If you’ve been watching The Crown, you’ll know that Her Majesty the Queen is at heart a country woman, but an invite to Balmoral or Sandringham is possibly not en route to your post box.

If you’ve taken in every moment of Downton Abbey and have thoughts of spending a week at Highgrove, also not possible.

So where to go to really get the experience of being in a grand country house while visiting the UK?

Just outside of London on the banks of the Thames sits the stately pile that is Cliveden House. This was home to Meghan Markle now the Duchess of Sussex the night before she wed her prince.

This property has an extraordinary history that dates back to 1605 and is littered with Dukes and Earls along the way, not to mention the Profumo Affair.

Beautiful suites provide the grandest of accommodations and perfect to cosy up in after a private jaunt up the Thames on the gorgeous Suzy Ann, or a long walk in the 376 acres of formal gardens and woodlands.

The beauty of Ayrshire on the Southwest Coast of Scotland is something to behold, as is the divine Glenapp Castle which sits proudly on its estate awaiting your arrival. It’s a fairy tale of Scottish Baronial style with turrets and sandstone battlements, a real castle with a wonderful history.

Scotland is about the big outdoors, so you should make plans to take to the sea, fish, hike, and ride to really get into the spirit of things. Roaring fires, hot pots of perfectly brewed tea and outstanding cuisine will always pick you up for another round tomorrow. A wee dram before bed will sort you out nicely for a dreamy night’s sleep.

Other Castle stay experiences that can be recommended for those who love history, Royalty, and legend include:

Hever Castle –

Anne Boleyn & Henry VIII

Amberley Castle –

900 years of history

Stay in a castle or a stately home and experience history, it’s really a sensational way to inject something royally brilliant into your next UK visit.