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| The
kings and queens of Europe’s castles |
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Being
king and queen of the castle is something that all children
dream of and, unlike many childhood dreams, this can come
true. Europe is blessed with many outstanding castles
once fit for a king, but now perfectly fitting for first-class
travellers with romance on the mind.
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| Ashford
Castle in Ireland reigns supreme as the number one
castle hotel in Europe. |
TripAdvisor,
the world’s largest travel community, has announced
its top ten castle hotels in Europe, according to traveller
popularity and TripAdvisor editors. Of all the stunning
castle hotels of Europe, Ireland’s Ashford Castle
reigns at number one.
Here are TripAdvisor’s top ten castle hotels:
Ashford Castle, Cong, Ireland: Built in the 13th century
and once home to the Guinness family, this stately castle
is set against a spectacular backdrop of woodlands, lakes
and mountains. With opulent guest rooms, grand hallways,
numerous dining rooms and a health and beauty spa, it
has established itself as one of the most luxurious hotels
of Ireland.
Thornbury Castle, Thornbury, England: Guests are made
to feel like royalty as they retire to their bedchambers
at Thornbury Castle, where Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII
and Queen Mary II once resided. History buffs can peruse
the historical details, including coats of arms, bay windows
and arrow loops throughout the medieval castle.
 Chateau
de Bagnols, Lyon, France: This elegant chateau is situated
among vineyards and forests in the French countryside.
Also an historic monument, the 13th century fortress features
Renaissance-period wall and ceiling murals, a dry moat
and a grand entrance across a drawbridge.
Inverlochy Castle, Fort William, Scotland: The mountainous
backdrop of Inverlochy Castle, located in the Scottish
highlands, inspired praise from Queen Victoria who wrote
in her diaries, “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic
spot.” Stained glass windows, chandeliers and the
grand hall reflect the elegance of the interior.
Castle Hotel Auf Schoenburg, Oberwesel, Germany: Germany’s
most beautiful and romantic castle overlooks the medieval
town of Oberwesel, a World Heritage site. In 1689, the
castle was nearly burned to the ground by French soldiers
and remained abandoned for two centuries until its restoration
in 1914. However, many period features remain.
Parador de Cardona, Cardona, Spain: This ancient castle
sits atop a spectacular hill and contains many original
architectural details. The medieval restaurant has majestic
arched ceilings, wrought-iron torch holders and a gothic
cloister.
Swinton Park, Masham, England: Surrounded by 200 acres
of parkland, including a river and lake, Swinton Park
offers numerous activities including croquet, fishing
and horseback riding. There’s also a cookery school
housed in a converted Georgian stable, which is run by
renowned chef Rosemary Schrager.
Castle Stuart, Inverness, Scotland: Once a retreat for
the Stuart family, this Jacobean castle with royal connections
was abandoned for 300 years before being perfectly restored.
There are plenty of intriguing features, including secret
passageways and hidden doorways.
Castelletto di Montebenichi, Chianti, Italy: In the heart
of the Tuscan countryside, this romantic, intimate 12th
century castle boasts beautiful frescoes, antique drawings
and paintings, and sculptures. Roman and Greek archaeological
finds adorn the castle’s hallways.
Castle ten Berghe, Bruges, Belgium: Surrounded by its
own moat and crammed full of charm, this fairytale gothic
castle has the added appeal of being within walking distance
of the historic city of Bruges. |
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