Live Your Fairytale: 7 Castles in Scotland You Can Rent For weekend

Renting castles in Scotland might sound like the stuff of storybooks, but waking up in your own private turret is far more attainable than you think. There is a specific kind of magic that hangs over the Scottish landscape—a world of mist-shrouded lochs, craggy highlands, and ancient stone walls that have stood watch for centuries. For many travelers, the dream of Scotland is inextricably linked to its history, yet too many settle for viewing it from behind a velvet rope on a guided tour.

But why just visit history when you can sleep in it? Whether you are looking for a romantic fortress for two or a sprawling estate for a family reunion, the market for Scottish castle accommodation has evolved rapidly. Today, you can find everything from 5-star luxury strongholds with private chefs to rugged, self-catering towers protected by organizations like the National Trust for Scotland. This isn’t just a place to rest your head; it is an invitation to step into the past, pour a dram of whisky by a roaring 16th-century fire, and live your own Highland fairytale—even if just for the weekend.

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The 7 Castles in Scotland You Can Rent For weekend

The “Pink Palace”: Forter Castle (Perthshire)

• Vibe: 16th-century Highland tower house meets luxury interior design.

• Best For: A rugged, authentic clan experience with 5-star comforts.

• Capacity: Sleeps up to 16 (12 adults + 4 children).

If you asked a child to draw a Scottish castle, they would draw Forter. Standing lonely and proud in the wilds of Glenisla, this distinctively pink-hued tower house was originally built in 1560 by the Ogilvys of Airlie to fortify the mountain passes. It was burned down in 1640 but has since been miraculously raised from the ruins and restored with impeccable detail by the Pooley family.

The Fairytale Factor: This is not a drafty museum piece. The interior was designed by Katharine Pooley, meaning you get the romance of a spiral stone staircase and a massive Great Hall with a hand-painted ceiling, but with underfloor heating and luxury linens. The “Laird’s Room” is the showstopper—a master suite that spans the entire width of the castle, featuring a four-poster bed that feels like a throne.

Amenities & Experience:

• The Great Hall: The heart of the home, featuring a cavernous fireplace that demands a whisky tasting session.

• Self-Catering or Chef: The kitchen is fully equipped for a feast (complete with a catering oven), or you can hire a private chef to handle the haggis.

• The Chapel: There is even a tiny private chapel at the base of the tower, making it a popular spot for intimate weddings.

What Guests Say: Visitors frequently describe the experience as “magical” and “atmospheric.” One guest noted, “The winding castle staircases transport you in time and the fireplace in the Great Hall brings everyone together.” Another reviewer mentioned that despite the ancient stone walls, the castle is “meticulously decorated with genuine furniture” and feels incredibly cozy rather than cold and imposing.

📍 Location: Glenisla, Perthshire (approx. 2 hours from Edinburgh). 💷 Rental Link: You can book directly via Forter Castle’s website or check availability on Celtic Castles.

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The Romantic Tower for Two: Barns Tower (Peebles)

• Vibe: A miniature 15th-century keep that feels like a secret hideaway.

• Best For: Couples, honeymooners, or writers seeking solitude.

• Capacity: Sleeps 2-4 (Ideal for 2).

If you want to escape the modern world without sacrificing luxury plumbing, Barns Tower is the answer. Located just outside Peebles in the Scottish Borders, this peel tower dates back to the 1400s. It stands alone in a quiet clearing near the River Tweed, looking like something straight out of a storybook with its “dusty pink” rubble stone exterior and heavy wooden door.

The Fairytale Factor: This is the ultimate “Rapunzel” experience, but with better amenities. You enter through an ancient iron-studded door and climb a spiral staircase to reach the living quarters. The top-floor bedroom features a high vaulted ceiling, a massive sleigh bed, and a freestanding roll-top bath right in the room—perfect for soaking while looking out the arrow-slit windows.

Amenities & Experience:

• The Library: The first floor is a cozy library sitting room with a wood-burning stove, perfect for curling up with a book on a rainy afternoon.

• Riverside Walks: You are steps away from the River Tweed. A private morning walk along the banks is peaceful and incredibly scenic.

• Self-Catering: A compact but fully equipped rustic kitchen allows you to cook intimate meals without leaving your fortress.

What Guests Say: Reviews for Barns Tower are almost universally starry-eyed. Guests frequently use words like “magical” and “peaceful.” One recent visitor on Celtic Castles noted: “It feels like you are the King and Queen of your own castle. The building has such a unique structure and rich history… be prepared to walk up and down a lot of steps!”

