Forget cookie-cutter hotels—how about waking up in a 15th-century fortress with turrets, moats, and secret passageways? From medieval strongholds to Baroque palaces, renting a castle lets you channel your inner monarch while enjoying modern luxuries. Whether you’re planning a fairy-tale wedding, a family reunion, or a solo adventure, here are 15 awe-inspiring castles you can rent by the week, complete with drawbridges, dungeons, and royal treatment.
1. Castle Howard, England 
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Location: Yorkshire
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Royal Pedigree: The filming location for Bridgerton and Brideshead Revisited.
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Features: 145 rooms, 1,000-acre estate, and a private lake.
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Cost: ~$50,000/week | Capacity: 50+ guests
2. Château de Chambord, France (Loire Valley)
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Location: Loire Valley
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Royal Pedigree: Renaissance masterpiece commissioned by King François I.
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Features: Double-helix staircase (designed by Leonardo da Vinci), 440 rooms, and a hunting forest.
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Cost: ~$30,000/week | Capacity: Exclusive wing rentals.
3. Ballyfin Demesne, Ireland 
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Location: County Laois
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Royal Pedigree: Once owned by the Prince of Wales.
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Features: Gold-leaf ceilings, a library with 5,000 books, and falconry lessons.
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Cost: ~$40,000/week | Capacity: 20 guests
4. Castello di Vicarello, Italy 
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Location: Tuscany
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Royal Pedigree: 12th-century fortress turned boutique hotel.
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Features: Infinity pool overlooking vineyards, truffle hunting, and candlelit dinners in the dungeon.
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Cost: ~$25,000/week | Capacity: 12 guests
5. Dunnottar Castle, Scotland 
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Location: Aberdeenshire
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Royal Pedigree: Where Scottish crown jewels were hidden from Cromwell’s army.
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Features: Cliffside ruins (with a modern guesthouse), coastal hikes, and whisky tastings.
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Cost: ~$15,000/week | Capacity: 8 guests
6. Ashford Castle, Ireland 
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Location: County Mayo
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Royal Pedigree: Hosted Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
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Features: 350-acre estate, falconry, and a spa in a 13th-century crypt.
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Cost: ~$20,000/week (exclusive buyouts) | Capacity: 100+ guests
7. Schloss Leopoldskron, Austria
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Location: Salzburg
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Royal Pedigree: The Sound of Music filming location and former archbishop’s palace.
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Features: Rococo ballroom, private lake, and Mozart-themed suites.
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Cost: ~$35,000/week | Capacity: 30 guests
8. Swinton Estate, England 
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Location: Yorkshire Dales
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Royal Pedigree: Ancestral home of the Cunliffe-Lister family.
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Features: Deer park, cookery school, and a “glamping” village on the grounds.
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Cost: ~$18,000/week | Capacity: 30 guests
9. Castello di Casole, Italy 
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Location: Tuscany
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Royal Pedigree: 10th-century estate with ties to Florence’s Medici dynasty.
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Features: Frescoed suites, olive oil tastings, and Vespa tours.
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Cost: ~$28,000/week | Capacity: 10 guests
10. Amberley Castle, England 
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Location: West Sussex
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Royal Pedigree: Hosted Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.
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Features: Working portcullis, 60-foot stone walls, and croquet on the lawn.
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Cost: ~$12,000/week | Capacity: 18 guests
11. Château de Vault-de-Lugny, France
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Location: Burgundy
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Royal Pedigree: 16th-century moated castle with a royal hunting lodge.
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Features: Wine cellar with 5,000 bottles, hot air balloon rides, and a rowboat for the moat.
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Cost: ~$22,000/week | Capacity: 30 guests
12. Predjama Castle, Slovenia 
Location: Postojna
Royal Pedigree: Built into a cliffside cave, once home to a rebellious knight.
Features: Secret tunnels, medieval banquets, and proximity to the Postojna Caves.
Cost: ~$10,000/week | Capacity: 12 guests
13. Thornewood Castle, USA 
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Location: Lakewood, Washington
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Royal Pedigree: A 1909 Tudor mansion built with bricks from a demolished English castle.
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Features: Haunted history (featured in Rose Red), lake views, and Gothic gardens.
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Cost: ~$8,000/week | Capacity: 20 guests
14. Schloss Hugenpoet, Germany
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Location: Essen
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Royal Pedigree: 17th-century moated castle turned Relais & Châteaux hotel.
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Features: Michelin-starred dining, horseback riding, and Baroque gardens.
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Cost: ~$15,000/week | Capacity: 50 guests
15. Himeji Castle, Japan 
Location: Hyogo Prefecture
Royal Pedigree: UNESCO-listed 14th-century “White Heron Castle.”
Features: Samurai armor displays, cherry blossom gardens, and tea ceremonies.
Cost: ~$10,000/week (private tours only) | Capacity: Daytime access; nearby ryokans for stays.
Why Rent a Castle?
History Comes Alive: Sleep where kings, queens, and rebels once roamed.
Event Magic: Host weddings, reunions, or themed parties in unforgettable settings.
Modern Luxuries: Many castles offer Wi-Fi, spas, and gourmet kitchens alongside antique charm.
How to Book Your Castle Stay
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Specialized Agencies:
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Historic House Hotels (UK/Europe)
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ChâteauGetaways (France)
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Luxury Retreats (Global)
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Timing: Book 12–18 months ahead for peak seasons (summer in Europe, cherry blossoms in Japan).
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Budget Hacks: Rent a single wing or visit during off-peak months (e.g., Ireland in winter).
FAQs About Castle Rentals
Q: Are castles kid-friendly?
A: Many are! Swinton Estate (UK) has a playground, while Predjama (Slovenia) offers treasure hunts.
Q: Do castles have modern bathrooms?
A: Yes—most combine historic exteriors with updated plumbing, heating, and Wi-Fi.
Q: What’s the cheapest castle to rent?
A: Thornewood Castle (USA) starts at ~$8,000/week for 20 guests.
Renting a castle isn’t just for fairy tales—it’s a chance to write your own story. Whether you’re sipping Burgundy wine in a French château or exploring secret tunnels in Slovenia, these regal escapes promise memories fit for royalty.
Ready to rule your own kingdom? Browse castle rentals on Historic House Hotels or Luxury Retreats and start planning your coronation!
Which castle would you choose? Share your royal retreat pick in the comments!