1. Chateau des Ormeaux, Loire Valley, France
Le Château des Ormeaux was built on the upper reaches of the Loire Valley in the reign of King Charles X. Nowadays it is a refined and welcoming guest house ideally located in Touraine and close to the region’s famous vineyards. The rooms are furnished with period antiques and offer magnificent views of the valley.

2. Chateau de Verrieres, Loire Valley, France
Peacefully set in a four acre park, Verrières allows you to discover the charm and history of the Loire Valley. This hotel has kept its private mansion atmosphere, with its authentic decoration and its period furniture.

3. Castle Stuart, Inverness, Scotland
Built by James Stuart in 1625, a stay in Castle Stuart transports you back in time. Each of the eight bedrooms are named after the clans who fought and died for “Bonnie Prince Charlie” at Culloden, and are decorated in their individual tartan.

4. Castle Hotel auf Schonburg, Oberwesel, Germany
Schönburg Castle is situated above the Medieval town of Oberwesel in the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The castle was first mentioned in history books as far back as 911.

5. Ashford Castle, Cong, Ireland
Dating back to the 13th century and surrounded by lush forests, Ashford Castle is renowned for its stunning grounds, with romantic gardens and striking views over the Lough Corrib Lake. The owners even offer falconry lessons in the grounds.

6. Castelletto di Montebenichi, Bucine, Italy
Located in the heart of Chianti, Castelletto di Montebenichi offers medieval accommodation situated among olive groves, vineyards and beautiful Tuscan landscape. This hotel fuses ancient works of art with high-level comfort.

7.Thornbury Castle, Gloucestershire, England
Thornbury Castle is England’s only Tudor castle to open as a hotel. Enjoy a regal night’s sleep in the Duke’s Bedchamber where King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn slept or choose the Gloucester Bedchamber and wake up to a view of the oldest Tudor gardens in England – the Privy Garden and Goodly Garden.

8. Parador de Cardone, Cardona, Spain
This impressive ninth century fortress dominates the valley of the river Cardona and features a tower dating back to the second century. Despite its ancient moats, towers and walls the castle also boasts rooms with modern facilities plus a sauna and gym.

9. Chateau de la Villaine, Loire Valley, France
Located in the heart of Chateau Country, Chateau de La Villaine offers ancient accommodation surrounded by a lush estate boasting gardens and a landscaped park. Antique lovers should reside in the Empire Room, featuring a 150-year-old empire bed, while The Marquise Room, located in one of the towers, offers spectacular views.

10. Parador de Jaen, Jaen, Spain
Overlooking the city of Jean and featuring breathtaking views of the Sierra Morena hills and mountains of the Sierra Nevada, this 13th century Arabic-style fortress was once captured and occupied by Ferdinand III.