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Castle Hopping with von Essen hotels
Posted on 24/09/2008
 Castle Hop around the UK and Europe this summer with von Essen hotels and stay in some of the finest historical buildings this country has to offer. Steeped in grandeur and history, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you visit any one of the castles and Château in our collection. Whether you are looking for weekend break with an atmosphere just that little bit different, or you are a keen architectural buff and historian, you won’t hesitate to marvel at the beauty and timelessness of these castles. To make the most of your stay and why not ask one of the hotel staff to give you a guided tour so you can learn all about the rich tapestry of stories past that lurk behind their ancient walls.
Amberley Castle, hidden away for 900 years near the picturesque village of Amberley in the chalk South Downs, is a magnificent historical treasure that offers a truly unique experience. Through the Portcullis and 60 ft curtain walls you will find beautiful landscaped gardens, fine examples of medieval architecture and an unrivalled atmosphere of peace and tranquility. The castle is still completely enclosed by a high curtain wall, which is only flanked by a magnificent twin-tower gatehouse to the south and a kitchen block and a garderode tower with gun loops to the north. Square internal towers stood at the corners, with a small water-gate in the west wall and a Norman postern in the east wall. A visit or stay at Amberley Castle, the finest of luxury hotels in West Sussex, is like stepping back in time, yet all the modern day luxuries are always available. For an exclusive 2 night castle break prices start at £720 on weekends, subject to availability.
One could argue Château de Bagnols is the jewel in the von Essen hotels crown. Located in south-east France just outside of the ancient French city of Lyon in the heart of the beautiful Beaujolais countryside, the hotel is set among vineyards, forests and green hills, Château de Bagnols is regarded as the finest five-star deluxe Château hotel in France and is by many as the finest vineyard château hotel in the world. Discovered by Lady Hamlyn in 1987 in a derelict state, she painstakingly restored the château with much energy and vision, to its former glory, revealing Renaissance wall and ceiling paintings created during the château's finest period when nearby Lyon was one of Europe's great Renaissance cities. Dating from the 13th century, the chateau features impressive towers, the original dry moat, honey-coloured stone known as pierres dorées and a dramatic entrance across a drawbridge. The Château de Bagnols is one of France's major historic monuments as well as a unique luxury hotel with 21 of the most superb rooms and suites in France. For the perfect weekend getaway in splendid, luxuriant surroundings unsurpassed by any modern hotel, come and visit the chateau and be treated like the Kings of centuries past. Starting from 445.00 € for a double room.
For the ultimate trip to Scotland, where better to stay than Dalhousie Castle. This fascinating 13th century fortress set within acres of wooded parkland on the picturesque banks of the river Esk, is close enough to Edinburgh for you to really see the sites. The countryside of Midlothian and the Scottish Borders is some of the loveliest to be found anywhere in the world. However, for over five hundred years it was also some of the most fiercely contested. Dalhousie Castle, standing just a few miles south of Edinburgh, occupied a position of great strategic importance, and so was witness to more than its fair share of history. What better setting could there be to enjoy Falconry, the sport of kings, with the Castle as a back drop. It is perhaps strange that a building, once so warlike, should have become an inviting Scottish castle hotel that now prides itself on the warmness of the welcome it extends to visitors. You can enjoy traditional sports such as Falconry and Archery in the castle grounds, and then for real relaxation visit the hydrotherapy spa with beauty treatments, luxury characterful bedrooms and a formal fine dining restaurant.
Prices from £320 per room per night, based on 2 people sharing.
Visit Thornbury Castle and you’ll find yourself in the same surroundings that welcomed Kings and Queens’s centuries ago. Courtiers have flirted with ladies-in-waiting in the ancient yew-hedged gardens. Serving girls have chattered in the stone-flagged courtyard. Today, Thornbury Castle still resonates with history and is the only Tudor castle in England to be open as a hotel. However, step behind the heavy oak doors and you'll find a magnificent hotel with roaring fires, delicious modern cuisine and sumptuous bedchambers. Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once walked these rooms and grounds. Today, the 500 year-old castle-palace with its beautiful oriel windows, Tudor hall and historic parkland is yours for the duration of your stay. There has even been a vineyard within the castle walls for over 500 years, from which Thornbury Castle wine is still produced. Enjoy a regal night's sleep in the Duke's Bedchamber where King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn slept or favour the Gloucester Bedchamber and wake up to a view of the oldest Tudor gardens in England - the Privy Garden and Goodly Garden.
For the ultimate stay why not try the Henry VIII Castle Experience and be treated like royalty from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. Dinner on one night will be a fabulous 5 course Royal Gala Dinner. Seated on your ‘thrones’ at your own table on the Gallery, with chalices of tumbling fruit, you’ll feel every bit the king and queen of the castle. ln your wardrobe, you'll even find two hand-made regal robes allowing you to really 'dress to impress' while you dine. The scroll menu will feature authentic dishes from the Tudor period, recipes from Hampton Court during Henry’s reign, especially created for you. (Naturally, if there’s something that doesn’t take your fancy, we shall gladly change it.) Prices start at £830 based on 2 people sharing.
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