10 family-friendly holidays in castles your kids will love

As the only castle in the world to offer a Lego room service menu and toys for your tot to enjoy throughout their stay, Bovey Castle is an instant winner with kids. And if that’s not enough, the sprawling estate covers a huge 275 acres that your little ones can tire themselves out exploring. While you enjoy a round of golf or a romantic ramble, your children will be looked after by the competent and qualified staff at the playroom. You can even pre-book an evening babysitter if you fancy a quiet dinner à deux. Click here to find out more about Bovey Castle.

While you won’t sleep in Leeds Castle, the stay you’ll get will be even better. Your family will have the ultimate knight’s glamping experience by camping in the castle’s grounds in luxury Medieval style pavilions on the site’s one acre vineyard. Each tent sleeps a family of four and a baby cot can be provided if needed. And forget itchy sleeping bags – instead you’ll be treated to a four poster bed, warming wood burning stove and snug furry throws. And don’t worry, there are even hot showers on site. All you’ll need to bring is food for your family’s evening feast – or you can eat at the on-site restaurant if you don’t fancy cooking. Click here to find out more about Leeds Castle, or if you're thinking of staying overnight, find the best deals on hotels close by on Booking.com.

Effortlessly family friendly, Augill Castle is bursting with things for children to do. Hours can be spent reading, playing and crafting in the library and there’s the option of a movie night in at the cinema (complete with popcorn). Head outside to the tree house, tennis court and playground and don’t forget to check out the Augill Little Cooks cookery school. When bedtime comes, you’ll stay in a family room complete with everything your tot needs – highchair, baby monitor, cot and more. Click here to find out more about Augill Castle.

If you’re after a more self-sufficient and private castle stay, Clytha Castle is perfect. With room for six guests, you can even take the grandparents along. Your kids will love exploring every nook and cranny of this miniature castle, complete with turrets and spiral staircases, while you’ll love the stunning views and local countryside. Click here to find out more about Clytha Castle.

This moated Norman castle is the answer to your affordable family break prayers. Although it’s a youth hostel, there are private family rooms available, parking and both self-catering facilities and an on-site restaurant. If you fancy a true historic experience, ask the staff about the regular medieval banquets. But, because it’s a youth hostel, you may hear quite a lot of traffic on the winding stairs – so this castle may not be ideal if you’ve got a baby in tow. Click here, to find out more about St Briavels Castle.

This 72 acre-castle is filled with secret gardens and woodlands to explore. There’s also an outdoor pool and St Ives’ beautiful beaches on the castle’s doorstop. But best of all is Castle Kids, the hotel’s childcare facility, which will keep your tot happy all day long. Rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, it offers a varied programme of entertainment for kids of all ages – leaving you some time off from your mum duties to take a stroll along the harbour or take part in some water sports. Click here to find out more about Tregenna Castle.

Thinking of organising a big family get-together? Tawstock Castle definitely has space to accommodate your entire brood. This Grade II listed castle still has original parts dating to the 18th century and boasts incredible 360 degree views of Devon. With four bedrooms, two bathrooms and one en suite it easily sleeps eight and is suitable for babies and young children. And there’s plenty for the whole family to do in the surrounding area. Click here to find out more about Tawstock Castle.

Said to be styled on the Queen’s castle Balmoral, this castle was recently converted for holiday rental and has loads of unique features and history. There are five large bedrooms, three double and two twin beds, plenty of outdoor space for family down-time and you can walk to nearby beaches in just a few minutes. If you don’t want to rent the entire castle, there are discounts available for smaller groups off season. Click here to find out more about Yannon Towers Holiday Castle.

If you’re after the ultimate castle experience, this may be it. A short drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, the hotel has 29 bedrooms which are decorated with period style furniture, rugs and carpets – some even feature exposed brick walls. Your kids will love visiting the castle’s falconry, home to a variety of hawks, buzzards, falcons, eagles and owls and you can relax in the hotel’s spa which features Scotland’s first hydro spa. To complete your experience, don’t miss out on dinner at the dungeon restaurant. Click here to find out more about Dalhousie Castle, or if you're thinking of staying overnight, find the best deals on nearby hotels on Booking.com.

This fairytale castle sits on the Scottish coastline and boasts spectacular sea views. Everything about the castle is child-friendly, from the rooms to the entertainment to the menus. The ground floor family suites have interconnecting bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, and there’s plenty of space for a cot and any accompanied baby baggage. Click here to find out more about Glenapp Castle.