When we're not drooling over Claudia Winkleman’s wardrobe, our obsession with the latest series of The Traitors has had us dreaming of staying in the romantic castle in the Scottish Highlands, which is the stunning backdrop for the show.
Both the UK and US series are filmed at 19th century Andross Castle, which is just outside of Inverness. Boasting 100 acres of parkland, which includes a terrace and walled garden, and elegant interiors that show off the grand banqueting spaces and immaculate suites, the castle is mainly used as a filming location and wedding venue – even the cast and crew don’t stay there.
But don’t worry, as your fairy-tale fantasies may still have a happy ending. We’ve scouted out some of the best castle stays in the UK and beyond for you to soak up all of The Traitors vibes.
Best castle stays:
Langley Castle, Northumberland
Step back in time with a stay inLangley Castle in Northumberland. There are nine rooms in the 14th-century building, but guests can also stay on the 10-acre woodland estate in a castle-view room. After breakfast, take a tour of the castle and, later, dine in the drawing room adorned with stained-glass windows and suits of armour, or in the glass pavilion, a contemporary venue for up to 30 people, surrounded by its own mini-moat.
Prices for a one-night stay in a large double room start at £171 on booking.com
Chateau d’Urspelt, Luxembourg
For relaxation with a slice of history, spa hotel Chateaud’Urspelt is set in a national park is hard to beat. With 57 luxurious four-star rooms and suites, it has a NUXE Spa wellness area with a fitness room, five treatment cabins, two hammams and two saunas. Enjoy a pampering session, sip on a cocktail in the beautiful courtyard or take a dip in the outdoor pool. Then, after dinner, enjoy a drink in the U Bar Lounge in the cellar.
Prices for a one-night stay in a twin or double room start £142 on last minute.com
Ashford Castle, County Mayo
800-year-old Ashford Castle has had lots of famous guests over the years, including President Reagan and actor Pierce Brosnan. Guests are greeted with a welcome drink before being taken to one of the 83 elegantly decorated rooms and suites. There’s a range of activities to try, including falconry, lake cruising, fishing and tennis. Plus, there is a nine-hole golf course. Explore the estate, where you’ll find sunken gardens, fruit and veg patches and a magnificent wood.
Prices for a one-night stay in a deluxe double start at £184 on booking.com
Tainaron Blue Retreat, Greece
If you're looking to beat the winter blues but still want all the Traitor vibes, this is for you. Just a few miles from Cape Tainaron, the southernmost point of mainland Greece, Tainaron Blue Retreat offers guests an escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Inside the 19th-century stone tower, the rooms are traditional with a touch of luxe. Relax in the outdoor infinity hydrotherapy pool or tuck into Mediterranean cuisine in the restaurant. Enjoy the catch of the day, tataki beef and orzo pasta with magnificent sea views. Out and about, you can take a cruise, go walking or try kayaking.
Prices for a one-night stay in a classic double room start at £313 on booking.com
Tulloch Castle Hotel, Highlands
Fancy a little haunting with your stay? Dating back to the 12th century, Tulloch Castle is said to have resident ghosts – most famously the Green Lady, after whom one of the bars is named. The castle has kept lots of its glorious period features, including the 250-year-old panelled Great Hall and fireplaces. Enjoy fresh Highland cuisine in the Turrets Restaurant, go walking in the nearby Cairngorms National Park, and look out for dolphins in the Moray Firth.
Prices for a one-night stay in a double room start at £166 on booking.com
Lucy Brown is Life and Style Writer covering everything travel, interiors, celeb wellness and fitness across both print and online for Closer, heat, Bella, Take a Break, Yours and That's Life.