Our Team Visit to Southern and Central Scotland
Featured Castles: Killochan Castle, Blairquhan Castle, Crossbasket Castle, Dalhousie Castle, Newhall Estate
We’re confident that no-one knows more about staying in castles than the Celtic Castles team and an important part of our role is to regularly visit the properties we feature to make sure we’re always able to share up-to-date experiences with you.
In December, we took a trip around Scotland to experience the beauty and history of five incredible castles. From historic charm to breath-taking landscapes, here’s a peek at our pre-Christmas adventure…
Day 1
After a scenic but direct five-hour drive from Halifax, West Yorkshire, we kicked off the tour with a cosy overnight stay at…
Killochan Castle - 700-year-old turreted tower on a tranquil Ayrshire estate
Here, we were welcomed by Clinton and the team into the sumptuously furnished Great Hall, its large fireplace perfect to warm up from the cold winter air outside. After devouring a hot drink and settling into our rooms, we were taken on a guided tour around the castle, from the luxurious cinema room to the original dungeon.
Notable Features
- Delectable fireside hors d'oeuvres
- Secret spiral staircases
- Turret viewing platform
Clinton and his team could not have looked after us better. We were treated to delicious canapés before sitting down in the richly decorated dining room to a succulent and creatively designed 6-course meal paired with the castle’s finest wines. Feeling very full, we retired back to The Great Hall, festive tipple in hand, to share our Secret Santa gifts.
Day 2
Monday saw us rise to a hearty Scottish continental and cooked breakfast, which was thoroughly enjoyed at the long dining table, dappled in winter sunlight. Four-poster bedrooms, secret spiral staircases and beautiful roaming peacocks certainly set the scene for the stops ahead of us.
Blairquhan Castle - elegant and grand with captivating countryside views
Notable Features
- Gothic Revival architecture
- Noble Scottish heritage
- Pretty parkland and gardens
At our next stop, we were welcomed graciously by General Manager, Nan, into a spacious vestibule that in turn led to a grand hall encircled by a gallery above. The beautifully decorated bedrooms were indeed a highlight of our castle show-round. The drawing rooms had lovely aspects through expansive windows and in the cosiest one we were treated to an afternoon tea and an informative chat about Blairquhan’s offering, with Nan and her experienced team.
Crossbasket Castle - 17th-century, 5-star restoration close to Glasgow
Notable Features
- Extensively restored
- Opulent interiors
- Sophisticated fortress-style property
Upon arrival, we were welcomed into the dining area by the castle’s professional, friendly hosts for a glass of Champagne and an exciting presentation about the guest experience and the latest renovation updates to this Scottish castle hotel. We wound our way up staircases, admired luxurious interiors, learned more about the history of Crossbasket and got to see their flexible wedding facilities. We left with a bag full of goodies, so we could sample the guest chocolates and luxurious castle bath products.
Dalhousie Castle - secluded 13th-century fortress outside Edinburgh
Characterfully-named bedrooms, distinctive historic features and a huge Christmas tree were the highlights at this Scottish castle hotel.
Notable Features
- Large sash windows
- Original dungeon restaurant
- Falconry on-site
Each of our en-suite bedrooms was generously-sized with a four-poster and/or historic story included. Once dressed for dinner, we enjoyed a private whisky-tasting in the study followed by a four-course delicious à la carte meal in the renowned Dungeon Restaurant.
Day 3
Breakfast was equally grand, and enjoyed in the light-filled Orangery, before exploring the grounds and the additional estate accommodation with General Manager, Lynn, who gave us a detailed castle tour before saying farewell…
Newhall Estate - welcoming retreat in stunning landscape, just outside Edinburgh
At our last - but certainly not least - stop off we were warmly welcomed into the heart of this beloved family home. At the helm was the owner, Jak, who introduced us to the estate and events team whilst we enjoyed tea and coffee in the light of the beautifully crafted Sun Room; the perfect space for elegant celebrations. He showed us almost every inch of the castle’s interiors, keeping us entertained with family childhood stories throughout the tour. Each room was exquisitely presented in a charming country style; the bedrooms and en-suites were a delight to look around.
Notable Features
- Charming interiors
- Breath-taking natural beauty
- A family-friendly retreat
Later, Jak showed us around the gardens and grounds, explaining how Newhall’s commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of the working estate.
Celtic Castles’ Scottish castles Christmas tour was a wonderful way for us to celebrate the season, whilst giving us more first-hand experiences to share with our clients.
If you’re considering your own castle adventure, please get in touch.