03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Castle stays trend in UK and Ireland as luxury travellers live out medieval fantasies
Inspired by popular historical drama series and social media, a growing travel trend sees travellers heading to Europe to enjoy a different accommodation style than a hotel or private cottage: castles.
Castles, especially in the United Kingdom and Ireland, increasingly turn to the travel industry for historic preservation. They are being restored and refashioned into luxury hotels and holiday rentals for travellers.
This sustains both their communities and the structures' unique architecture and story.
But why are they becoming more popular? What is behind the trend? And what should travellers know about staying at these historic properties?
Kilmartin Castle, a refurbished property in Scotland, provides guests with a private chef, a vegetable garden and local guides who can take them foraging. Photo: Kilmartin Castle
There are many reasons people want to stay at historic castles instead of traditional hotels, especially in destinations like the United Kingdom.
Through watching historical dramas and travelling with heritage in mind, travellers are inspired by the past and want to immerse themselves in history, admire historic architecture and enjoy peace and quiet in a secluded area away from city life.