RENT A CASTLE IN SCOTLAND

Explore some of our most popular featured Scottish castles to stay in.  Offering luxurious and grand accommodation in historic surroundings with fabulous views across the countryside, these are some of the very best castles in Scotland to stay in.  We have many other Scottish castles for rent which are not listed on our website so please get in touch at info@ltrcastles.com or call us on + 44 (0) 1835 824642.

LTR specializes in curated castle rentals in Scotland, offering exclusive properties for vacations, retreats and special occasions.  We choose the Scottish castles for rent very carefully to ensure that each LTR guest has a unique and luxurious experience combining history with every modern comfort and of course, unbeatable service.

History and Atmosphere

As a guest staying in a Scottish castle, you can feel the centuries of history in the foundations of the castles, often as far back as the Middle Ages. Scottish nobility and royalty will have slept in the very rooms that our guests now inhabit.

Stunning Architecture

Castles in Scotland were usually built either for entertaining or defence and feature incredible architecture. Towering turrets and stone walls with grand and lavish rooms welcome guests on arrival.

Location

When staying in a Scottish castle you will find yourself in a stunning location.  Whether on top of a rugged hill, beside a loch, or surrounded by lush forests, the views are likely to be breathtaking and offer guests a peaceful retreat in amongst the beauty of Scotland.

Connection to Scottish Culture and Legends

If you rent a castle in Scotland, you will be able to enjoy the rich cultural heritage that is filled with myths and folklore enjoying stories about legendary figures such as Robert the Bruce, William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots. You may find yourself in a bedroom at Kinross House overlooking the island where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned for several months.

Exclusive and Luxurious Stay

All the Scottish castles available to rent through LTR have been transformed into high-end luxury accommodation whilst preserving their historical charm.  LTR guests are greeted with elegant interiors and cozy rooms with open fires mixed with the same level of service you would find in a five star hotel.

Unique Activities

LTR can arrange a whole host of special activities for our guests including falconry, archery, clay pigeon shooting, mountain biking, whiskey tastings, Scottish musical evenings and many other forms of entertainment.

Sense of Mystery and Romance

Although many of these castles are built on a grand scale, it can often feel romantic staying in a castle in Scotland.  Imagining those who have stayed within the castle walls in the many years beforehand adds to the magic and intrigue of a Scottish castle rental.

Staying in a Scottish castle is a unique experience because it is difficult to find accommodation anywhere else in the world which offers such a unique combination of history, beauty, culture and luxury.  If you rent a castle in Scotland you are bound to have an unforgettable and distinctly Scottish experience.

Exclusivity and Privacy

Staying in a Scottish castle which is still a private home, offers an extra level of exclusivity and privacy in comparison to staying at a hotel.  LTR’s castles for rent in Scotland have all been carefully selected for their high-end, luxurious accommodation and service that they offer their guests.  These castles all have enormous historical significance and offer a high level of privacy for their guests.  In the 25 years that LTR has been specializing in castles to rent in Scotland, we have seen demand grow enormously.  When we first started, it was unusual for the owners of these magnificent, historic homes to want to rent out their castles to guests.  Nowadays, owners are keen to share these exclusive Scottish homes with those discerning travelers who share their passion for history and culture.

History

Almost all of the best castles to stay in Scotland are steeped in history and legend and staying in one can be a fascinating experience, learning about local battles and the nobility who lived in them.  Those visitors who are intrigued by Scotland’s ghostly past will be in for a treat.

Over 25 Years of Experience

Here at LTR, we are able to guide you, our client, to select the best Scottish castle rental for your vacation or corporate event.  With our 25 years of experience in matching our guests to the perfect Scottish castle to stay in, we take into consideration the size of the castle, location and amenities.

Concierge

At LTR we also provide a concierge service to our clients ensuring that every little detail is taken care of, from the moment you arrive in Scotland to the moment you leave.  We can provide:

private chefs

exclusive activities

high-end experiences

entertainment

estate tours

whiskey tastings

Let us help you find the perfect castle rental in Scotland – contact our team at info@ltrcastles.com or +44 (0) 1835 824642.

