Neidpath Castle

With an illustrious history dating back to the 1100s, Neidpath is an amazingly preserved Medieval stronghold, just a short distance from Edinburgh.

Neidpath Castle is not a staffed hotel, instead offering an experience you will rarely find elsewhere. As the only guests, you will have the freedom to explore this historic building. Each morning, a sumptuous breakfast hamper is provided for you to enjoy. Additionally, a dining experience can be arranged to enhance your stay.

Perfect for a romantic getaway for two, you can join a guest list that includes Mary Queen of Scots.

Queen Mary’s Chamber

Mary Queen of Scots stayed at Neidpath Castle in August 1563, on her return journey from an exhausting three-month tour of south-west Scotland. The Queen slept on this floor of the castle in a splendid four-poster bed, with an open log fire.

Today, you will find an antique four-poster, deep roll-top bath and open log fire, which evoke times gone by. But the comfort and luxury is refreshingly contemporary, from the piping hot water to a coffee machine and fridge. There are lots of little treats around the chamber, including a fabulous selection of natural skincare products, fine chocolates crafted by a local award-winning chocolatier, and a complimentary guide book to the castle.

Dinner can be served in the drawing room, beside your chamber. The tempting menu uses local game and freshly foraged ingredients, just as the Queen would have enjoyed all those centuries ago. In the mornings, an elegant table is set for a delicious continental breakfast, with smoked salmon, granola, creamy yoghurt, excellent bread and fresh fruit.

Sleeps 2 guests.

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History

Neidpath is a rare example of a fortified tower house, amazingly preserved, unlike many other Medieval strongholds.

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The true beauty of Neidpath is that very little has changed over the years. The rugged stone walls, hidden staircases, and beautiful views from the battlements would all be very familiar to its former residents. Outside, the ancestral emblems are clear to see in the archways and carvings around the castle. Inside, the burnished wooden floors bear the indents from the spurs of the gentlemen’s boots.

Sir Gilbert Fraser founded the early castle, around 1190. The last Fraser to own Neidpath was Sir Simon. He was known as 'The Patriot', for his astonishing feat of conquering the English in battle three times in one day, at Roslyn Glen. He was executed in London, a year after Sir William Wallace, in 1306, and the castle burnt to the ground.

The barony of Neidpath passed to the Hay family through the marriage of Mary Fraser to Sir Gilbert Hay, in 1312. It is thought Sir William Hay built the present castle in the late 14th century. And Neidpath stayed in the family until 1686. During their ownership, Neidpath was visited by Mary, Queen of Scots in 1563, and by James VI in 1587.

The castle was inherited by the Earl of Wemyss in 1810. The Wemyss family have taken great care to protect Neidpath, and today it retains much of its original Medieval character.

Activities

The town of Peebles, with its coffee shops, fine restaurants, galleries and gift shops, is just a short walk away along the riverbank.

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