Rowallan Castle
9.5 Ayrshire, Scotland
Exclusive Use
You can have the venue to yourself, sleeps 21 guests in 10 rooms. Optional accommodation for a further 8 guests
Set in the heart of lush Ayrshire countryside, this 19th-century castle, with its neat turrets and long windows set across a stone façade, combines medieval grandeur with modern comfort. It stands picturesque and proud, boasting sweeping views across manicured lawns and the 18th hole of its onsite championship golf course towards Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran. This 5-star exclusive-use property offers fully-catered stays for up to 21 guests, just 20 minutes from Glasgow.
See inside Rowallan Castle
Our virtual tour gives you the opportunity to explore Rowallan Castle for yourself!
A true masterpiece of late Victorian Arts and Crafts design, the property was created by the celebrated Scottish architect Robert Lorimer. Approach along a winding drive, bordered by neat hedges and shaded by a canopy of trees, with parkland stretching on either side, until the castle emerges ahead, its battlements and towers beautifully framed by ancient woodland.
Rowallan New Castle provides an unforgettable setting for private gatherings and memorable celebrations. With its eleven splendidly designed bedrooms and a 19-hole golf course designed by Ryder Cup winner, Colin Montgomerie, it makes a sought-after group golfing retreat.
The Castle
A grand stone fireplace with a huge roaring fire awaits you in the main entrance and the duty manager will greet you for a guided tour of the public rooms and accommodation. The hospitality staff assure you of the highest standard of service during your stay, whilst maintaining complete discretion at all times.
Whether for a private celebration or countryside escape, Rowallan delivers a distinctive experience, where heritage, reputable hospitality and natural beauty unite. The castle’s interiors retain the historic character of the castle in richly furnished reception rooms with open fireplaces and ornate ceilings, which together create the perfect setting for celebratory dinners and spending quality time with loved ones. Graceful staircases and light-filled spaces link the rooms of the castle, providing a sense of flow that makes it easy to live within the walls of this charismatic property.
Accommodation
Rowallan Castle sleeps 21 guests in eleven luxurious and characterfully named bedroom suites, each uniquely styled and lavished with attention to detail. The historic rooms feature wooden beams and original stone walls, complemented by a stylish and elegant décor that creates a timeless appeal.
Seven suites reside on the first floor in the East Wing of the castle and a further four suites, including one single-occupancy room, are on the second floor. Each bright, natural-light filled room features tea and coffee-making facilities and a separate bathroom with free-standing baths, soft towelling robes and luxury toiletries.
The Butler’s Room on the second floor provides all the amenities for a comfortable stay, including a fridge stocked with fresh milk and water.
Further accommodation is available in The Old Castle on the estate (sleeping up to eight).
Public Rooms
The spacious main reception hall features a convenient area for wet clothing and shoes, should you retreat indoors after bracing the elements on the estate. To the left of this area, a door leads to the Breakfast Dining Room, the Conference Room and the Lounge.
From the spacious hall, a wide stone staircase leads to the first floor’s public rooms:
Ballroom
With its plentiful long sash windows framed in ruby red drapes, an elegant plasterwork ceiling and glistening chandeliers, this is an exquisite, spacious setting for relaxing with loved ones and enjoying far-reaching views across the estate.
Library
Wood-panelling and portraits adorn the walls and a large desk sits in front of a large window, allowing the room to fill with light and from which you can admire long views across to Arran and Ailsa Craig.
Formal Dining Room
A richly styled room seating up to 24 guests around a long wooden dining table.
Dining
As part of an exclusive-use and catered stay at Rowallan Castle, as private guests you can enjoy a tailored dining experience in this magnificent countryside setting, surrounded by tradition and luxury. Choose whether to have custom-made dishes brought to you in your own private castle or visit the celebrated restaurant on the estate.
Catered around your needs
Whether for a relaxed family meal or a more formal celebration, the castle’s private chefs work and create in the kitchen to tailor every menu to your occasion. They consistently combine Scottish classics with innovative contemporary dishes crafted from the finest locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Relax in the Library over afternoon tea and stunning views of the Ayrshire countryside or go all out with a Dining Room feast!
The Glasshouse Restaurant is located on the estate, where a contemporary style, attentive service and breath-taking countryside views combine to create a destination that stands out as one of Ayrshire’s premier culinary experiences.
