British castles you can actually buy

Live out your very own fairytale in one of these incredible castles for sale, from a 16th-century palace near Edinburgh to a fortress in the Welsh countryside, which is not quite as it seems

Aside from Queen Elizabeth's royal residences, there are thousands of castles across Britain, from haunting ruins to magnificent palaces that were once the playgrounds of kings and queens.

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But while traditionally castles were built as fortifications to protect against attack or as symbols of great wealth and power, today they hold a more romantic allure and are often more associated with Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty than bloody battles.

Historically Britain’s castles have been in the hands of the royal family or aristocracy – in Scotland, they were largely owned by clans – and passed down the hereditary line.

However, with the rising cost of upkeep as well as hefty inheritance tax bills, many of these incredible buildings have been passed on to the National Trust, turned into commercial ventures, as in the case of Alnwick Castle, or even sold to private buyers.

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Whether you want to play at being landed gentry, help save these heritage buildings for posterity, or you see it as an investment opportunity, here are some stunning British castles for sale right now.

Glenborrodale Castle, Ardnamurchan, Argyll & Bute – offers over £3,750,00 through Bellingram

This beautiful baronial mansion with views of Loch Sunart, the Isles of Carna and Oronsay, comes with a staggering 132.99 acres of land, including two islands.

Dating from the early Edwardian era, the property on the wildlife-rich Ardnamurchan Peninsula also includes a walled garden, games room, no fewer than 16 bedroom suites, a gate lodge and coach house and a boathouse and jetty – for reaching your private islands no doubt.

Illieston Castle, Broxburn, West Lothian – offers over £950,000 through Savills

Less than 12 miles from Edinburgh and just 6 miles from the airport, this 16^th-century castle set in open countryside feels a million miles from city life.

Illieston was once a royal hunting seat of the kings of Scotland, including James II and James IV, but inside it is far from archaic, having been fully restored for modern living. Not your normal commuter house, there are two train stations nearby for those that do still need to have a proper job.

Castle Gyrn, Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd, Ruthin – Offers over £2,750,000 through Rightmove

Set on a hillside overlooking the Vale of Clwyd, this remote retreat offers welcome respite from the rat race and on a clear day, you may even be able to see Mount Snowdon.

But while from the outside Gyrn may look every inch an 18^th-century property, it was actually built in 1977 and the interiors have been upgraded over recent years, with a library and cinema, no less.

Harold Tower, Douglas, Isle of Man – £3,950,000 through Rightmove

Dating from around 1830, this Gothic castle built to a hexagonal design has been given a sensitive makeover. Guests will admire the floor in the lounge and hall, which was reclaimed from the famous Palace Lido ballroom, while turrets, arches and huge ornamental reliefs complete the castle fantasy.

Perhaps most impressive though is the view across the bay from its position high on Douglas Head.

Netley Castle, Southampton – £945,000 through Savills

While you can’t buy the whole historic property (pictured at the very top of the page), the duplex apartment on offer at this 16^th-century fort (transformed into the Gothic style in the Victorian era) is still pretty special.

With four terraces and sea views from most rooms, you will feel like the king (or queen) of the castle, and you can have access to the historic dining room in the original castle for special occasions too.

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