At one time, there were up to 3,000 castles in Scotland and amazingly there are still over 1,200 in existence.  Many are ruins but a huge number are still inhabited and some by the original families who built them centuries ago.  Scotland is well known for its dramatic landscapes and many of its historic castles sit imposingly on top of hills or on the banks of lochs.  The location of each Scottish castle rental provides a unique experience so it is important to choose the best Scottish castle for you and your guests, which is where over 25 years of experience from LTR is invaluable.

The Scottish Highlands – Remote Beauty & Adventure

Castles in the Scottish Highlands are surrounded by mountains, lochs and rugged landscapes.  One of our favourite Scottish Highland castle rentals, and the only inhabited castle actually on the banks of Loch Ness, is Aldourie Castle, with fabulous views over the loch.  Without even leaving the grounds of the castle, guests can enjoy biking around the estate, an obstacle course, treasure hunt, rib rides on the loch, falconry or even your own private Highland Games.  If you are looking to explore the area, why not visit Inverness and also these castles near Loch Ness.  For those mad keen on fishing, another favourite is Gordon Castle, which has 8 miles of double bank salmon fishing on the world famous, River Spey and also Kincardine Castle with salmon and sea trout fishing on the River Dee.  Kincardine Castle also has over 35 golf courses within 30 miles.  Turin Castle in Angus is perfectly situated for hiking and exploring the Highlands, falconry, off-road experiences, golf and other country pursuits.

Edinburgh & Lothians – History & Culture

Ideally situated for those wanting a castle stay near Scotland’s capital, with access to Edinburgh’s rich history, fine dining and cultural attractions is Borthwick Castle.  Just 30 minutes drive from the city centre where you can take a guided tour of the city and all its attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, National Galleries of Scotland, the Scottish Gallery, Underground Vaults, Royal Observatory, and Camera Obscura.  There is also the magnificent Barnbougle Castle, which, although guests cannot stay here, is ideal for holding a large event such as a big dinner or drinks reception as it is just 7 miles from the city centre and has spectacular views across the Firth of Forth.

West Coast & Loch Lomond – Dramatic Coastal Retreats

The West Coast & Loch Lomond is perfect for travelers looking for breathtaking sea views, secluded estates, and easy access to Scotland’s famous islands.  Mingary Castle, in its dramatic setting on the rocks above the sea, near Lochaber on the West Coast, is an ideal location for visiting the islands of Mull and Iona as well as the Isle of Staffa, home to the world-famous Fingal’s Cave.  The much larger Dunskey Castle, is a short walk from beautiful beaches and is perfect for groups who are interested in kayaking, seal watching, fishing expeditions and picnicking.

Scottish Borders & Lowlands – Tranquil Countryside Estates

The Scottish Borders is known for rolling hills, historic battlefields and grand estates offering a peaceful escape within easy reach of England.  Thirlestane Castle is surrounded by beautiful farming countryside and has lots of outdoor activities on offer on the estate including mini Highland Games, falconry, archery, croquet and clay pigeon shooting.  The famous golf courses of East Lothian including Muirfield and North Berwick are all within easy reach.

Scotland is a country that is rich in history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage.  The land is home to ancient battlefields, historic castles, old churches and ruined abbeys as well as having many scenic natural wonders such as beautiful empty beaches, rugged hills in the Highlands and miles of rolling countryside in the lowlands.  An exclusive way to explore the wonders of Scotland from a castle base, is on a private helicopter tour.  LTR guests looking for cultural and historical experiences to complement their castle stay, can visit museums and heritage sites and enjoy private estate tours, exclusive whiskey tastings and guided excursions whilst staying in a castle.

Exclusive Experiences for Castle Guests

LTR arrange unique activities and tailored experiences exclusively for guests staying in one of our Scottish castles.  We create bespoke offerings such as private falconry displays, Highland Games, Highland safaris, and guided tours of historic estates.  There are also premium outdoor experiences like private salmon fishing trips  on the River Tay or exclusive access to castle gardens for a more immersive stay.