📍 Location: Peebles, Scottish Borders (approx. 1 hour south of Edinburgh). 💷 Rental Link: You can book directly via the Neidpath Castle Estate or check availability on Celtic Castles.

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The Luxury Estate: Aldourie Castle (Loch Ness)

• Vibe: 5-star baronial grandeur with absolute exclusivity.

• Best For: A “Royalty for a Weekend” splurge, multi-generational family reunions, or a high-end house party.

• Capacity: Sleeps up to 24 guests in the main castle (12 bedrooms), with additional cottages available on the estate.

If you are looking for the crown jewel of Scottish rentals, Aldourie is it. It holds the title of being the only habitable castle on the shores of Loch Ness. This isn’t just a rental; it’s a 500-acre private kingdom where the grounds include wildflower meadows, ancient woodlands, and a direct shoreline on the world’s most famous loch.

The Fairytale Factor: Aldourie was recently the subject of a multi-million-pound restoration, and it shows. The castle looks like a Disney sketch come to life, with a skyline of turrets, towers, and chimneys. Inside, it balances opulence with warmth—think velvet sofas, oil paintings, and crackling fires, but also modern bathrooms that feel like spas. The piece de resistance is the Boathouse, a whimsical structure right on the water with a hull-shaped roof, perfect for sunset drinks while scanning the water for Nessie.

Amenities & Experience:

• Exclusive Staff: The rental typically comes fully staffed, including a house manager and private chef team who utilize produce from the castle’s own walled garden and greenhouse.

• Activities: You don’t need to leave the estate. You can enjoy clay pigeon shooting, archery, rib boat rides on Loch Ness, or a private tour of the manicured gardens.

• The Arboretum: A walk through the castle’s arboretum feels like stepping into a fantasy novel, especially when the mist rolls off the loch.

What Guests Say: Aldourie is often described by guests as “flawless.” A review featured in Luxury Lifestyle Magazine called it “a building of extraordinary beauty” that seamlessly fuses “grandeur associated with fairytales and princesses with modern eco-luxury.” Previous guests frequently mention that despite the grandeur, the staff makes the castle feel like a welcoming home rather than a stiff museum.

📍 Location: Loch Ness, near Inverness (approx. 30 mins from Inverness Airport). 💷 Rental Link: Exclusive hire inquiries can be made directly via Aldourie’s website or through luxury agents like Elysian Estates. Note: Prices generally start around £32,000 for a 2-night stay in low season.

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The Movie Star Experience: Fenton Tower (East Lothian)

• Vibe: A celebrity-approved, 5-star fortified tower with a famous pink facade.

• Best For: Groups of friends, keen golfers, and film/TV nostalgia buffs.

• Capacity: Sleeps up to 13 guests (plus an additional lodge available).

If this castle looks familiar, you might have grown up watching the BBC children’s show Balamory—this is the real-life “Archie’s Castle.” But don’t let the playful TV connection fool you; inside, Fenton Tower is a serious luxury destination. Once a ruin that stood roofless for over 300 years, it was meticulously restored in 2002 and has since hosted A-list celebrities and royalty who value its discretion and proximity to Edinburgh.

The Fairytale Factor: The tower stands in isolation on a hill, offering 360-degree panoramic views across the rolling East Lothian countryside. Its distinctive pink harled exterior (a traditional Scottish lime wash) glows in the sunset. It feels like a movie set because it is one—but with the added benefit of modern underfloor heating, Wi-Fi, and a helipad for your dramatic arrival.

Amenities & Experience:

• Golfers’ Paradise: Located in the heart of Scotland’s “Golf Coast,” you are minutes away from world-famous courses like Muirfield, Gullane, and North Berwick.

• The Vaulted Dining Room: A stunning, candlelit space on the ground floor with walls four feet thick, perfect for a private dinner prepared by the castle’s chefs.

• The Library: After dinner, retire to the library where you can pull a book from the shelves and sink into a deep velvet sofa with a dram.

What Guests Say: Service is the standout here. Reviews on Oliver’s Travels and Celtic Castles consistently praise the staff. One guest described the hospitality as “exquisite,” noting that “the staff went above and beyond… providing dishes fit for a king.” Another reviewer mentioned the restoration quality, calling it “a paradise… comfortable, immaculate, and intriguing.”

📍 Location: North Berwick, East Lothian (approx. 40 mins east of Edinburgh). 💷 Rental Link: Book directly at Fenton Tower or via Celtic Castles. Note: Exclusive use prices often start around £2,200+ per night.

