Are you planning an extraordinary vacation – wanting something different from the norm - out of this world family holidays? Short of jetting off into space, you’ve got some research ahead of you. But let me suggest something that will be remembered forever, marked down in family lore, and be magical, to boot – stay in a castle.

Yes. A castle. How cool is that?!

Maybe you and your kids have read (and re-read) The Once and Future King, watched BBC's Merlin. Maybe they’ve fallen in love with castles, history, architecture (we have). Maybe it’s a bucket list item? Whatever the reasons you and your family love castles (and I am sure mine are similar), wouldn’t staying in one, exploring, and learning about the history be extraordinary? Yes. I concur.

Here are 5 places to stay in a castle… followed by some excellent castle resources to educate and inspire.

C17th Castle, Somerset

With an octagonal keep, this castle is located near the Victorian seaside town of Clevedon. Views over the Bristol channel and the countryside are enticing, but there’s plenty to do if you want to actually leave the castle! You can play on the beach, ski, kayak, go horseback riding, hit the go-kart track, visit local historical sites and small villages, and explore the coast. Try to sleep in one of the turret rooms for maximum historical imagination!

Gunn Castle, Scotland

Ok. Every reader of Wandering Educators knows We Love Scotland (see our site, Journey to Scotland, for more Scottish goodness!). How about staying in a 15th century Scottish castle, located at the very tip of Scotland? Yes, please. Here, there are views of Sinclair’s Bay or the Caithness landscape. If you’re lucky, you’ll stay in one of the rooms that have letters written in them – in the early 19th century! Located near Wick, you can also shop, golf, visit the Pulteney Distillery, and another castle – the Castle of Mey (the Queen Mother’s former home). You could also fish, drive to John O’ Groats, visit the Orkney Islands, or watch the sea for whales, sea otters, and more. Swoon.

Deburgo Castle, Ireland

Located in Mayo, Ireland, Deburgo Castle is a perfect base for driving the Wild Atlantic Way. Located near Ballinrobe, you can also easily explore the Connemara area, Galway, Cong, and Ashford Castle (see how I am sneaking in all these castles for you to explore?). But I feel you won’t be able to leave the Great Hall, which is the epitome of castle-ness. There’s a huge stone fireplace with a 20 foot vaulted ceiling, 17th century oak table, and even a minstrel’s gallery. Your kids will love seeing the old garderobe and a secret chamber for valuables (or prisoners, which are in themselves valuable, I guess).

Smiths Castle, Ireland

Want to stay in a bit older castle? Head to Smiths Castle, build in the 15th century. Located in County Clare, near Lisdoonvarna (and inland from Doolin, so you can get your Cliffs of Moher/Princess Bride fix), this area boasts much to see and do, including pony trekking, caving, walking, surfing, playing on the beach, diving, boating, visiting the Burren or the Aran Islands, fishing, and music, of course. But inside the castle, you’ll find a large banquet hall, minstrel’s gallery, and plenty of history. Is it haunted? Set your young squires and ladies on the task to discover some history.

Tower Gatehouse, Wales

The oldest castle in this list, Tower Gatehouse was built around the time of Edward I, circa 1270. There are towers (hence the name) and over 700 years of history to discover! If you’d like to explore the Welsh countryside, you’re near Great Barnets Wood (take a walk!), Mounton, and Shirenewton. Explore the Caerleon Roman Fortress, or the Severn Bore (a tidal phenomenon on the river). I have a feeling your kids will love the staircases (like ladders, or circular!).

Want to get your kids excited about castles (honestly, you won’t really need the help, but this is so much fun!)?

Here are some great resources:

http://medievaleurope.mrdonn.org/games.html
A great list of games for kids to play and learn about Medieval Europe

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/castle.htm
History and purpose of castles – AND a free printable castle that you can put together!

http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/homework/castles/defence.htm
All the parts of a castle you’d ever want to know

http://www.welbourneprimary.com/links/history/Castles/Castles.htm
Medieval history resource center for kids – including LOTS of fun games I have personally "tested" (research, you know!)