From ancient fortresses in the Scottish highlands to quintessentially British palaces, our out-of-this-world collection of UK castles to rent will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. While some pay homage to their past with antique furnishings and historic decor, others have been transformed inside and out, featuring artistic modern accents.
One thing’s for certain though – each one boasts bundles of charm and oozes with character! All taken from our Heritage Collection, here are our top 10 castles in the UK you can actually rent.
1. C17th Castle – Somerset
Perched on a hilltop with 360-degree views of the Somerset countryside, this 17th century Grade I-listed castle will have you feeling like you’re the star of your very own period drama. There are various rooms located in each of its turrets, including a swimming pool, library room and games room, while outdoor dining spaces, a roof terrace, courtyard and attractive lawns surround the castle. If you can tear yourself away, you’re also right near a beach and Clevedon Golf Club, allowing everyone to get active outdoors.
Sleeps: 16
Price from: £124pppn/$153pppn
Fun optional activities: Have a game of archery on the grounds, or go kayaking and canoeing along the River Wye.
2. Timeless Castle – Scotland
If you’re looking for that classic castle feel (somewhere you can imagine Downton Abbey being filmed) then Timeless Castle is the one for you. Lavish interiors and elegant decor give off a real regal energy, while the rustic vaulted ceilings and antique furnishings provide an interesting contrast.
The castle has a group of four apartments that you can rent singularly or as part of large group accommodation – ideal for giving everyone their own space. You also have the option of making your stay fully catered, with meals prepared by award-winning chefs throughout.
Sleeps: 16
Price from: £55pppn/$67pppn
Fun optional activities: Book one of the staterooms for a memorable dinner, have an exclusive castle tour, get a bagpiper’s welcome, enjoy a whisky tasting or arrange some Highland games.
3. Dorset Castle – Dorset
This neo-Gothic castle is located on the Isle of Portland, giving it a unique viewpoint over Church Ope Cove. What’s more, the sophisticated and stylish interiors include a library with sea views, a conservatory opening out onto the terrace, and a fabulous orangery with a swimming pool, making this one of our top castles in the UK.
Outdoors, the sumptuous gardens offer a mixture of English, Italian, Japanese and tropical plants, while the al fresco terrace is perfectly positioned to look out across the Jurassic Coast.
Sleeps: 18
Price from: £118pppn/$145pppn
Fun optional activities: Foodies in your group? A private gourmet dining experience can be arranged. You’re also only 500m from the nearest beachy cove, with local day tours available.
4. Fenton Tower – Scotland
Photograph by Phil Wilkinson
Nestled in the heart of East Lothian, you’ll find Fenton Tower Estate, an impressive 16th century tower. While it looks like a medieval fortification on the outside, you’ll find it has been lovingly restored within, combining contemporary features with original quirks.
Boasting panoramic views across the rolling countryside, this historic fortress is the perfect base for golf lovers (Muirfield, Gullane & North Berwick are all nearby). However, those who prefer to stay home will love exploring all five floors, which are interlinked by spiralling staircases. With a Great Hall, vaulted dining room, and library room with its very own bar, you’ll never be bored here.
Sleeps: 16
Price from: £200pppn/$247pppn
Fun optional activities: This stay is available fully catered, with local top-class chefs serving up the finest Scottish cuisine. Our concierge team can also organise day trips and tours for you.
5. Kirkliston Castle – Scotland
A fairytale building with its own private tennis court, Kirkliston Castle is nestled in 32 acres of manicured parkland, amping up the countryside retreat feel. As you venture indoors, you’ll find each room decorated in its own unique way, with opulent furnishings giving off a sophisticated feel.
There are plenty of places to entertain too, with a marble lounge, piano room, orangery and even a fully-stocked bar. Best of all, the buzzing heart of Edinburgh is only 20 minutes away if you’re eager to explore this vibrant city.
Sleeps: 24
Price from: £355pppn/$438pppn
Fun optional activities: Day tours, excursions, catering and celebrations can all be arranged with our concierge team as well as the on-site concierge.
