stay includes:

Amberley Castle in West Sussex. At over 900 years old, this castle is the perfect getaway for the historian in your life. Boasting medieval architecture over 12 acres, the property looks perfect for country walks. Amberley Castle’s website is also a treasure trove for planning your trip; it shows all the close area’s features including multiple museums, country walks, and 4 additional castles/stately homes! I’d take in the sights of yesteryear, then come back to modern rooms and the impressive cuisine they boast:

These photos courtesy of the Amberley Castle website. (Until I can live out my hotel-castle dreams, and take my own pics!)

Hedingham Castle in North Essex. This castle dates back to the year 1140, and boasts an impressive history of the Earls of Oxford (dating back 500 years and 20 generations, and ties to historic events such as the signing of the Magna Carta and hosting royal family members such as Elizabeth I. Now, the castle is a pillar of the community, hosting movie nights and outdoor theatre, classic car shows, and—something I’d definitely travel to see—medieval jousts. If I travel to North Essex, I’d absolutely give this castle a visit!

These photos courtesy of the Hedingham Castle website.

Thornbury Castle in Bristol. This is the one I got to see in-person—the only one on this wishlist I’ve been able to explore. This Tudor castle is about 30 minutes away from the Bristol Temple Meads train station, and has a gorgeous rose garden grounds to walk through. We took lunch in the outdoor garden, and heard about how the castle was conceived and built by Edward Stafford, who was convicted of treason by Henry VIII, who then took over the castle and it passed through the royal family after that. I loved my afternoon at Thornbury Castle, and am looking forward to a potential second trip there next year!

These photos courtesy of the Thornbury Castle website.
Would you stay in a castle for a weekend? Let me know in the comments—and as always, Happy Travels!