Food, Whiskey & Authentic Scottish Hospitality

Scotland has a growing reputation for fine dining and our castle stays almost always include private chefs, farm-to-table dining, and whisky tastings.  As well as enjoying premium local produce and fine Scottish food in a private setting, we can also arrange for exclusive distillery visits to create a truly immersive experience.

Plan your Scotland Adventure with LTR

LTR has been curating personalized castle stays in Scotland for over 25 years and has amassed a wealth of experience over this time.  We have a seamless booking process which we guide you through every step of the way; exclusive properties which we know intimately so that we can recommend the very best one for your private use along with expertly tailored itineraries created with crucial attention to detail.  At LTR we can organise almost anything you wish to do so that you can enjoy all the luxury things to do in Scotland.

If you are ready to experience the magic of staying in a Scottish castle, contact us today for expert guidance on your luxury escape.

Scotland offers castle stays for every type of holiday.  Most Scottish private castles have extensive gardens and grounds which are perfect for those groups who would like to remain at home most days but also to keep busy.   These castles allow guests to explore the grounds and revel in the privacy, peace and quiet.  Many bespoke activities can be arranged in castle grounds, such as private falconry displays, Highland Games, treasure hunts, cycling and picnics etc.  Some Scottish castles are near to a plethora of championship golf courses which makes them ideal bases for golfing groups.  Others are not far from Edinburgh or other major cities which means they are the perfect base for some city culture.  At LTR, we will make sure that we find the perfect castle for your needs.

Historic Scottish Castles

Scotland is full of historic castles, some of which are available as castle rentals and others you can visit as a day trip to learn all about the history and enjoy the gardens and grounds.  Ideal for those cultured travellers who want to immerse themselves in Scottish history by visiting the best castles in Scotland.

Scottish Castles for Large Groups

Castles in Scotland to stay in, vary in size enormously.  We have some castle rentals that cater for very large groups such as Dunskey Castle over on the West Coast in Dumfries-shire, which sleeps 46 people in 23 individually designed bedrooms with 18 bathrooms; Blair Castle in Ayrshire which sleeps 34 people in 17 beautifully restored bedrooms (12 en-suite and 5 with private bathrooms) and Birkhill Castle in Fife which sleeps 30 adults and 6 children over 13 doubles, 2 singles, 1 twin and nursery with 6 beds/2 cots.  Check out the best beaches in Fife to visit if you’re staying at Birkhill Castle.

Scottish Castles for Families

LTR has some of the very best castles in Scotland to stay in for families.  We particularly love Aldourie Castle, Birkhill Castle and Thirlestane Castle as perfect castles for rent in Scotland for families.  Aldourie Castle in its stunning location on the banks of Loch Ness with 500 acres of private Highland estate for families to explore and enjoy.  Birkhill Castle in Fife, with its own private beach, we also love and is ideal for families wanting to explore the local area and visit the capital city of Edinburgh, which is just over an hours drive away.  Further south, in the Scottish Borders, you will find the fairytale Thirlestane Castle which has 5 beautifully designed and decorated apartments with exceptional views across the gardens and estate.  Perfect for a group of several families who would like to take all five apartments and enjoy entertaining in the grand state drawing room and dining room in the castle.

Scottish Castles for Celebrations

We love welcoming clients who are coming to stay in a Scottish castle to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion.   Historically, Scottish castles were built with entertaining on a grand scale very much in mind.  Some of our favourites for big celebrations are Borthwick Castle in Midlothian, Turin Castle in Angus, Kincardine Castle in Royal Deeside and Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire, which is a family owned and run, luxury 5 star hotel that can be taken over for exclusive use and is well renowned for their cuisine.

Luxurious Scottish Castles

All the castles in Scotland to stay in that we offer through LTR have been thoroughly modernised and decorated to exceptionally high standards.  Probably the most luxurious Scottish castles would be Aldourie Castle, Blair Castle and Gordon Castle, in the north of Scotland, nestled on the banks of the River Spey and one of Scotland’s finest sporting estates.

