‘Castlecore’: The 2025 Trend of Staying in European Castles and 5 of the Best Places to Stay
Luxury travel expert Jamie Marquis, Director at The Luxury Travel Book, reveals his list of destinations and properties for the ultimate ‘Castlecore’ escape this year.
If popular TV shows like Outlander and BBC’s The Traitors have got you lusting after your own travel-inspired castle fantasy, you may have already caught on to ‘castlecore’ – a must-watch travel trend for 2025. While its roots lie in fashion and home decor, this trend is steadily expanding into the world of travel – and the proof is in the stats. Google searches for ‘Castlecore’ have risen by 1,957% in the past three months and over 10.6K posts on Instagram. So, how can travellers fully experience a chateau-inspired aesthetic on their adventures this year?
We spoke to Jamie Marquis, director of The Luxury Travel Book, who has handpicked five must-visit destinations for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the ‘Castlecore’ trend in 2025. Each destination has been paired with a selection of exclusive medieval castles to stay in, offering the perfect opportunity to live like royalty on your next holiday.
5 Top Destinations for a ‘Castlecore’ Holiday
1) Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany’s rich history, incredible food and romantic charm make it feel like a storybook come to life. Visitors can step back in time as they wander through the fortified medieval villages of Monteriggioni and San Gimignano, where turreted skylines and ivy-draped stone walls create an atmosphere of timeless enchantment. Meanwhile, wine lovers can indulge in the elegance of Brolio Castle, Italy’s oldest wine estate, renowned for its prestigious vintages. With its hidden courtyards and stunning Renaissance architecture, the estate perfectly captures the grandeur of ‘Castlecore’.
For those seeking a truly quintessential experience, Castello Granduca offers a luxurious 16th-century retreat, complete with a banquet hall fit for royalty. Guests can even enjoy horseback riding through its breathtaking countryside. For a true fairytale retreat, Villa Galbino, nestled in the rolling hills of Arezzo, embodies the essence of ‘Castlecore’ with its frescoed ceilings and round stone towers.
Travelista Favourite: Our Editor also loves Castello di Casole – A Belmond Hotel, for the ultimate luxurious Tuscany escape.
Read: A Tuscany Road Trip Itinerary: Pisa to Florence
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2) Provence, France
Nestled in the southeastern region of France, Provence offers a captivating blend of history and luxury. No visit is complete without exploring the Valensole Plateau, home to the region’s iconic lavender fields. These dreamlike landscapes, filled with bright purple hues, provide the perfect backdrop for sipping locally produced rosé wines and soaking in Provence’s timeless beauty. For a journey back in time, a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Les Baux-de-Provence leads to a breathtaking hilltop fortress filled with medieval castle ruins, offering a true glimpse into the past.
To experience the opulent lifestyle of royalty firsthand, Chateau de Tourreau in the heart of Rhone Valley provides an idyllic retreat. Originally built in the 17th century, this historic château has been lovingly restored, seamlessly blending old-world charm with modern refinement for an unforgettable stay.
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“Castlecore’ travel is an invitation to step into history, to experience the grandeur and romance of the past in the most breathtaking locations. Destinations such as Tuscany or Provence bring this fairytale aesthetic into reality, ensuring that every visitor can indulge in the magic of castles, historical estates, and timeless landscapes. To fully immerse yourself, check for any private tours around these monuments, as experts can bring the history to life.”
Jamie marquis
Director at The Luxury Travel Book
3) Scottish Highlands, UK
BBC reality show ‘The Traitors’ is filmed primarily at Ardross Castle, a 19th-century castle located in the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. The castle a venue for weddings and filming, so whilst you can’t book a night there, there are plenty of spectacular castle hotels in the Scottish Highlands to have a similar experience. Imagine escaping to roaring log fires, spectacular mountains and glittering lochs. The Scottish Highlands is an incredibly romantic and iconic destination within the UK that is well worth the journey.
Inverlochy Castle Hotel near Fort William offers 19th-century luxury and provides guests with a true ‘Traitors-esque’ setting. It’s part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and arguably Scotland’s finest country hotel. Alternatively, there’s Fonab Castle Hotel in Pitlochry or Kincraig Castle Hotel which is located just 20 minutes from Inverness.
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4) Dubrovnik, Croatia
Brimming with medieval charm, Dubrovnik is the perfect embodiment of ‘Castlecore’. Enclosed within towering ancient walls, this UNESCO-listed city boasts a breathtaking blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, instantly transporting visitors to another era. Game of Thrones fans will find an added layer of enchantment, as Dubrovnik’s otherworldly beauty made it a prime filming location for the series.
For a truly immersive experience, Lopud 1483, a meticulously restored 15th-century Franciscan monastery on the serene island of Lopud, offers a one-of-a-kind luxury retreat. With the island’s car-free policy, visitors can fully embrace the tranquillity of the past.
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5) Umbria, Italy
Another Italian destination offering a picture-perfect ‘Castlecore’ experience is Umbria – known as the ‘Green Heart of Italy’ – where medieval charm meets luxury and elegance.
The region’s capital, Perugia, is the epitome of ‘Castlecore’, with its rich history and timeless allure. For a truly enchanting dining experience, indulge in gourmet delights at Brufani Palace at the Michelin-starred Ristorante Il Vizio, or savour truffle-infused dishes under the warm glow of candlelight at Ristorante La Taverna, nestled beneath vaulted brick ceilings.
For the ultimate regal retreat, Le Torri di Bagnara offers an exclusive stay where medieval watchtowers have been transformed into a lavish countryside sanctuary.
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