8 romantic self-catering towers perfect for a short break
Sweep someone special off their feet by taking them to stay at the very top of these fairytale, self-catering follies, mini castles and towers, where they can let their hair down this Valentine’s Day
The Tower
The Tower, Near Aylesham, Norfolk
Culloden Tower
Sleeps 4
The Water Tower
Located on the historic Blickling estate, this property was built in the 18th-century as the second Earl of Buckinghamshire’s ‘Grandstand Tower’ where he could get a good view of the steeple chase racecourse which ran across the area now known as Tower Park. Although the racecourse may be long gone, the tower still offers guests spectacular views of the surrounding area.
The Tower of Hallbar
Culloden Tower, Richmond, North Yorkshire
The Summerhouse
Sleeps 4
Beckford’s Tower
Set in peaceful parkland, the brightly decorated interiors of this tower come as a surprise after viewing its gothic façade. It was built in 1746 by John Yorke, MP for Richmond, and named to mark the final establishment of Hanoverian rule after the defeat of the Jacobites in the same year. It stands in the park of his long-demolished house, at the edge of a steep slope above the River Swale on the site of an old pele tower. To get the full impact of the tower’s surroundings, why not enjoy a glass of wine on the rooftop.
Liberton Tower
The Water Tower, Truro, Cornwall
Luttrell’s Tower
Sleeps 2
Although built to simply be a practical water tower for fighting fires in the area, the property’s Victorian designers went all out on fairytale design and created something reminiscent of Rapunzel’s lofty abode. With the tower’s four floors holding just one room each, The Water Tower creates a cosy, self-catering, haven for a romantic getaway.
The Tower of Hallbar, Braidwood, South Lanarkshire
Sleeps 7
This impressive, brooding building looks as though it has leapt off the pages of a Grimm’s fairytale. Complete with gargoyles and set among woodland, this 16th century tower is joined by a neighbouring 19th-century cottage which provides additional accommodation. In the main tower the master bedroom is found at the top of the building and can only be reached by going out onto the parapet walkway!
The Summerhouse, Eyton-on-Severn, Shropshire
Sleeps 2
This bijou Elizabethan banqueting tower comes with a first floor bedroom complete with four poster bed and a log-burning stove. The building is a rare surviving example of its kind and was originally one of a pair of banqueting towers where guests could expect fine food and wine along with panoramic views. Today, guests can follow on the tradition by enjoying a romantic breakfast before taking the oak spiral staircase to the viewing platform at it top of the building.
Beckford’s Tower, Bath
Sleeps 4
Built in the 19th century, this tower has touches of Tuscan charm in its design. The extravagant creation was the brainchild of William Beckford who built the tower as a daily retreat from his main house. With accommodation found at ground level, guests today can follow in Beckford’s footsteps and curl their way up to the tower’s viewing room to escape the hubbub of everyday life below.
Liberton Tower, Liberton, near Edinburgh
Sleeps 5
Looking more like a robust stronghold than a spindly fairytale tower, this 15th-century castle affords visitors fantastic views across to nearby Edinburgh. The self-catering property is lavishly furnished with wall hangings and oak furniture, while the master bedroom also comes with a four poster bed. Meanwhile, a roaring log fire and under-floor heating create a cosy atmosphere where you can escape the last the of the winter chill.
Luttrell’s Tower, Eaglehurst, Southampton
Sleeps 4
This fine Georgian folly comes with sea views and direct access to the beach via a tunnel that leads from the property’s cellar, believed to have been used by smugglers! At the top of the tower is an open-plan living room and kitchen area where you can sit and admire the detailed plasterwork as well as the surrounding views.
