If the new series of The Celebrity Traitors has you dreaming of sashaying around a sprawling castle in your best hooded cloak, you don't have to travel too far to make it a reality.
SoGlos rounds up six Traitors-worthy castles right here in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds that you can spend a night at with your faithfuls.
St Briavels Castle in Lydney
The 800-year-old St Briavels Castle near Lydney is as impressive as it is imposing. The Grade I-listed ancient monument boasts well-preserved medieval features including a banqueting hall, dark wood panelling, gothic arches, and even a prison room build by King Edward I! The castle also benefits from spectacular surroundings within the Wye Valley National Landscape.
St Briavels Castle is part of the Youth Hostels Association and offers visitors shared or private rooms, as well as exclusive-use hire of the whole property.
Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe
Known as the most romantic castle in the Cotswolds, Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe boasts imposing, wood-panelled castle rooms, rose-covered ruins and ornate gardens, as well impressive royal connections that date back to Tudor times. Queen Katherine Parr herself is laid to rest in the church within Sudeley's grounds.
Sudeley Castle itself can be hired exclusively for parties and private events, and there are 17 holiday cottages available to rent, too – including the historic Castle Gatehouse for proper Traitors vibes!
Frampton Court Estate in Frampton-on-Severn
Up to 14 guests can stay in this Palladian paradise next to the river in Frampton-on-Severn. The stately building sits at the heart of a working country estate, surrounded by ornamental gardens, a Grade I-listed park and lakes.
Those staying at the estate can even have their own menu created by Frampton Court's professional chefs, and book spa treatments to enjoy during their stay, too.
Clearwell Castle in Coleford
Clearwell Castle in Coleford is boasts spacious reception rooms with gorgeous period features like ornate ceilings and gothic arched windows, in-house chefs, and 15 castle bedrooms to stay in overnight.
As well as offering exclusive-use hire for private events, the castle also hosts dinner date nights and luxe tasting evenings for couples who have a wedding package at the castle, so they can sample its classic catering before their big day.
Thornbury Castle in South Gloucestershire
Once owned by King Henry VIII himself, Thornbury Castle just outside Bristol is a striking venue that promises '1520s grandeur and modern splendour'.
Spend a night living like Tudor royalty in one of the castle's 27 opulent bedchambers or suites, with exclusive-use hire also available for banquets and parties.
Horton Court near Chipping Sodbury
Used as a filming location for Wolf Hall and Poldark, National Trust-owned Horton Court near Chipping Sodbury was recently restored, though the building dates back to 1185.
The £2 million restoration has brought new life back into some of its grand period features, such as the centuries-old wood panelling and Pastiche ceilings, and sleeps up to 10 guests in five bedrooms. While outdoors, guests are surrounded by grounds which include mature woodlands, a lake and undulating gardens.
