Scottish castle holidays
Staying in a National Trust for Scotland castle offers you the chance to step back in time and live as the former inhabitants once did (but with more mod cons!). It’s a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories with your family and friends, and experience the grandeur of bygone times. Also, by holidaying with us, you are supporting our work to share and protect Scotland’s historic buildings and landscapes for everyone to enjoy.
We’ve put together a list to inspire you!
Highlands & Islands
The Laird’s Wing
Location: Brodie Castle, near Forres
Sleeps: 14 (3 double and 4 twin)
You can indulge in a truly luxurious experience at The Laird’s Wing in the 16th-century Brodie Castle. This extension wing was the former home of Ninian Brodie, 25th Laird, and has retained much of its traditional character.
Filled with fine art and antique furnishings, The Laird’s Wing makes the perfect base to celebrate a special occasion in style. Enjoy formal family dinners in the grand dining room, where there’s plenty of space for your whole party to get together for delicious meals. There’s even a first-floor cocktail kitchen, offering awe-inspiring views of the lush gardens.
In addition, there are three other holiday properties on the Brodie Castle estate.
North East Scotland
The Preston Tower Apartment
Location: Fyvie Castle, near Turriff
Sleeps: 12 (1 king, 2 double and 3 twin)
Stretching across Fyvie Castle’s Preston and Seton towers, this apartment provides stunning accommodation for 12 guests. Discover four floors of winding nooks and mezzanines, a spiral staircase, roll-top baths, grand furniture and even a bedroom within one of the traditional turrets.
Enjoy a complimentary tour of the castle during your stay and see the elaborate wood panelling, suits of armour and fine tapestries collected by former residents – as well as hear about the legendary ghosts!
All it needed was the pea and twenty mattresses! What a wonderful week we had in this incredible castle [...] We could relax and unwind in complete peace and quiet (and enjoy games of hide and seek!).”
Courtyard Cottage is a first-floor apartment in the historic courtyard of Drum Castle. Steeped in 700 years of history, this castle was once home to the Irvine family, whose fascinating stories are told through the antique artefacts and décor throughout. Relax with your loved one in this cosy cottage, with the woodburning stove providing an additional romantic touch.
We recommend taking a guided tour of the castle itself to discover the impressive library that holds over 4,000 books. You can also spend a delightful afternoon in the Garden of Historic Roses, home to enchanting rare wildlife and potent scents, or explore the Old Wood of Drum, part of a 12th-century royal hunting forest awarded to the Irvines by Robert the Bruce.
A duplex apartment with access to a magnificent traditional walled garden, this beautiful holiday property is in the east wing of Castle Fraser, one of the largest tower houses in Scotland. Parts of the castle date back to the 1450s. This is a place with nearly 700 years of experience of welcoming people to Scotland! A bright living room offers leather sofas, a Smart TV and a selection of books, so you can put your feet up and relax with loved ones. The unique, domed ceiling continues into the contemporary kitchen, featuring all the appliances you might need to whip up delicious meals.
The castle is home to an impressive portrait collection, and tours are on offer to discover the medieval Great Hall and Victorian bedrooms. Holiday guests here can start each day with a stroll around the grounds – there are plenty of walking trails, including Miss Bristow’s Trail and the Alton Brae Trail.
Bynack
Location: Mar Lodge Estate, near Braemar
Sleeps: 17 (3 double, 4 twin and 1 double with single)
Situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park is the beautiful eight-bedroom apartment, Bynack, found within the traditional Victorian hunting retreat of Mar Lodge. It’s not quite a castle, but there’s definitely more than a touch of royalty to this place.
On 15 October 1895 Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone for the current Mar Lodge, which was built for her granddaughter. She loved the surrounding estate – a favourite picnic spot was at the nearby Linn of Dee.
Today, the Bynack apartment is perfect for a large celebration with family and friends, and has a spectacular backdrop of one of Scotland's most striking landscapes: rugged moorland, 15 Munros and a Caledonian pine forest. Make yourself at home as you enjoy the spacious kitchen, fitted with all the essentials for a week-long trip, as well as cosy bedrooms, a large dining room and luxurious bathrooms.
In addition, there are six other holiday properties at Mar Lodge Estate.
South & West Scotland
Brewhouse Flat
Location: Culzean Castle & Country Park, Ayrshire
Sleeps: 4 (1 double and 1 twin)
This former brewhouse lies in the west wing of the castle. It was added in 1780 to supply estate workers with their staple drink of beer, and was later changed to a wine cellar by the 3rd Marquess of Ailsa.
Take the 23 steps down into your home from home and discover two well-presented bedrooms that combine traditional and contemporary charm. Relax in the cosy living room on one of the inviting sofas and enjoy delicious meals in the bright and spacious kitchen.
Outside, you can soak up the views and morning sun from your very own private garden, before exploring the vast country park to discover woodlands, beautiful gardens and 3 miles of scenic coastline.
There are seven other holiday properties on the Culzean estate in addition to the Brewhouse. Find out more
The accommodation was very spacious, cosy and comfortable and we very quickly felt 'at home'. Lots to do without leaving the grounds – plenty of walks and beautiful scenery and even the coffee shop was open every day!”
We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Holidays
Take a well-earned break with us, and enjoy Scotland at its glorious, vibrant and tranquil best!
Featured Places
Culzean Castle
Robert Adam’s cliff-top masterpiece rises above a world of woods, beaches, secret follies and play parks
Castle Fraser
One of Scotland’s largest tower houses, with an impressive portrait collection
Fyvie Castle
An imposing 800-year-old fortress, with Raeburn portraits on the walls and wildfowl in the loch
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