Leap Year Facts, Traditions and Myths
We already know that leap year occurs every four years, but did you know that the year is full...
Be the King or Queen of your own castle, with a stay at a castle identical to Gwrych Castle, the star of this year’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here.
Gwrych Castle will host the contestants of I’m A Celebrity 2021, with production of the ITV reality show moving from Australia to Abergele. Discover all you need to know about the Abergele castle and discover identical castles you can stay at on your next UK getaway.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about Gwrych Castle and how to get your hands on your own castle accommodation….
Gwrych Castle is on the outskirts of Abergele, a small market town in North Wales, surrounded by 250 acres of astonishing grounds. One of many castles in Wales, Gwrych enjoys a prime position between the seaside resorts of Colwyn Bay and Rhyl, overlooking the stunning north coast.
In 1810, Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh began the construction of Gwrych Castle in memory of his mother’s ancestors, the Lloyds of Gwrych. The family home was one of the first attempts at replicating medieval architecture in Europe. The castle then remained in the Lloyd family for 1000 years.
During the Second World War, the castle was requisitioned as Operation Kindertransport and once the war was over, it was sold to the Dundonald Family. Years later, the castle was sold to an American property business with a view to turning it into an opera centre and hotel, to no avail.
The history of Gwrych Castle is fascinating; there is a spookier, darker side to the castle’s history as you delve deeper…
The current owner of the castle claims that real-life ghost encounters at Gwrych Castle happen all the time. So if you are feeling brave, be sure to join them on a ghost walk. Gwrych Castle ghost hunts promise lots of paranormal activity and some people claim to have met the dark spirit of the Countess’s tyrannical husband, the Earl of Dundonald. What better way to learn the Gwrych Castle history than on a spooky ghost hunt?
Even fluent Welsh speakers find this one a little tricky to pronounce, so do not worry. With filming for I’m a Celebrity due to take place soon, it may be worth knowing how to pronounce it, even if it’s to impress your friends.
Gwrych Castle is in fact pronounced “Goo-rreech”, with stress of the “W” part. If this still doesn’t help, you can wait to see how Ant and Dec pronounce it on the show or take a look at the YouTube video below…
Gwrych castle and gardens are open to the public, but please bear in mind that it is a large site with difficult terrain and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
Your canine companions are welcome to explore the Welsh castle too, as long as they are on a lead, and there is free parking available. You can also book onto one of the Ghosts Hunts to experience one of the UK’s spookiest locations.
With matching circular turrets and characterful windows, you would be forgiven for thinking that Auchentroig House and Gwrych Castle are the same building.
The difference is, Gwyrch is in a ruined state, whereas Auchentroig House offers grand and spacious accommodation, as well as distant views of Loch Lomond.
Choose this castle-style country house for a peaceful and tranquil break, with an impressive grand piano for those who are musically inclined to play a tune or two.
The apartment also comes with six well-presented bedrooms, a large kitchen/diner to cater delicious feasts, and a spacious sitting room with stunning views across the grounds, which are waiting to be explored one summer’s afternoon.
If you can tear yourself away from Auchentroig House, venture to the beautiful Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, as well as the Flanders Moss nature reserve, an important wildlife habitat formed over 8000 years ago, making a wonderful base for the intrepid explorer.
Nestled on the outskirts of Snape, North Yorkshire is this Grade I listed castle, once the former home of Catherine Parr, the last wife of King Henry VIII.
Look forward to spending time in the heart-warming wing of the castle, which has retained a wealth of its original character.
The exterior of the castle is much like Gwrych Castle, with its stone-built façade and imposing turrets, whilst the interior enjoys a traditional feel; from the exposed beams and stonework to the fabulous woodburning stove, the complete opposite to what we imagine the 2021 celebs will face.
Here, you will also find a ground-floor master bedroom, boasting a plush king-size bed and en-suite bathroom, whilst upstairs there is the twin bedroom nestling under the eaves.
Whilst the grounds of this castle are not as large as Gwrych Castle, they are as impressive, with formal surroundings and a charming courtyard garden where you can enjoy a spot of alfresco dining.
If you fancy immersing yourself in such wonderful history, be sure to secure a stay at one of many castle accommodations, found across the UK. Alternatively, be inspired by our North Wales travel guide and plan your future getaway.
Image Credits: Ognyan Petrov – (CC BY-SA 4.0); Richard Hoare – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Kevin Williams – (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Hi, I'm Georgina and I joined the team in November 2018. I've enjoyed UK holidays from a young age and have picked up lots of tips...
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