Edinburgh Golf Breaks - Stay in a Castle
Scotland is famous for its world-class golf and magnificent castles—and few places bring the two together quite like Edinburgh and its surrounding countryside. Several castles close to the capital offer luxurious stays in spectacular settings, placing you within easy reach of some of the country’s most prestigious golf courses.
These castles are often nestled among rolling hills, woodland or overlooking dramatic coastlines, and offer a unique blend of historic grandeur and modern comfort. With elegant interiors, opulent bedrooms and first-class service, they provide the ultimate retreat for group golfing getaways.
Enjoy private, characterful accommodation, stunning views, and easy access to the world-class golf courses, all while experiencing the timeless charm of castle living.
Where to Play
Scotland’s capital city sits on the doorstep of a golfer’s dream. The East Lothian region boasts 19 world-class links courses, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking luxury and unforgettable rounds.
Muirfield - an historic must-play for serious golfers visiting Edinburgh
Located in Gullane, just 40 minutes from Edinburgh, Muirfield is a privately owned links course and home to The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, with origins dating back to 1744. A multiple-time host of The Open Championship, it offers sweeping coastal views and a layout admired worldwide for its fairness and challenge.
The Course
Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1891, the course features a unique circular layout—two loops of nine—that ensures constantly shifting wind conditions. Each nine includes two par fives and two par threes, with mostly flat, visible landing areas and few hidden bunkers among the 150 on course.
Known for producing legendary champions and ranked among the world’s best, Muirfield is a must-play. Advance booking is essential.
Gullane Golf Club - superbly-kept courses, panoramic views & challenging layouts
Founded in 1882, this magnificent course featured three 18-hole courses by 1910, establishing Gullane as one of the most important and popular golfing locations. It has staged major amateur championships, hosted Open Championship Final Qualifying, and most notably, the Scottish Opens of 2015 and 2018. Interspersed across Gullane Hill and beyond the golf links boast spectacular coastal vistas over the Firth of Forth.
The Course
Named by their order of creation, No.1, No.2, and No.3 each offer a unique challenge but share firm, fast fairways, smooth greens, tricky pot bunkers and inspiring natural landscaped views. No.1 is a true championship test, No.2 stands out for its variety and difficulty, whilst No.3 captures the pure enjoyment of the game.
Gullane’s world-class practice facilities offer extensive short-game areas, two putting greens and a large driving range. Practice balls are included in visitors’ green fees.
North Berwick Golf Club - unique holes and seaside setting; a favourite among golfers
Located 25 miles east of Edinburgh in the heart of this charming coastal town, the storied club dates back to 1832, evolving slowly into an 18-hole course and today racing up the world's top 100 lists. The West Links course stretches along the Firth of Forth, offering spectacular seaside scenery and backdrops, a relaxed atmosphere and a layout rich in tradition and natural beauty.
The Course
Famed for its quirky, character-filled design, the course follows a figure-eight, out-and-back layout, bringing coastal winds and sea views into play on both nines. North Berwick is a true links experience with blind shots, stone walls and the original “Redan” par-3 on its 15th hole - one of the most imitated holes in golf. The course flows naturally on the ground, offering strategic variety throughout; with firm turf, deep revetted bunkers and ever-present sea breezes.
Extremely welcoming to visitors and steeped in history, it’s a must-play for golfers seeking authentic Scottish links. Advance booking is recommended.
Where to Stay
There are numerous castles in our portfolio which are located close to exceptional golf courses, whether you’re seeking the privacy of exclusive use or a castle hotel experience to complement your golfing holiday or retreat.
Fenton Tower - exclusive use - minimum 10 guests
This fortified 16th-century tower is nestled in the stunning countryside of North Berwick, around ten minutes’ drive from all three of the golf courses above. It offers a unique, private and luxurious base for golfing getaways for up to twelve guests in seven bedrooms. Combining historic charm with five-star facilities, the characterfully restored property provides an ideal setting to relax after your intensely focused and quietly exhilarating days spent on world-renowned golf courses.
Distinctive features
Fenton Tower can also accommodate larger golfing groups and features a further four rooms sleeping up to eight guests in the two adjacent cottages in the wild and peaceful setting. The tower itself interiors ooze a home-from-home charm, its historic features beautifully enhanced - from roaring fireplaces to wooden beams and ancient doorways. Enjoy private transfers, bespoke itineraries and outstanding dining; all expertly arranged by Fenton’s dedicated team. Finish each refined evening with a nightcap dram of whisky in the library before retiring for the night in five-star luxury.
Dalhousie Castle - individual castle rooms
Set on a secluded woodland estate, this imposing 13th-century baronial castle hotel sits eight miles south of Edinburgh and within easy reach of Scotland’s prestigious golf courses detailed above. Dalhousie offers a grand yet welcoming retreat for any size of group golfing stay, accommodating guests in richly decorated, spacious rooms that combine medieval character with modern comfort.
Distinctive features
This atmospheric fortress - complete with secret doors and ghost tales - holds the record for Scotland’s longest family lineage. Its highlights include majestic stone architecture, spectacular views and a dungeon restaurant guaranteeing a uniquely memorable dining experience. Start your indulgent mornings with a hearty Scottish breakfast and steaming coffee overlooking tranquil parkland then return from the bracing fairways to delectable cuisine and roaring fires.
Thirlestane Castle - apartments of varying sizes
Escape to the quiet meadow landscape of lowland Scotland whilst still within easy reach of East Lothian’s world-renowned courses. This 13th-century castle offers an exclusive and character-rich base for a group golfing stay just 35 minutes south of Edinburgh. These beautifully restored apartments combine historic elegance with contemporary luxury for up to sixteen guests in eight bedrooms, on a self-catered basis. Larger groups can also book the entire castle on a private-use basis.
Distinctive features
With picturesque parkland views and spacious living areas, Thirlestane provides an indulgent retreat after a day of focused play on the fairways. Enjoy the finer details of the quintessential Scottish interiors - from high ornate ceilings to rich wood panelling and ancestral gilded portraits lining the walls - then explore the surrounding countryside; soaking up the beauty of the natural landscape that defines this tranquil corner of the Borders.
Edinburgh Beyond the Golf Course
While golf may be the highlight of your trip, Edinburgh offers so much more to discover. Stroll along the historic Royal Mile, explore the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle, or soak up breath-taking views from Arthur’s Seat. Enjoy cosy pubs, fine dining, boutique shopping, and, of course, a dram or two of whisky. Coincide your visit with one of the city’s world-famous festivals for an extra touch of magic. Whether you're seeking culture, relaxation, or a bit of both, Edinburgh is the perfect place to unwind between rounds, and experience the very best of Scotland.
Why use Celtic Castles?
Our dedicated team of experts is available seven days a week, providing free, unbiased advice to support you from your first enquiry to final booking. Prefer to handle it yourself? You can also book quickly and securely online.
Author Bio
Amy has over 20 years’ experience creating copy across a range of industries and styles.
Prior to Celtic Castles, she worked for several historic homes in the north of England and Scotland, collaborating with the owners and experiencing the day-to-day running of the properties.
Amy also coordinated venue showrounds, meeting with guests planning their wedding, special celebration, filming location or corporate event. This knowledge and expertise has helped her understand people's different needs and wants in relation to a castle stay.
We're delighted Amy can bring this experience to Celtic Castles where she creates content to help guide people looking for their own unique castle experience.