The best exclusive use and private hire castles for events and celebrations, hand-picked by our independent experts. No-one knows more about these castles than we do. If you would like to benefit from our unrivalled knowledge free of charge, speak to a castle expert.

Borthwick Castle

North Middleton, nr Edinburgh, Scotland

Sleeps 28 guests in 13 rooms. From £10,000 per night (includes breakfast, dinner quoted separately).

Our Experts Say:

Built in 1430, Borthwick Castle is located in a pastoral valley, just 12 miles from Edinburgh. Once the refuge of Mary Queen of Scots and the Earl of Bothwell and besieged by Oliver Cromwell in 1650, its Medieval ambience has been retained to this very day. Guests can enjoy one of 10 unique luxurious bedrooms in the castle and 2 rooms within the castle grounds. The castle's Great Hall, with large fireplace at one end, offers a superb setting for dinner. See more

9.9
Outstanding
Latest reviews (13)

Newhall Estate

nr Edinburgh, Scotland

Sleeps 29 guests in 15 rooms. From £5,000 per night (meals quoted separately).

Our Experts Say:

This striking Baronial property, topped with chimneys and turrets and situated in over 1000-acre grounds featuring waterfalls and caves, is conveniently close to Edinburgh. A rich history combines with modern luxury to provide flexible spaces from small to large-scale weddings in its sun room, converted coach house or walled garden. See more

9.4
Outstanding
Latest reviews (11)

Fenton Tower

North Berwick, near Edinburgh, Scotland

Fenton Tower sleeps 12 guests in 7 rooms (optional accommodation for a further 8 guests). From £3,850 per night (includes breakfast, dinner quoted separately).

Our Experts Say:

Fenton Tower is a remarkably unique place to stay and was originally built as an ancient monument. The property is a magnificent, fortified 16th century tower located just 20 miles east of Edinburgh between Gullane and North Berwick, and can offer luxury accommodation for up to 16 people. See more

9.9
Outstanding
Latest reviews (13)

Cringletie

Peebles, near Edinburgh, Scotland

Sleeps 32 guests in 14 rooms. Price on application.

Our Experts Say:

Cringletie House is a splendid Victorian baronial mansion, located just south of Edinburgh, and stands proud as the only AA Top 200 Hotel in the Scottish Border region. The hotel has 13 individually designed rooms, each one with its own unique character and furnished to a high standard with views over the grounds and local countryside. See more

9.5
Outstanding
Latest reviews (25)

Kinross House

Kinross, Scotland

Kinross House sleeps 28 guests in 14 rooms. Price on application.

Our Experts Say:

Just 40 minutes' drive from Edinburgh, Kinross House sits at the heart of the most luxurious exclusive-use estate in Scotland. Steeped in history and grandeur, Kinross House provides a setting that truly is second-to-none and serves as the perfect venue for your next celebration - whether that’s a family gathering, corporate incentive, product launch or wedding! See more

9.8
Outstanding
Latest reviews (4)

Thirlestane Castle

Lauder, Berwickshire, Scotland

Sleeps 16 guests in 8 rooms. Self-catered from £4950 for 3 nights.

Our Experts Say:

First built in the 13th century, and then rebuilt in the 16th century as the home of the Maitland family, Thirlestane Castle sits amidst a quiet meadow landscape in lowland Scotland, yet is only 25 miles south of Edinburgh. The South Wing at Thirlestane Castle offers spacious, luxurious accommodation for groups of up to sixteen people. Each room has been finished to a five-star standard with exceptional views of the parkland and estate. See more

9.9
Outstanding
Latest reviews (10)