6. Tamar Castle – Cornwall
Standing proud within 55 acres of woodland, the luxurious Tamar Castle dates all the way back to 1698. Today, it still retains many period features alongside a whole host of modern amenities, ensuring that your stay is truly a special one.
The elegant drawing room has a roaring open fire, while the formal dining room has enough seating for all 22 guests. An accessible bedroom with a wet room can be found on the ground floor, while upstairs, the rest of the sleeping quarters are decorated in a manner that pays homage to the home’s noble roots.
During warmer months, take a dip in the solar-heated swimming pool and enjoy the warm Cornish weather before enjoying a stroll around the stunning gardens.
Sleeps: 22
Price from: £77/$95pppn based on 22 people sharing
Fun optional activities: Our concierge team can help you to organise day tours to the beautiful Cornish coast and nearby Dartmoor National Park, as well as various other locations across Cornwall and Devon.
7. Noblestone Castle – Norfolk
When you close your eyes and imagine a ‘stately home’ this is probably what comes to mind. Noblestone Castle is a magnificent property with a grand moat and manicured grounds that include whimsical conical hedges and some resident swans.
As guests cross the drawbridge and step into this majestic residence, they are welcomed by a magnificent foyer, hinting at the luxurious experience ahead. Journeying through the expansive hallway unveils the castle’s elegant period details, from its intricate flooring to the sweeping staircase leading to the interconnected levels, alcoves, and hidden corners of the abode.
Sleeps: 30
Price from: £164/$208 based on 30 guests
Fun optional activities: in balmy weather, take to the lawns and play a game of croquet! It’s not a stuffy old game from times gone by, it can really be a giggle we promise!
Esk Castle – Tower & Apartment – Scotland
Elsewhere in Esk, you’ll find the magical Esk Castle set in 1300 acres of parkland that is home to fallow and red deer. Dating from the 15th century, the castle transport you back in time, with gorgeous furnishing in Baronial style to match. You can rent the apartment and the tower together or separately, making this the ideal property for 4 or 8 guests.
Sleeps: 8
Price from: £64/$79pppn based on 8 people sharing
Fun optional activities: fish for trout in the summer months or go pheasant shooting in the winter – this property has endless outdoor pursuits!
Ayrshire Castle – Ayrshire
A UK castle you can stay in that truly brings history to life, this 15th-century fortress was once a wedding gift for Princess Mary. You’ll find remarkable original features here, like the hidden prison under a flagstone door, a murder hole where they used to pour oil on intruders, and even a secret staircase. No matter your age, imaginations will run wild when wandering around Ayrshire Castle.
You can also enjoy rooftop views across the Firth of Clyde and take a stroll around the acre of gardens, all before cosying down in the Great Hall.
Sleeps: 14
Price from: £53pppn/$65pppn
Fun optional activities: Our concierge team can help organise a whole host of activities, from white-water rafting and abseiling, to quad biking and race car driving! There are also several top golf courses located nearby.
Tarbert Country Manor – Scotland
Found on the shores of West Loch Tarbert, Tarbert Country Manor offers 17 guests unrivalled views over the loch to Kintyre and the hills of Arran. The turreted 19th-century home has recently been modernised, providing you with all the luxury amenities you could ask for, coupled with the regal feel of staying somewhere truly special.
Outside, guests can explore the estate’s spacious gardens, oak woods and walled garden, as well as the private pebble beach and foreshore. However, you’ll also be just a 15-minute drive away from the nearby village and its selection of shops, restaurants and pubs – great for explorers who can’t stay still for long!
Sleeps: 17
Price from: £25pppn/$30pppn
Fun optional activities: Dine in style with the Oliver’s Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience. Available through our concierge, this add-on has our chefs take care of everything from start to finish, meaning you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience.
Ready to live out a real-life fairytale? If you’re thinking about renting a castle for a wedding, a special celebration, or just for a holiday less ordinary, then have a look at our castle collections in England, Scotland and Ireland. And, if you’ve got any questions about our UK castles or would like to add one or two fun activities to your stay (a casino night or whisky tasting, perhaps?), then have a talk with our Oliver’s Travels concierge team, who can organise everything from tours to catering.
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