It’s that time of year; deadlines are uncomfortably close, you’ve reluctantly turned your heating on and your loan doesn’t quite stretch for that dress you’ve seen in Topshop. However, the one thing that you’ve still got is your ability to procrastinate and dream, so read on and let your mind run away to locations fit for a princess and therefore fit for you!
Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany
This 19th century castle was commissioned for the reclusive King Ludwig II. Each year, 1.4 million people visit this fairytale castle. The castle was intended to be a private retreat for the king and so is internally decorated with images of the king’s ideal dream world – believe it or not – the Middle Ages. Positioned on the top of a hill and looking down on the town below it is a scene that could be lifted right out of a Grimm story.
Old Town, Colmar, France
Straight out of Beauty and the Beast, this beautiful French medieval town is filled with thirteenth and fourteenth century half-timbered buildings. Charming cafés and pretty perfumers line the cobbled streets, making it the ultimate fairytale town.
The Dark Hedges, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
This road of beech trees were planted in the 18th century to impress guests arriving at the Stuart family’s mansion, nowadays it’s probably best known for featuring in Game of Thrones. This road is believed to be haunted by the Grey Lady who appears at sunset among the trees.
Las Lajas Sanctuary, Pasto, Colombia
This is not Cinderella’s house – it’s actually a church built inside a canyon in Colombia. It was built after a sheltering mother and daughter saw the image of the Virgin Mary in the gorge whilst sheltering there during a storm. The gorge was also believed to be a site to cure the mute and the blind. Such amazing history to fit such a beautiful location!
Cappadocia Cave Dwellings, Urgup, Turkey
Although it may look like giants’ caves, Cappadocia is home to large, heated and beautiful underground cave-hotels. Originally used as a hiding place for Christians, 365 magical ancient churches have been excavated. Visitors to Cappadocia go trekking in the incredible surrounding landscape and even float above the caves in hot air balloons.
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