Your Own Private Castle by the Sea
Ideal for exclusive use stays for groups of family or friends, our selection of exquisite castles by the coast can offer you and a group of family and friends an adventure like no other, where breath-taking landscapes and nature in its wildest of forms are literally on your doorstep and an indulgent private retreat is yours for the taking.
From rugged coastline climbs to boating, rock-pooling to caving, a stay on the coast offers a wealth of outdoor activities for daytime adventures. When the need for warmth and comfort presides, the stoic walls of an historic castle provide a calm, private haven from the elements, with glorious sea views to boot.
Want to find out more?
We have a variety of castle properties that feature all the above and more. From beautifully-restored ruins on the edge of a precipice to a cosy tower cocooned by lush hills to a magnificent fortress with a private beach, our range of castles on the coast may entice you to dip your toe in the water and try something new and exciting this year.
Quintin Castle
Your very own fortress renovated to an impeccable standard from near-ruin is situated on a rocky cliff side on the edge of the Irish Sea. The 12th-century Baronial castle, set behind protective ramparts, has stood proudly for the past 800 years and made itself very at home in the lush rural landscape of County Down.
You and your party of guests will be met by a warm and elegant luxury inside that is sympathetic to the castle’s heritage and style. Traditional décor and furnishings in dark wood create a harmonious atmosphere in which you can relax and plan your outdoor adventures – make good use of the private beach, helipad and jetty offering bespoke boat trips into the sea!
After a delicious hearty Irish breakfast to set you up for the day ahead, you are free to wander the enticing manicured gardens or explore the farmland beyond. Quintin remains one of only a few occupied Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland – relish in its fascinating history feasting in the Tudor Room or al fresco dining within ancient landscaped grounds.
Mingary Castle
With a most striking rock and moorland setting, this true hidden gem sits perfectly encased in the ancient, remote and beautiful landscape of the Sound of Mull. The 13th-century coastal castle was lovingly and meticulously restored from abandoned ruin across three years and, if you’ve an interest in history and architecture, you will surely delight in its fascinating and dramatic story.
Inside, floors, staircases and furnishings in light oak, a plethora of floral prints and thick stone walls, create a contemporary country-style sanctuary from the bracing winds. The four suites feature luxurious Georgian style, through shiny roll-top baths, grand four-posters and sumptuous velvet settees. What a place to return to after an exhilarating day out along the coast!
The glorious sea views across to the Hebrides from the castle – whether you’re enjoying a glass of Champagne at sunset outside on the lawn or savouring the taste of the castle’s delectable cuisine by candlelight – will add even more magic to your stay in this castle on the coast.
Castle Penthouse Suite at Glenapp Castle
You and your group will find yourselves right at home in this self-contained but extremely spacious, light-filled penthouse apartment, which sprawls across the top floor of the five-star Baronial Glenapp Castle. Located close to Ayrshire's stunning coastline, its tiny turrets and Georgian sash windows boast bewitching seascape views over the estate’s idyllic picturesque gardens and deep forests.
The artfully-styled and luxurious four-bedroomed accommodation features a beautiful ornate spiral staircase allowing elegance to flow through each space, accentuated by cascading drapes, gilded mirrors and deep, sumptuous furnishings.
Take full advantage of this luxury coastal base, exploring its spectacular sea-edge surroundings on foot or by boat, and admiring moonlit trees on the Mull of Kintyre from the west-facing lounge and dining room. Should you choose to book the five-day “sea safari” you can expect an action-packed adventure across the whole estate and a botanical guide through the headlands of the West Coast of Scotland and into the Hebridean islands.
Fenton Tower
A convenient 20 miles east of Edinburgh, this modest 16th-century tower is situated in an area known as ‘golf coast’ close to some very famous courses. Should this sport be the reason for your private group trip, then you will be hard pressed to find a better-placed castle than Fenton Tower.
Possessing a remarkable past, originally built as a fortification to provide early warning of an attack, its all-seeing position benefits today’s guests by offering commanding views in every direction. Behind solid wooden doors, this thoughtfully-styled castle on the coast boasts a luxurious country charm through deep, warm hues, antique furniture and soft, textured fabrics. In the main rooms, this aesthetic is juxtaposed with high ceilings giving a freeing sense of space for guests. This is all topped off with friendly, experienced hospitality and five-star facilities.
If you aren’t basking in Fenton’s comforting interiors, you’ll surely find yourselves enjoying the beautiful landscape and outdoor activities across its sprawling coastline, from fly-fishing to boating to walking in the North Berwick countryside. As well as the option of a golf tour, you could also book a shoot on a nearby estate.
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle
An hour’s drive from the airport and set on Scotland’s ethereal Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, this remote island coastal retreat is a dream destination for groups looking for breath-taking, panoramic scenery. From the sound of gently crashing waves over rocks just metres from the castle, to sweeping craggy mountain ranges offering miles and miles of tranquil walks, to an ever-changing seascape, you’ll feel ensconced in nature.
High-ceilinged rooms allowing in ample daylight through lavishly-draped windows are elegantly styled, and grand fireplaces, Persian rugs and bewitching landscape paintings make for an atmospheric, comforting base. From here, plan exhilarating trips to white sands, hidden freshwater lochs and waterfalls, amongst native wildlife, witness the unique beauty of Traigh Mhòor or take on the adventurous excursion to St Kilda.
Featuring a picnic room with beautiful beach views, a secluded tennis court, and fresh, local food – try the lobster - at its very best, this is a truly unique coastal castle stay on one of the finest fishing and sporting estates in Scotland.
Over to you…
We hope this insight into our refreshing selection of castles on the coast has encouraged you to consider an exclusive use stay of this kind. The variety of destinations above conveys the breadth of choice Celtic Castles can offer in general – we have over 100 castle properties on our easy-to-navigate website. Our friendly castle experts are available 7 days a week to give independent advice on exclusive-use stays in any of our castles. We’d love you to get in touch if you wish to find out more.