Can You Stay in Any of Bridgerton’s Castles?

I recently told my friend Eileen that the new Netflix show “Bridgerton” was the best thing to happen to quarantine since our friend’s wedding!  A cross between “Pride and Prejudice” & “Scandal,” this show brings verve, C-O-L-O-R, wisteria, & of course, a star-crossed love story that is the height of escapism.  And perhaps the most escapist part of “Bridgerton” is its sumptuous sets that take us out of this time, & straight back to 1800’s England….albeit, in a much racier fashion.  The question I asked myself while watching the series was: can you actually stay in any of Bridgerton’s amazing castles? 

The answer to that we’ll find out in this post…

The new Netflix show “Bridgerton” is like a cross between “Scandal” & “Pride & Prejudice,” from Shonda Rhimes. In this post, we’ll find out if you can stay in any of its glorious filming locations…

Map of Bridgerton-Inspired Castle Stays

The short answer to the question is: NO.  Most “Bridgerton” filming locations are set in castles unavailable for public use.  These include: Wilton House, Hatfield House, & Castle Howard.  The good news though ~ is there are countless REAL castle stays in England that will make you feel like you’re on a “Bridgerton” set….& the absolute best of these can be found below.

Bridgerton-Inspired Castles Near London

1. Amberley Castle

Amberley Castle is 90 minutes south of London, & is the castle closest to the coast ~ about 30 minutes from the the shores of Brighton.  Amberley’s 12-acres will have you feeling like Daphne Bridgerton, strolling through gardens behind high castle walls.  Here you can enjoy a sumptuous restaurant with vaulted ceilings, peacocks & alpacas wandering the grounds, tennis courts, & an 18-hole putting green.

Only 90 minutes south of London, the 900-year old Amberley Castle will give you MAJOR Bridgerton vibes…

Rooms at Amberley are tasteful & modern with old-world touches that will give you that “castle” feel.

2. Bovey Castle

Located 200 miles south-west of London & set within Dartmoor National Park, lies the 275-acre parcel that is Bovey Castle.  Today, Bovey is known as a luxurious, five-star golf & spa resort with 60 rooms & 22 country lodges that are available for extended stays.  Avid golfers & those looking for a castle retreat that’s nestled within nature will love it here, with both casual & fine dining options available, as well as a championship 18-hole golf course.

Sip afternoon tea in Bovey Castle’s stately drawing room, with views out to its 275-acres.

With its setting in Dartmoor National Park, Bovey is ideal for both golfers & nature-lovers.

Bridgerton-Inspired Castles Near London

3. Hever Castle

Just 40 miles south of London lies Anne Boleyn’s former home: the 125-acre Hever Castle.  Surrounded by a moat, Hever Castle gives off definite “Bridgerton” vibes…but if you’ve ever watched “The Tudors,” it’s reminiscent of that show as well, as it delved so deeply into the relationship of Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn.  Hever is known for its show-stopping gardens, which are a study in formal English gardening.  For history buffs & garden-lovers: Hever Castle is an ideal destination.

Hever Castle is known for two primary things: its famous gardens & its association with the infamous Anne Boleyn.

You can visit Anne Boleyn’s bedroom at Hever Castle…

4. Thornbury Castle

If you’re traveling to England’s renowned Cotswolds, an area known for rolling hills & pastoral landscapes: consider staying at Thornbury Castle.  Two hours west of London & just outside of Bristol, this famous Tudor castle lies in an enviable position on the River Severn.  King Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn stayed here on their honeymoon, & like them, you can try your hand at archery, falconry, or croquet while at Thornbury.  Also, make sure to check out the stunning St. Mary Church which abuts the castle grounds. 

Or perhaps if bed & breakfasts are more to your taste, read this article I wrote on the best B&B’s in the Cotswolds.

The stormy setting & climbing vines of Thornbury Castle give off major “Bridgerton” vibes, combined with a rich sense of Tudor history.

Thornbury is one of the grandest examples of Tudor architecture, which can also be seen in its ornate rooms.

Bridgerton-Inspired Castles North of London

5. Augill Castle

We’re now in the “Castles North of London” category, & 5 hours north of London lies our first choice: Augill Castle.  Close to the famous Lake District, Augill’s grounds manage to have a quaint & cozy feel; their accommodations are also family-friendly & you may even be greeted by their resident Labrador.  If you’re looking for a little quirkier castle-experience, try Augill, as their rooms aren’t quite so grand as some of the other castles listed here & the overall experience is a bit more relaxed. 

Bonus: If you stay at Augill Castle, you’ll have stunning views of the North Pennine mountain range.

If a castle can actually feel quaint & cozy: Augill Castle in northern England somehow manages it.

Dining room at Augill Castle.

6. Langley Castle

One of the oldest castles on this list, Langley Castle in Hexham was built in 1350.  Modern amenities await you in opulent quarters, & rooms with evocative names such as the “Tower Room” will definitely make you feel as if you’re back in “Bridgerton” times.  Langley is set on 10-acres of woodland in the beautiful Northumberland district, & you’ll have the option to stay either in the castle or further out on the grounds.

The castle on this list that reminds me most of Downton Abbey’s Highclere Castle is this one: Langley Castle.

The De-Lucy Bedroom at Langley Castle.

Bridgerton-Inspired Castles North of London

7. Otterburn Castle

Another Northumberland castle, Otterburn Castle is the oldest on this list: as it was built in the 11th-century.  Set on 32-acres & located 18 miles from Northumberland National Park, Otterburn has a rich history & darker, more masculine interiors.  It seems like a place where the Duke from “Bridgerton” would enjoy staying, & he may also enjoy their oak-paneled restaurant & courtyard-bar seating.  Wooded grounds feature a terraced garden & a lake.

Otterburn Castle in northern England.

8. Swinton Park

If you’re interested in farm-to-table eating, consider staying at Yorkshire’s famous Swinton Park Castle Hotel: their 200-acres features a 4-acre “Kitchen Garden,” which serves their award-winning restaurant & cooking school.  Views from their 32 bedrooms offer views of either gardens, lakes, or parklands: you’ll be steeped in nature here.  Rooms are modern & stately, & there’s also a luxury spa on the grounds for those looking for complete relaxation.

Swinton Park Castle Hotel.

One of the things that sets Swinton Park apart from other castles on this list is their modern spa, set amidst the castle grounds.

Can You Stay in Any of Bridgerton’s Castles?