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Irene Pyne

“Let them eat cake!” you cry out, coolly sipping champagne in one of these spectacular castles.
The go-to list for living your best life is finally here.
1. Doune Castle (Edinburgh, Scotland)

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If there was ever a medieval stronghold that saw more action in the 21st century than the Dark Ages, it would be Doune.
In the television drama series Outlander Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) and Claire (Caitriona Balfe) steamed up the walls of this sturdy fortification known as Castle Leoch.
Enjoy a private tour of its 14th-century architecture before heading over to Deanston Distillery for a sublime whisky tasting experience.
Centuries-old ‘Game of Thrones’ castle in Northern Ireland up for sale
2. Castell de Santa Florentina (Barcelona, Spain)

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Also known as Horn Hill to Game of Thrones fans, Castell de Santa Florentina hides in the forests of Canet de Mar, Barcelona.
This breathtaking castle features divine stained-glass windows, marble floors and carved wood ceilings.
For up to €6,000 per day (about US$6,800), you can rent out the entire estate, including the royal flats where one sprawls on the chaise, sips on Cava and plots the domination of Westeros.
3. Palace de Versailles (Versailles, France)

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Oozing so much opulence that Hollywood couldn’t help but take a bite out of the royal cake, the Palace de Versailles has been used as a location for more 170 motion pictures – including the award-winning 2006 film Marie Antoinette starring Kirsten Dunst.
The only way to tour the palace would be to do it in excess. From €1,740 you can visit all the most incredible historical sites of Versailles, including the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, before driving to Persan Beaumont to board a Zeppelin airship.
During this one-hour flight, you can enjoy the scenic French panorama. And yes, there’s champagne.
This US$17 million French castle has sold only once in 500 years
4. Linlithgow Palace (Edinburgh, Scotland)


Linlithgow in Lothian is the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots as well as the location for the forthcoming eponymous film starring Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan.
Gleneagles, the luxury hotel spa and golf resort, is celebrating the film release with an exclusive historical tour for its guests.
Linlithgow and Stirling Castle await fans of Scotland’s tragic queen, as well as a potent Mary cocktail featuring Benedictine, Johnnie Walker whisky and absinthe.
5. Alnwick Castle (Northumberland, England)

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It would be strange to mention castles and neglect the most magical of all.
Alnwick Castle featured as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films and Brancaster Castle in the Downton Abbey television Christmas special.
The Northern Belle luxury train can take you to the castle for £360 (US$460) and offers fine-dining options complemented by its sommelier’s choice of wine.
Sadly, no chocolate frogs are available on this vintage carriage but a British seasonal table d’hôte menu should suffice.
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From Hogwarts to Versailles, find your medieval magic at these 4 castles from films that actually exist

The Linlithgow Royal Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland is the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots as well as the location for the forthcoming eponymous film starring Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan. Photo: Instagram @visitscotland

The Linlithgow Royal Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: Instagram @visitscotland

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Grand fortresses featured in the ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Marie Antoinette’ movies and TV’s ‘Game of Thrones’ await those who dream of the regal life – for a day


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