Can You Stay in Any of Bridgerton’s Castles?

I recently told my friend Eileen that 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 the show are its sumptuous sets that take us out of this time, & straight back to 1800’s England….albeit, in a racier fashion.  The question I found myself asking while watching the series was: can you actually stay in any of Bridgerton’s amazing castles? 

We’ll find out here…

The Netflix show “Bridgerton” is like a racier “Pride & Prejudice.” Here, 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 not available for public use.  These include: Wilton House, Hatfield House, & Castle Howard.  The good news is: there are countless REAL castle stays in England that will make you feel like you’re on a “Bridgerton” set….& the best can be found below.

Bridgerton-Inspired Castles by 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 by 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 things: its famous gardens & its association with 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 stunning St. Mary Church, which abuts the castle grounds. 

And if bed & breakfasts are more to your taste, read this article I wrote on great 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.

Can You Stay in Any of Bridgerton’s Castles?

5. Augill Castle

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

6. Langley Castle

One of the oldest castles & located in Hexham, Langley Castle in was originally built in 1350.  Modern amenities await in opulent quarters, & rooms such as the “Tower Room” will definitely make you feel as though you’re back in “Bridgerton” times. Set on 10-acres of woodland in beautiful Northumberland, you can 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.

Bridgerton-Inspired Castles North of London

7. Otterburn Castle

Another Northumberland estate, Otterburn Castle is the oldest on the list: 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.  And he may also enjoy their oak-paneled restaurant & courtyard-bar. 

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 four-acre “Kitchen Garden,” which serves their award-winning restaurant & cooking school.  Views from their 32 bedrooms offer vistas of their gardens, lakes, or parklands: you’re surrounded by 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?

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