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The Coastal Fortress: The Eisenhower Hotel at Culzean Castle

• Vibe: A dramatic, wind-swept cliff-top palace with 20th-century presidential history.

• Best For: History buffs, architecture lovers, and those who want the “Night at the Museum” experience.

• Capacity: 6 bedrooms (Sleeps up to 12). Can be booked as individual rooms or exclusive use.

While many castles sit among rolling hills, Culzean (pronounced Cull-ane) offers the drama of the sea. Perched on a high cliff overlooking the Firth of Clyde, this Robert Adam masterpiece is often considered one of Scotland’s most impressive buildings. But the secret here is hidden on the top floor: an exclusive apartment that was gifted to General Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1945 as a “thank you” from the people of Scotland.

The Fairytale Factor: Staying here feels like stepping into a period drama. You access the hotel via a vintage 1920s elevator that whisks you up from the ground floor. Because the castle is owned by the National Trust for Scotland, daytime visitors roam the lower halls, but as a guest, you have the unique privilege of staying after the crowds leave. You can wander the private upper terraces at sunset with the castle all to yourself, watching the waves crash against the rocks below.

Amenities & Experience:

• The Oval Staircase: You are living above one of the most famous architectural features in the UK—Robert Adam’s soaring oval staircase.

• The Country Park: The castle sits in nearly 600 acres of country park, featuring a deer park, a Swan Pond, and miles of woodland trails and coastline to explore.

• Presidential History: The rooms are steeped in history, decorated with period furniture and memorabilia from Eisenhower’s visits. The “Eisenhower Suite” is naturally the most requested room.

What Guests Say: The experience is widely rated as “exceptional” on booking platforms. Guests frequently mention the thrill of exclusivity. One reviewer noted: “The privilege of walking the grounds after the public had left was the highlight… it felt like we owned the place.” Another commented on the formal drawing room, where guests gather for drinks before dinner, noting its incredible atmosphere.

📍 Location: Maybole, Ayrshire (approx. 1 hour south of Glasgow). 💷 Rental Link: Check availability and book directly on Booking.com.

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The Modern-Twist Castle: Kilmartin Castle (Argyll)

• Vibe: Ancient 16th-century stone walls on the outside, cool rustic-chic on the inside.

• Best For: The “Instagram Aesthetic” traveler, wild swimmers, and foodies.

• Capacity: 5 bedrooms (Sleeps up to 10).

If you find traditional castles a bit too “stiff” or “drafty,” Kilmartin Castle is the antidote. It has been lovingly restored by its current owners, Stef and Simo, who have injected a massive dose of personality into the old stones. It was recently named one of the “Best Places to Visit” by The New York Times, and for good reason—it sits in the heart of Kilmartin Glen, an area with one of the richest concentrations of prehistoric monuments in Scotland.

The Fairytale Factor: This is a castle for modern bohemian royalty. The interiors are a masterclass in texture: think exposed stone walls, copper bathtubs, sheepskin rugs, and vintage furniture. It feels less like a museum and more like the home of your coolest friend who just happens to own a fortress.

Amenities & Experience:

• Wild Swimming: The grounds feature a natural swimming pond, perfect for a bracing dip followed by a warm-up around the outdoor fire pit.

• The Kitchen: This is a foodie’s dream. The kitchen is designed for social cooking, often stocked with local produce, or you can hire private chefs to create a feast in the glasshouse dining area.

• History on Your Doorstep: You are literally surrounded by history—burial cairns, standing stones, and stone circles are just a short walk away.

What Guests Say: Reviews for Kilmartin are glowing, often focusing on the hosts’ attention to detail. One guest described it as “The perfect marriage of modern amenities while still feeling authentic.” Another review mentioned the unique atmosphere: “Copper tub, sheepskin rugs, beautiful lighting… all contributed to the coziest and most delightful couple of days.”

📍 Location: Kilmartin Glen, Argyll (approx. 2 hours west of Glasgow). 💷 Rental Link: Book directly at Kilmartin Castle.

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The “Affordable” Royal Stay: Liberton Tower (Edinburgh)

• Vibe: A historic immersion without the need for a 20-person group.

• Best For: History enthusiasts, couples, and small families on a smaller budget.

• Capacity: Sleeps 4 (Two bedrooms).

