Channel Your Inner Royal With a European Castle Vacation

Ever had the sneaky suspicion you could be descended from royalty? Have a penchant for fairytales, romantic castle turrets, archery and noble pastimes? A vacation at one of these authentic European castles may just be what your inner royal blood desires!

Situated on top of a hill in between the French villages of Domme and Castelnaud, this 13th century medieval castle offers stunning views from its four towers across the surrounding countryside. Carved from ancient bedrock, Chateau Du Peyruzel is nestled on 10 acres and comes complete with a magnificent spiral stone staircase. The chateau has been wonderfully restored and even though it retains its medieval castle charm, it also offers every conceivable modern convenience royal wannabes could desire, including a modern chef’s kitchen, 45-foot long swimming pool and free Wi-Fi. Best of all, it’s located in the Dordogne wine region of France, so quenching that inner-princess thirst with the finest wines should be no problem.

Just like stepping into the pages of a fairytale, the 803-year-old Schloss Sommersdorf Castle in Bavaria, Germany comes complete with its own moat and bricked turrets. Located on part of Germany’s infamous “castle road”, Schloss Sommersdorf offers guests the ideal spot to explore the romantic trail of castles dotted along the 600 mile road. Schloss Sommersdorf even offers guests a variety of unique cars to rent, including a 1905 Cadillac, because royalty should always travel in style!

Located just three hours southwest of London lays the quaint and picturesque Duchy of Cornwall and it’s there you will find Pentillie Castle. Overlooking the River Tamar, just a short distance from the historic city of Plymouth, Pentillie Castle is a grade II listed country house that was developed by Sir John Tillie in 1698. Nestled amongst 2000 acres of tenant-farmed countryside, guests at the castle can indulge in royal pastimes including pheasant hunting, croquet, or sipping wine on the terrace.

Ireland’s picturesque Ashford Castle dates all the way back to 1228. The 83-room County Mayo castle once belonged to the Guinness family and was transformed into a luxury hotel in the 1930’s. Situated along the banks of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle has 350 acres of gorgeous countryside, including woodlands, majestic gardens and rolling hills. Guests can enjoy blue-blooded activities such as horse riding, archery and a round of golf.

Austria’s Hotel Schloss Thannegg is just like stepping inside the pages of a romantic novel with its steep snow-covered turrets, impeccable gardens and vaulted ceilings dating back to 1150. Located in the midst of the Austrian Alps, this hotel is a great destination for castle lovers who also want to partake in snowboarding and skiing. The hotel has its own ski shuttle ready to whisk adventurous guests to the slopes. For those preferring a more relaxing castle vacation, Hotel Schloss Thannegg features an 850-year-old wine cellar, award-winning cuisine, crackling fires and the chance to channel your inner-Juliette from one of the turret windows.