Sleep in a Castle

Taking a trip to Europe is special enough in and of itself, but if you really want to do it up right, skip the hotel and stay in a castle! Get in touch with your inner king and queen by booking time at one of these 10 European castles ...

Todi Castle makes its home high on a hilltop in the heart of Umbria.Details: This 13th century property sleeps 10 in the north wing and three in the west, and grants visitors the joy of Italian breakfasts, use of a swimming pool and maid service six days a week. But if you really want to go all out, opt to hire the private chef to serve you the finest Italian cuisine, incorporating locally-sourced olive oil, cheeses and superb wine, grown and produced nearby or on the estate itself.

Ballygally Castle
Location: On scenic Antrim coast and faces the soft, sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay

Details: Ballygally Castle is a true Irish original -- the only 17th Century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland today. The hotel is reputedly haunted by the friendly ghost of Lady Isabelle Shaw, wife of Lord James Shaw. Guests staying at Ballygally can dress up and dine as Lord and Lady Shaw would have done at a Medieval Banquet, enjoying a feast of honey glazed ham as magicians, jugglers and fire-eaters entertain.

Swinton Park
Location: Yorkshire DalesDetails: Swinton Park feels exactly how you'd expect staying in a castle to feel, but also features modern hotel miracles like a spa, cookery school, and a variety of activities from golf to fishing to shooting. You'll also find landscaped parkland with gardens, lakes and woodland -- oh my! And if that's not enough, they also boast a four-acre walled garden where they grow their own fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers for the hotel and cookery school.

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