If you want the castle in Scotland experience but don’t have a royal treasury to fund it, Liberton Tower is a hidden marvel. Located just three miles south of Edinburgh’s city center, this 15th-century tower house was restored by the Castles of Scotland Preservation Trust. It feels incredibly remote despite being a short taxi ride from the Royal Mile, sitting atop a hill with commanding views over the city.

The Fairytale Factor: This is “Game of Thrones” on a micro scale. You enter through a heavy oak door and climb a stone spiral staircase that connects the rooms. The Great Hall on the first floor is the highlight, featuring a massive open fireplace, oak beams, and deep window seats where you can watch the lights of Edinburgh twinkle in the distance. It feels solid, ancient, and utterly authentic.

Amenities & Experience:

• The View: From the parapet walkway on the roof, you have one of the best panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat.

• Cozy History: The tower has underfloor heating (a modern mercy in a stone tower!) and a fully equipped kitchen, so you can cook a hearty meal and eat it by the fire in the Great Hall.

• Accessibility: Unlike remote Highland castles, you can easily pop into Edinburgh for dinner and retreat to your fortress for the night.

What Guests Say: Visitors often describe it as a “time capsule.” Reviews frequently mention the thrill of locking the heavy door at night and feeling like the “king of the castle.” One guest noted: “The views from the roof are spectacular, especially at night. It’s cozy, warm, and steeped in history.”

📍 Location: Liberton, Edinburgh (approx. 15 mins from City Center). 💷 Rental Link: Book via Trip.com (The Trust’s official booking partner).

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Planning Your Royal Weekend

Now that you have your eye on a castle in Scotland, the logistics of a Scottish getaway require a bit more planning than a standard city break. Here is how to ensure your trip is as smooth as a single malt whisky.

1. When to Visit: Balancing Cozy vs. Bright

Scotland is a year-round destination, but the experience of renting castles in Scotland changes drastically by season.

• The “Cozy” Season (Late Oct – March): If your dream involves roaring fires, snow-dusted turrets, and whisky tasting while the wind howls outside, winter is your best bet. It is also the most affordable time to rent, with the exception of Hogmanay (New Year), which is peak season.

• The “Bright” Season (May – August): Scotland’s summer days are incredibly long, with light often lasting until 10:30 PM in the north. This is perfect for hiking the grounds and exploring nearby lochs. However, this is also when the infamous Scottish midge (a tiny biting insect) is most active, so pack repellent!

• Check the Forecast: Scottish weather is famous for experiencing “four seasons in one day.” Always check the VisitScotland Weather Guide before you pack.

2. The Booking Reality

• Lead Time: The “Instagram-famous” properties (like Kilmartin or Barns Tower) often book out 6–12 months in advance, especially for summer weekends.

• Minimum Stays: Unlike hotels, most private castles have a 2 or 3-night minimum stay. The logistics of cleaning a 16th-century fortress are significant, so owners rarely do single-night rentals.

• Deposits: Be prepared for a higher upfront security deposit than a standard Airbnb, often refundable upon inspection of the antiques after you leave!

3. Getting There: You Need Wheels

While Liberton Tower is near a city, most castles on this list are in rural locations where public transport is non-existent.

• Rent a Car: A vehicle is essential for accessing remote Highland estates. If you are not used to driving on the left, you might consider hiring a car with an automatic transmission to make navigating the winding single-track roads easier.

• Official Advice: Review the rules of the road for driving in Scotland, specifically how to use “passing places” on narrow country lanes (hint: never park in them!).

4. The “Castle Essentials” Packing List

Living in castles in Scotland is different from staying in a modern hotel. Here are a few non-obvious items to put in your suitcase:

• Thick Wool Socks & Slippers: Stone floors and ancient drafty corridors are part of the charm, but they can get chilly even in summer.

• Formal Wear: If you are renting a large place like Aldourie with a group, it is a fun tradition to have one “Black Tie” dinner night in the Great Hall.

• Groceries: Many castles are miles from the nearest supermarket. Plan your menu in advance and do a “big shop” in a major town (like Inverness, Glasgow, or Edinburgh) before you head into the wilderness.

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Conclusion: Your Carriage Awaits

Renting castles in Scotland is more than just a holiday; it’s a chance to inhabit history. Whether you choose the wind-swept drama of a coastal fortress or the cozy intimacy of a border tower, you aren’t just a tourist—you are the Laird or Lady of the manor, if only for a few nights.

So pack your thickest wool sweaters, gather your favorite people, and prepare for a weekend where the only thing on your schedule is a walk in the Highlands and a whisky by the fire. The drawbridge is down, and the castle is yours.

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