There is definitely an undeniable allure in castles which are not simply historical landmarks but functional buildings. Though many famous castles around the world have been turned into museums, there are still some that act as residence of nobility or royalty. In addition, some of those castles that function as residences are even opened partially to tourists, thus giving guests the chance to immerse themselves in history while it happens.
From the royal estates of the British monarchy to less popular but equally majestic castles that are still under the ownership of the family that originally built them, these castles combine functionality and historical value.
Windsor Castle, England
Few places embody the idea of a “living castle” as powerfully as Windsor Castle. With a history spanning nearly a millennium, it holds the distinction of being the longest-occupied royal residence in the world. Despite its role as an official home of the British monarch, Windsor is far from off-limits to the public. Visitors can explore highlights such as the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. It is strongly advised to pre-book tickets online through the Royal Collection Trust.
Balmoral Castle, Scotland
Balmoral Castle is located in the Scottish Highlands and gives one an even closer look at royalty. While Windsor is an active royal residence, Balmoral Castle is purely a private place, where the royal family members spend their summers. Visitors can come and tour Balmoral Castle, which serves as the Scottish residence for the Royal Family, but usually only from April until July. Those months allow visitors to roam around the garden, exhibitions, and ballroom of Balmoral Castle. In 2026, selected rooms inside the castle will be available to visitors, with some visits taking place from October to December.
Glamis Castle, Scotland
Glamis Castle, steeped in folklore and history dating back to noble lineage, is among the most romanticized castles in Scotland. It has served as the residence of the Bowes-Lyon family for many years and is still used as a private residence. Visitors are allowed to tour Glamis Castle, which is open for public visits throughout the year from March 20th to October 31st. The renowned castle where Queen Elizabeth spent her childhood and Princess Margaret was born, allows visitors to tour historical rooms, garden areas, a restaurant, and souvenir shop.
Château de Chastellux, France
Château de Chastellux, located in Burgundy region, has remained in the same family for generations, hence becoming an exceptional example of continuous noble living in Europe. Tourists can tour the Burgundy Château de Chastellux in summer from May to September. The Château de Chastellux is a privately owned family castle that is almost 1,000 years old and provides visitors information about its fascinating history through its various sections like the guard room dating back to the 13th century, library and stunning park.
Săvârșin Castle, Romania
The Săvârșin Castle provides a rather peaceful experience with the living history of royalty. The castle acts as a residence for the Romanian royal family; thus, unlike many Western European castles, it does not operate in the same manner. However, the grounds are accessible to tourists during specified periods throughout the year. The Săvârșin Royal Estate, comprising the park and gardens, receives visitors between May and October, usually between Fridays and Sundays, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., while remaining closed from Mondays to Thursdays. Even though the castle cannot be accessed by visitors due to its use as a private property, it is possible to tour the 6.5-hectare grounds, the Royal Automobile Museum, and the Tea House.
