Surrounded by emerald-green forestry on the famous Marchen Strasse (“fairytale road”) is this medieval marvel that will make you feel like you stepped into the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Wander the enchanting rose gardens or follow in Aurora’s footsteps and hunt down the fated spinning wheel. Exquisite period furnishing, spiral staircases and turret rooms complete the storybook stay.

A weekend at the sprawling 800-year-old estate and former home
of the Guinness family is a particularly decadent affair. Opulently
furnished with crystal chandeliers and antique artwork, the
magnificent 82 rooms and suites feature the finest bed linen,
designer toiletries and roaring log fires. The crown jewel has got
to be the spa (housed in a bronze conservatory) though the
well-stocked wine cellar (with over 600 varieties) is also
impressive.

“I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot” wrote Queen
Victoria in her diary after spending a week sketching and painting
at Inverlochy. Located at the bottom of Ben Nevis, picturesque
surrounds include the falls at Glen Nevis, the monument at
Glenfinnan and the mountains of Glencoe. Arrive at the idyllic spot
in style with a Rolls Royce transfer from the airport, with a
wholesome weekend fishing, golfing and white-water rafting ahead of
you.

Set in valleys carpeted in olive trees, Castello del Nero
screams Tuscan summer dreams. Antique fireplaces, honey-stone
floors and ceiling murals restored by the Italian Fine Art
Commission set the scene for a Michelin-starred restaurant and wine
supplied from neighbouring vineyards. Spend days picnicking in the
740 acres or lounging by the inviting pool.

Overlooking the Dordogne Valley, this 14th-century property
marries intricate gothic woodwork with modern amenities such as
hi-tech jacuzzi baths. If you’re feeling flush, admire your kingdom
from above with a hot-air balloon ride.

The Emerald Isle is home to over 4000 castles, but Ballynahinch
is one of the finest, boasting views of a glassy loch from
four-poster beds. Perched over a salmon fishery, activities include
woodcock shooting and fly-fishing – though you may prefer to hunker
down in a Chesterfield by the fire the on-site pub.

Two words: rolling valleys. Located in the heart of Dartmoor National Park in Devon, Bovey Castle is serious stuff. First opened as a hotel and golf resort in 1930, this castle hotel comprises of 60 grandiose bedrooms in addition to 22 self-catering country cottages. Now that you’ve your sleeping set-up sorted, who’s up for a country pursuit? Grab your waxed jackets and wellington boots, folks – we’re going on a moorland AF excursion. There’s a range of activities – from horseback riding to off-road driving – available, but if afternoon tea is more your game, attentive staff will be able to arrange a booking for you.