The best of Britain's castles

Windsor Castle, pictured as the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait arrived in November 2012

Highclere Castle

Built in 1842 and set in Hampshire, this beautiful Victorian mansion has served as the backdrop to the thrilling turn-of-the-century TV drama Downton Abbey. With revolution, romance, drama and intrigue surrounding the sprawling English grounds, it's no wonder the quintessential British location has become one of the country's favourite tourist attractions.

Now open to visitors, Downton Abbey enthusiasts can witness first-hand the fairytale behind one of England’s most famous stately homes. Walk around the lavishly furnished floors of the luxurious house, still home to the eighth Earl and Countess of Carnavon, laiden with framed portraits of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles

Highclere Castle provides the regal setting for Downton Abbey...

Visit the setting behind the scenes of TV drama Downton Abbey. Check out the impressive Van Dyck portrait of King Charles on horseback in the elegant dining room and a never-ending library that stretches almost the entire length of the breathtaking house. And, of course, take a wander around the spectacular 1,000 acre grounds surrounding the regal castle

Edinburgh Castle

Perched atop the volcanic Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh. The ancient fortress has been involved in many historical conflicts, from the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century, to the Jacobite Rising of 1745, and has been besieged, both successfully and unsuccessfully, on several occasions.

Many Scottish monarchs have resided here. Queen Margaret died here in 1093, and Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son James VI in the Royal Palace in 1566

Edinburgh Castle

The Stone of Destiny, on which kings were enthroned for centuries, was returned to Scotland in 1996. It is now among the prized possessions on display in the Crown Room

Swinton Park Castle

Nestled in the heart of Yorkshire, Swinton Park Castle is surrounded by the family estate in which guests have access to rivers, reservoirs, moorland, dales and beautiful countryside bordering the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The luxury castle hotel comes complete with a host of activities that will keep you more than entertained throughout your stay. With fine dining, an in-house cookery school, spa and extensive grounds to stroll around, you won’t want the stately home experience to come to an end.

Owned by the Cunliffe-Lister family since the 1880s, and the ancestral seat of the Earl of Swinton, guests will feel like royalty in the regal hotel, where individually designed rooms are furnished with antiques and authentic family portraits. Enjoy one of the largest estates in England, stretching from the River Ure in Wensleydale up onto the moorland Dales by riding, trekking, fishing, walking or bird watching.

From the south facing suite on the ground floor, breath-taking views even stretch to the lake and deerpark...

Bodiam Castle

One of Britain's most romantic and picturesque, this 14th century castle is set in the heart of 1066 country. With spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, the medieval castle in East Essex makes for a wonderful and educational family day out. One of the most perfect moated medieval castles in the country, the moat was built larger than necessary so that the reflection of the entire castle would make it appear bigger.

The towers, reflected in the water, look as they would have done 600 years ago when Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a knight of Edward II, rode up to his new home. Step back in time by peeping through windows where arrows were once fired, stand in a tower that was once a look-out and wander ruins that were once walked upon by knights. When you're ready for a rest, try a delicious scone in the tea shop, or bring your own picnic to enjoy outside in the country air

Thornbury Castle

Behind the huge oak doors of the only Tudor Castle in England to open as a hotel, you'll find a magnificent setting complete with roaring fires, delicious modern cuisine and sumptuous bedchambers. Wander the Somerset grounds that Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII have walked - they once stayed here back in 1535, choosing the opulent Duke's Bed chamber rooms to sleep in.

Today, the 500 year-old castle with its beautiful oriel windows, Tudor hall and historic parkland is yours to enjoy for the duration of your stay. Look out on to England's oldest Tudor gardens, as well as a vineyard which still produces Thornbury Castle wine. After taking in the stunning surroundings with magnificent history and rejuvenating in the spa, unwind in the tower dining room, a sumptuous and unique, hexagonal room with fireplace, where you'll be served fine modern cuisine.

A classic double bed chamber costs from £250 per night including full English breakfast