Fret not that your invite to the royal wedding was lost in the mail – a royal experience of truly epic proportions could be just around the corner with these incredible (and very real) castle stays.
You may not be invited to dine with the newlyweds in celebration of their marriage, but you too can live like the bride and groom, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
Check out these magnificent castles from around the world, all of which you can reserve now with Booking.com, and start planning your own royal tour on a commoner’s budget.
Parador de Cardona Cardona, Spain
You’ll feel as if you’re living a fairytale in this 9th-century castle. You and your Instagram will surely benefit from the panoramic views over the Catalan countryside and medieval-style interiors, characterized by vaulted ceilings, stone walls, and recovered courtyards.
Be treated to authentic Catalan cuisine before retreating to your own lavish bedroom with canopy bed.

Parador de Cardona in Spain looks straight out of a Shakespeare play.
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Ireland
Set within the picturesque woodlands of Galway County in Ballynahinch with views of the Twelve Bens mountain range, this traditional castle is set on a private estate that overlooks a salmon fishery.
Perfect for nature lovers, guests can happily spend a day pony trekking, and exploring the river before curling up by the fire for a pot of tea.

Imagine waking up to the views at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in Ireland.
The Castle Hotel, China
The Bavarian style of the estate may give you the impression that you’re situated in Germany’s Black Forest, but guests here are in fact in China, not far from Xinghai Square – the largest city square in the world.
A truly regal experience is on offer here – a lavish spa and indoor pool can make anyone feel like a Queen.

The Castle Hotel in Dalian, China, could double as the Disney castle!
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Canada
Oh Canada. Is there any place more beautiful? Not if you stay at this Hogwarts-like castle. With its many turrets, the castle boasts views of Quebec City’s Saint Lawrence River and the old town.
It’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and easily walkable to the upper and lower town districts of Quebec City. Enjoy a day of exploration before retreating to your European-style room and dining on some of the fine local cuisines.

Raise your hand if you want to stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City?
RAAS Devigarh, India
And now for something a little bit different. Surrounded by historic temples with views of the Aravalli Hills as far as the eye can see, this Indian castle located in Delwara near Udaipur promises a stay unlike any other.
It’s housed in an 18th-century palace, but the estate has all the needs of the modern traveler on offer. Take in a good book in the library before watching the sunset from the rooftop marble pool.

Sunsets at the RAAS Devigarh are epic.
Originally published as 5 age-old castles you can stay in right now by Katie Skelly. Author at realestate.com.au.