Fancy your own Downton Abbey moment? Book into one of these heritage hideaways.
01
Ireland

Roaring fires, grand chandeliers, stone staircases and suits of armour… Ashford Castle in County Mayo ticks all the right boxes. But while it may date from medieval times, this is one hotel that won’t be left in the Dark Ages. Within the four heritage walls you’ll find a state-of-the-art spa, 30-seat cinema and wine tasting tunnels. Take a bike ride around the leafy estate, kayak along the River Cong or enjoy an adrenalin-filled outdoor adventure and take one of the hotel’s Land Rovers off-road.

Ashford Castle Ireland

02
Scotland

If the magical setting, steam train and Rolls-Royce arrival don’t blow you away, the dishes served up by Michelin star chefs Albert and Michel Roux Jr at Inverlochy Castle will. Live out all your Downton Abbey fantasies at this Scottish castle at the foot of Ben Nevis. From Venetian chandeliers to ceiling frescoes and the silk drapes, you will be able to see what life was like before accountants. Enjoy a Roux-designed picnic in the countryside, go salmon fishing on River Garry or stalk deer in the Highlands with your camera.

Inverlochy Castle

03
France

Feel like lord or lady of the manor when you book Chateau de Villers-Bocage in Normandy. Within the 48 hectares you’ll find a former hunting lodge, courtyard – complete with fountains – and an orangery. Relax in one of the four reception rooms decorated with oil paintings and crystal chandeliers, or take a dip in your indoor swimming pool.

Chateau de Villers-Bocage

04
France

Built on the site of a medieval fortress, the 11th-century castle that is Chateau Mirambeau is now a Relais & Chateau hotel. This means that you can now enjoy this Renaissance-style retreat that lies between the wine and brandy towns of Bordeaux and Cognac. This fairy-tale hideaway comes with a tennis court, stone church and bamboo forest. You can choose to wander around the grounds or visit the local vineyards.

Chateau Mirambeau

05
Ireland

Need to get away from it all? Then head to the secluded retreat of Lough Eske Castle Hotel & Spa in Donegal. The 17th-century castle that lies outside of Donegal Town is surrounded by 40 acres of woodland. If you want to burn calories you can go horse riding, trekking or play a round of golf at nearby course or if you want to learn a new skill you can try your hand at weaving the famed Donegal tweed.

Lough Eske

06
Italy

Get ready to fall in love with this 11th-century castle that sits high on a hilltop in Tuscany. The interiors of Castello Di Vacarello have been designed using buys collected on the owners travels – from Chinese four poster beds to Persian carpets. It is the last word in luxury. Enjoy wine from its vineyards, pressed oil from its olive groves and homemade pigeon pate.

Castello di Vacarello

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Japan

Tokyo Kyoto

  • Explore Tokyo’s most famous sights with your private guide

  • Stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan with hot spring baths

  • Visit the shrines and temples of Miyajima, a small sacred island

  • Cycle around Kyoto’s hidden backstreets

  • Take the train and head on a food tour in Osaka

ideal length 10 nights

Classic Oman

Muscat & the East Coast Nizwa & the Empty Quarter Musandam & Northern Oman

  • Explore Old Muscat’s old fortresses, palaces and mosques
  • Enjoy a camel ride, desert trekking or quad biking in the Wahiba Sands
  • Shop for Arabic treasures in Nizwa
  • Go hiking in the stunning Al Hajar mountains
  • Relax at the beach at the stylish Six Senses Zighy Bay
ideal length 8 nights

Shakti Ladakh Village Walk

Northern India India

  • See the impressive Islamic architecture at Basgo Fort
  • Go rafting along the shores of Nimoo
  • Explore the village of Likhir with its famous giant gold Buddha
  • Cycle around the village of Stok, home to Ladakh’s royal family palace
  • Witness the early morning prayers by the monks at Thiksey monastery
ideal length 9 nights
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