Scottish Castles near the Coast or Lochs

Scottish castles were often built overlooking lochs, the sea and sometimes rivers.  Aldourie Castle has simply stunning views over Loch Ness and it’s position is really unrivalled with beautiful formal gardens running down towards the loch.  Mingary Castle, dating back to the 13^th Century is situated on the West Coast near Lochaber.  The castle sits majestically on the rocks overlooking the sea sleeping 8 people in 4 bedroom suites.  In Argyll, you will find the dramatic Inveraray Castle, home to the Dukes of Argyll, with fabulous views over Loch Fyne.

Not sure which castle best suits your needs?  Contact us and let our experts match you with the ideal Scottish castle for rent.

How do I choose the right Scottish castle for my stay?

Contact us at LTR by phone on +44 (0) 1835 824642 or email and we will guide you through the options available to you.  We start by getting to know you and discovering everything that is most important to you.  We will then provide you with a shortlist of castles for rent in Scotland that we feel suit your needs the best.  We will help you every step of the way to make sure you choose the best Scottish castle rental for you.

When is the best time to rent a castle in Scotland?

June, July and August are the best times to visit Scotland as the weather is generally better than other months.  However, Christmas is popular as renting a castle in Scotland is a great way of gathering family from afar to celebrate together.  Spring is also a beautiful time to stay in a Scottish castle to enjoy the countryside coming to life with spring lambs, flowers and warmth.

What services are included when renting a Scottish castle?

LTR offers a full concierge service for anyone renting a Scottish Castle.  From the moment you get in touch with LTR, one of our travel consultants will look after you every step of the way and take on the responsibility of organising every detail so that your vacation runs smoothly.  We craft bespoke itineraries which takes expert knowledge and experience on top of time, care and patience to achieve exactly what is wanted.

Can we host a private event or celebration in a Scottish castle?

Absolutely, yes, this is what many of these Scottish castles were built for; entertaining on a grand scale.  At LTR we arrange all sorts of private events and special celebrations including 50^th birthday parties, anniversaries and family reunions.

What’s the difference between renting a castle and booking a hotel stay?

Renting a castle in Scotland gives you complete flexibility to create the vacation you want.  Having exclusive use of the Scottish castle rental means that you have absolute privacy and control over all your timings, activities, entertainment and catering.  It is like home from home but with the same level of service you would expect when staying in a five star hotel.

How much does it cost to rent a castle in Scotland?

The cost of renting a castle in Scotland varies enormously but starts at approximately £5,000 per night.  It depends on several factors including the number of people the castle sleeps, how many household staff and the level of service required, any activities or entertainment that might be arranged and the time of year.  Each Scotland castle rental we do is priced on a bespoke basis as every vacation is unique.

Are Scottish castles suitable for families with children?

Not every Scottish castle rental is suitable for families with small children but many of them are.  We are here to advise you on the best castles in Scotland to stay in for your family dynamics and we also arrange child friendly activities and find the best child friendly things to do to keep the kids entertained.

Do Scottish castles have modern amenities?

The castles for rent in Scotland through LTR all have modern amenities to an extremely high level.  We only work with the very best castles and ensure that we manage your expectations when at the booking stage.

Are castle rentals available for short stays, or do I need to book for a full week?

Our Scottish castle rentals are available for shorts stays but many of them have a minimum stay of 2 or 3 nights.  During peak times of year such as Christmas and New Year, most castles only offer week long stays.

Can LTR arrange exclusive experiences during our stay?

Absolutely, yes, this is exactly what we do and we love to make your experience as memorable as possible.  We can arrange all sorts of activities and entertainment during your stay and will be guided by you as to what you and your group would like to do.  Many of our Scottish castle rentals are located close to some of the best whiskey distilleries in Scotland where we can arrange private tours and tastings.  You can stay in a Scottish castle near a well known salmon fishing river such as Gordon Castle which has its own fishing on the River Spey.  If you are looking for an action packed stay, you may like to charter a helicopter to take you to visit historic sites and for scenic flights over the Scottish countryside.

Still have questions about renting a Scottish castle?  Our team is happy to help – get in touch today!