10 of Britain’s best castle holidays

Pull up the drawbridge for a stunning fortified stay in one of these historic boltholes

At first glance, Bovey looks too swanky to be properly family-friendly, but behind the imposing facade it is as welcoming to children as adults. There’s an excellent kids’ club, the chance for them to meet chickens and ferrets on the estate farm, or try their hand at archery, croquet or just roam the 275-acre estate. Adult-friendly activities include mixology classes and horse-drawn carriage rides and the Elan spa offers a wide range of indulgent ESPA treatments. Dinner choices range from a seven-course, wine-paired tasting menu in the beautiful Tasting Room to family favourites in the informal Brasserie.
Doubles from £224; boveycastle.com