There is an old proverb: an Englishman’s home is his castle. But just imagine, after a day’s shooting, you had the chance to bed down in a real castle, complete with battlements, turrets and drawbridges. There are only a handful of castles in Britain that offer guns in-house accommodation, but the optional extra will add serious kudos to your trip. If you are thinking ghosts and cold, empty rooms, then think again – there are some remarkably lavish private castles out there offering fairy-tale four-posters, bottomless wine cellars and top-grade chefs. They may be short on en suites but the six castles detailed below are more house party than hotel. Not only is the shooting top drawer, the meticulous owners lay on irresistible postprandial entertainment to starve even the keenest shot of sleep. Step back in time and relish the full hospitality of Britain’s heritage.
Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire