Has this Halloween inspired you to check in to some spooky accommodation? Europe is home to a number of historic castles converted to luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants. Autumn and Winter presents the perfect time of year to discover some local history and check in to these unique hotels, many furnished with cosy fireplaces, original tapestries and traditional four poster beds.
From the UK and Ireland to Denmark and Italy, hotel comparison website trivago.co.uk has selected nine of the best haunted castle hotels. These majestic buildings are steeped in history and legend, from prisoners in the dungeons to tales of cheating lovers. Guests can experience much of the history first-hand via guided tours, themed medieval dinners and gourmet restaurants located in the dungeons.
Nine Haunted Castles for Halloween
Dalhousie Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland(01 of18)
The thick walls and vaults of Dalhousie Castle date back to the 13th Century, with the main structure built around 1450 from red stone sourced from the nearby South Esk River. Situated just eight miles south of Edinburgh, this castle is steeped in Scottish history. The Ramsays of Dalhousie held possession of this castle longer than any other castle in Scotland, throughout sieges and invasions from the English. Prisoners were formerly lowered into the dungeon by rope; once inside there was no escape through the 11-inch thick walls. Guests can experience this environment first-hand in the Dungeon Restaurant, featuring original barrel vaults and fine Scottish and French cuisine sourced from local produce.
Dalhousie Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland(02 of18)
Parador de Cardona, Cardona, Spain(03 of18)
Spain is famous for its ‘paradores’, which are typically luxury hotels boasting stunning locations in historical castles, palaces or monasteries. Parador de Cardona is no exception, housed within a 10th Century castle atop a hill over the River Cardoner, just one hour from Barcelona. Legend has it the Minyona tower was the prison of Adeles, daughter of the Duke of Cardona, incarcerated by her brothers after falling in love with a leader of the Moors and converting to his religion. Many of the 54 spacious guest rooms are furnished with four poster beds and adorned with original medieval tapestries and wrought iron torch holders.
Parador de Cardona, Cardona, Spain(04 of18)
Ruthin Castle, Ruthin, Wales(05 of18)
Ruthin Castle is set in acres of outstanding natural parkland and boasts a string of notable owners, including King Edward I, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Legend has it the wife of an army commander of Edward I discovered her husband’s affair, murdered her and as a result was executed and buried by the castle walls. Guests can visit her stone grave and may spot her ghost roaming the battlements. Those wishing to immerse themselves in Ruthin Castle’s history should attend one of the themed Medieval Banquets, modelled on the legendary feasts of the Earl of Warwick and featuring traditional costumes, mead and singing.
Ruthin Castle, Ruthin, Wales(06 of18)
Dragsholm Castle, Svinninge, Denmark(07 of18)
Dragsholm Castle (or ‘Slot’ in Danish) is one of the oldest in Denmark, conveniently located just one hour from Copenhagen in the scenic landscape of Odsherred. History is the main focus at Dragsholm, which was once a bishop’s retreat, before being transformed to a medieval fortress, renaissance castle, baroque castle and now a leading hotel and restaurant. The castle served as a prison between 1536 and 1664, where nobles were jailed according to their insults towards his Majesty the King. Dragsholm contains a gourmet restaurant in the south wing’s basement, using the castle’s history and seasonal ingredients to create a traditionally Scandinavian dining experience.
Dragsholm Castle, Svinninge, Denmark(08 of18)
Clontarf Castle, Dublin, Ireland(09 of18)
Clontarf Castle was constructed back in 1172 in order to protect the city of Dublin, and was later a place of battle when used as a holding place for weapons and ammunition. Former owner George Oulton died inside the castle in 1952, before it was converted to a leading four-star hotel in 1998. Clontarf Castle prides itself as an exceptional boutique hotel, boasting 111 luxurious guest rooms and suites with four poster beds and a number of drinking and dining options serving exquisite Irish cuisine. Although the hotel is fully modernised, guests have reported shuffling footsteps and televisions mysteriously switching on and off, suggesting the castle’s history lives on.
Clontarf Castle, Dublin, Ireland(10 of18)
CastelBrando, Cison di Valmarino, Italy(11 of18)
CastelBrando is one of the largest hilltop castles in Europe, artistically restored to contain a majestic hotel, two elegant restaurants, impressive wine cellars and an extensive Spa. Although boasting a picturesque location 50 minutes from Venice in the Veneto hills, CastelBrando has an ugly history. Legend has it the ancient Count forced newlywed women to spend their wedding night with him on the first floor of the castle. If they refused, the unlucky women would be beheaded and cast down the hillside. Whether this is fact or fiction is open to debate, but villagers claim to have seen the ghost of the Count when the full moon shines.
CastelBrando, Cison di Valmarino, Italy(12 of18)
Villa Saint Antoine, Clisson, France(13 of18)
Like many castles, Château de Tiffauges, adjacent to Hotel Villa Saint Antoine, is steeped in history and controversy. Tiffauges is a medieval castle dating back to the 12th Century, renowned for housing notorious serial killer Gilles de Rais. This sinister character not only summoned demons in the castle, but murdered an estimated one hundred children. He was hung for his crimes in 1440 and is the inspiration behind French literary folktale Bluebeard – the castle is often referred to as Bluebeard’s Castle. The hotel itself contains s 43 rooms in a contemporary style, with special castle-view suites available. There is a pool, restaurant and spa facilities for ultimate comfort and relaxation.
Villa Saint Antoine, Clisson, France(14 of18)
Langley Castle, Hexham, UK(15 of18)
Langley Castle is famed as one of the few medieval fortified castle hotels in England and has been home to a chain of Lords and Ladies over the past 600 years. Restoration began in 1882 by Cadwallader Bates and his wife Josephine, who worked tirelessly until their deaths and were subsequently buried within the castle grounds. The hotel is set within its own picturesque ten acre woodland estate and the impressive seven foot thick walls provide a tranquil retreat. The 27 luxurious en-suite guest rooms are individually decorated, many with traditional features such as four poster beds and window seats.
Langley Castle, Hexham, UK(16 of18)
Relais Castello, Bevilacqua, Italy(17 of18)
Located in the heart of the picturesque Verona region in Italy, this authentic fourteenth century castle is rooted in history and tradition. Legend has it the castle has been haunted by former ruler Guglielmo Bevilacqua since a fire in 1884. Today, the castle houses romantic and luxurious four-star hotel Relais Castello Bevilacqua. The hotel retains its medieval charm with antique furniture, historical paintings and majestic chandeliers. Guests can enjoy four poster beds and double whirlpool baths in the Junior Suites, whilst sampling traditional Venetian recipes in the elegant restaurant.
Relais Castello, Bevilacqua, Italy(18 of18)