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The world’s most beautiful castles
When it comes to luxury, there’s nothing more glorious or opulent than a castle, and no grander way to spend your vacation than exploring the turrets, spirals and decadecent secrets of the world’s most beautiful palaces.
If you’re looking to live out your fairytale dreams, make sure you stop by any one of these architectural masterpieces and discover what it’s like to be royalty for the day.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
One of the most widely recognised castles in the world, the Neuschwanstein castle is a fairytale dream come to life. With its picturesque spirals, sparkling white walls and idyllic forest setting, it wouldn’t be difficult to believe that Cinderella herself lives within its splendid walls. Commissioned by King Ludwig of Bavaria in 1868, the castle is nestled within the heart of the Bavarian Alps, and remains the crown jewel, and a must visit for all who travel to this picturesque region.
Château de Chenonceau, France
Lying near the outskirts of the small village of Chenonceaux lies the breathtaking Château de Chenonceau. Hailed as the ‘floating castle’ this renaissance marvel spans across the breadth of the River Cher and reigns over the Loire Valley. With it’s beautiful architecture, lush gardens and luxurious staterooms it’s the ultimate day out for families.
Windsor Castle, England
One of the most iconic castles in the world and watched by 1.9 billion people during the highly anticipated marriage of Meghan and Harry, Windsor castle has played home to 39 British monarchs since its founding in the 11th century. With its regal galleries, royal guards and illustrious treasures, it’s a must visit for anyone who truly wants to experience what it’s like to be royalty for a day.
Peles Castle, Romania
A striking and bold castle that stands out magnificently against the romantic Bucegi Mountains, this castle is unique in both its architecture and its character. Built by King Carol I in 1883, this retreat was the summer residence of the royal family until 1947, and still remains a paradise worthy of royalty. Surrounded by stunning scenery and decorated by luscious tapestries, stunning mosaics and decadent furnishings, it’s a bucket list experience for sure.
Vaux-le-Vicomte, France
If you’re looking to stay in a castle with a difference, look no further than the gorgeous Vaux-le-Vicomte for the ultimate day out. The inspiration for the Palace of Versailles itself, this castle is second to none when it comes to lavishness and style. With acres of stunning formal gardens peppered with ornate fountains, the Vaux-le-Victome is a breathtaking sight to behold, and with its equally luxurious interior, it truly is the epitome of royal decadence. With costume hire for kids available during the day and a romantic candlelit illuminations lighting up the beautiful castle at night, there’s something for everyone in this royal paradise.
Andrew Bezhenar is the Founding Partner and Director of Berkeley Travel. Berkeley Travel are specialists and connoisseurs in creating bespoke getaways to compliment your lifestyle and tastes; curating tailor-made luxury holidays for clients around the world.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Château de Chenonceau, France
Lying near the outskirts of the small village of Chenonceaux lies the breathtaking Château de Chenonceau. Hailed as the ‘floating castle’ this renaissance marvel spans across the breadth of the River Cher and reigns over the Loire Valley. With it’s beautiful architecture, lush gardens and luxurious staterooms it’s the ultimate day out for families.
Windsor Castle, England
One of the most iconic castles in the world and watched by 1.9 billion people during the highly anticipated marriage of Meghan and Harry, Windsor castle has played home to 39 British monarchs since its founding in the 11th century. With its regal galleries, royal guards and illustrious treasures, it’s a must visit for anyone who truly wants to experience what it’s like to be royalty for a day.
Peles Castle, Romania
A striking and bold castle that stands out magnificently against the romantic Bucegi Mountains, this castle is unique in both its architecture and its character. Built by King Carol I in 1883, this retreat was the summer residence of the royal family until 1947, and still remains a paradise worthy of royalty. Surrounded by stunning scenery and decorated by luscious tapestries, stunning mosaics and decadent furnishings, it’s a bucket list experience for sure.
Vaux-le-Vicomte, France
If you’re looking to stay in a castle with a difference, look no further than the gorgeous Vaux-le-Vicomte for the ultimate day out. The inspiration for the Palace of Versailles itself, this castle is second to none when it comes to lavishness and style. With acres of stunning formal gardens peppered with ornate fountains, the Vaux-le-Victome is a breathtaking sight to behold, and with its equally luxurious interior, it truly is the epitome of royal decadence. With costume hire for kids available during the day and a romantic candlelit illuminations lighting up the beautiful castle at night, there’s something for everyone in this royal paradise.
Andrew Bezhenar is the Founding Partner and Director of Berkeley Travel. Berkeley Travel are specialists and connoisseurs in creating bespoke getaways to compliment your lifestyle and tastes; curating tailor-made luxury holidays for clients around the world.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
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I would add Eilean Dolan Castle to the list. It is such a wonderfully picturesque castle in Scotland, situated on the long journey up to Skye (if you’re taking the road bridge), just before you make the crossing to the island. It has featured in many movies including Highlander and the James Bond film The World is Not Enough. See it for yourself at https://tinyurl.com/y8sbbq8f and you’ll get an idea of just how beautiful it is!! -Sally
I adore castles and think we are spoilt in the uk. I am yet to visit any of these but they look so stunning. I heard about vaux-le-vitcomte on my last trip to France. I heard it is an amazing day out. I didn’t know you could hire costumes for kids too that sounds like such a great day for all the family. I am a keen garden lover so would love to explore the grounds.
There are some outstanding examples of craftsmanship bygone ages here. My one piece of advice is to make the most of any visit. You may not go back in a hurry.
Invest in a personal guide. Or at least make sure it’s a small group. It is good to be able to ask the questions you want. In a large group, in a busy castle with echoing acoustics, you may not even hear half the commentary.
On a one-to-one tour of the Taj Mahal my guide chided me for rushing, “But I’ll be back,” I said.
“That’s what Princess Diana said,” he replied.
I still haven’t been back.
We were in Germany last summer and was able to see the Neuschwanstein Castle from a distance. It was so beautiful. Definitely want to go back to Bavaria one day and tour this beautiful castle. Thanks for the memories :)
I visited Chenonceau Chateau on a school trip when I was 14. It was my first trip abroad and I thought the castle was beautiful, something out of a fairytale. Sadly though our guide had a thick French accent and we hardly understood a word.
Forty four years on I returned to give it another go. What a difference. The Chatesu was in so much better nick, it looked cared for and there was much more information around.
Of course it was much busier now but all in all it was even more enjoyable than that first visit all those years ago.
So the moral is even if you’ve visited once it is often worth going back.
I’ve never been to Romania but this castle sure is a great advertisement for the country. My guess is that it is a country that’s flying under the radar a bit. Time I got there before the masses flock to see its attractions. Probably good value for money too.
Couldn’t have been easy coming up with this list, there are a lot of contenders out there for the title of “world’s most beautiful castle.”
I remember listening to one of my favorite authors, Henry Miller, talking about the Neuschwanstein castle in the former Bavaria and how the king bankrupted the country when he built it. So cool to see it like that! Next time I fly to Berlin, I’ll have to plan to visit. So much to see in Germany it’s almost overwhelming.
Peles Castle is my favourite touristic attraction in Romania, but Corvin Castle would be my choice for the best castle. Peles is more like a palace for me. Great post, anyway!