Gardens/Estate
The ancient Scottish estate will take you back to a place of time gone by. The romance of landscaped gardens filled with seasonal blooms brings charm and beauty, whilst the small, ancient bridge over a gently flowing stream adds further character to the beguiling grounds. Scenic walking trails and ancient woodland beckons further adventure and evokes a sense of mystique to your local wanderings. Rolling hills make up the spectacular surrounding landscape and can be admired from every window of the castle.
Focus on the environment
Sustainability is at the heart of Rowallan Castle Estate, from farm-to-table dining with seasonal, locally-sourced produce to eco-conscious operations, including energy-efficient lighting, heating, and comprehensive recycling initiatives.
The estate is committed to the implementation of proactive measures to help protect and sustain the environment for future generations.
Activities/Leisure
Golf
Rowallan Castle Estate features a 19-hole championship golf course, designed by Colin Montgomerie (“When I saw the land I fell in love with it”). The course is sculpted into the landscape with undulating greens, strategic bunkering and challenging par 3s; offering a true test for golfers of all levels. It is quickly earning international acclaim as a masterpiece and its cutting-edge clubhouse offers premium amenities.
Nearby prestigious courses offer world-class golf - including Royal Troon, Dundonald Links, Western Gailes, Turnberry and Prestwick - all within easy reach. Rowallan hosted the Euro Pro Tour in 2012 and 2013.
Walking
There are a number of local walks in the area, including the Dean Park in Kilmarnock. Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are a short drive away (20-30 minutes) and offer stunning coastline walks.
Falconry
An interactive falconry display with photo opportunities can be organised if prior notice is given.
Fishing
Fishing trips can be arranged locally. Please ask the Duty Manager for details.
History
Rowallan Estate features a long history, its original castle (The Old Castle; also available for exclusive hire), dates back to the 12th century and has links with Robert the Bruce and William Wallace.
The estate was home to the Campbells of Loudoun from 1690 until the late 19th century, when the New Castle was built for the Corbett family. This castle was designed in a revivalist style, inspired by the Arts and Crafts and Scottish Baronial traditions. Unlike the old fortress, it was built for comfort and prestige rather than defence, with elegant interiors, larger windows and decorative turrets.
The estate is now privately owned by Louise and Niall Campbell, descendants of the Campbell family.
Prices
Hire of Rowallan Castle starts at £12,000 per night for up to 21 guests and includes breakfast and lunch. Dinner can be tailored to your requirements, please enquire to discuss your options.
Location
Rowallan Castle Estate is situated within 600 acres of glorious and tranquil parkland in Ayrshire, three miles from its nearest main town, Kilmarnock.
Just 30 minutes from Glasgow and within easy reach of Glasgow International (30 minutes) and Prestwick (20 minutes) Airports, Rowallan Castle combines seclusion with superb accessibility.
It is also is close to Kilmarnock Bus Station and Kilmaurs and Stewarton Train Stations. Executive transport and helicopter landing are available on the estate.
Rowallan Castle lies close to the golden beaches of Troon, Ayr and Irvine, and is at the heart of Scotland’s famous golf coast. It is also within easy reach of heritage sites and attractions, such as Culzean Castle, Kilmaurs village and Dumfries House. Whether for championship golf, coastal walks or cultural exploration, Rowallan New Castle is ideal for discovering Scotland’s west coast.
Reviews
9.5
Our vision was perfectly executed, and nothing was too much trouble for Katy and the Rowallan Team! The ceremony was laid out exactly as we had asked, the day ran perfectly smoothly, the cocktails and food were incredible, the fireworks were perfectly liaised with the supplier without any time being spent on it by us, the rooms were ideal for a great night sleep, and we did not feel rushed to leave at all the next day. All of this gave us the fairy tale wedding we had dreamed of! The Rowallan team went above and beyond; they even accommodated a number of Bulgarian traditions (the country of origin of the bride), including accommodating traditional drinks to be provided to the guests. We have continued our special relationship with Rowallan since getting married, returning to have dinner at the Glasshouse on our anniversary every year
The main castle and surrounding estate provide the most picturesque backdrop for your big day and the facilities available make it all the more special. After a round of golf at the challenging but brilliant Rowallan Castle golf club the day before for the groomsmen, we rented out the old castle to host dinner and drinks for the wedding party. Would definitely recommend this and I’m sure we’ll be back to celebrate our anniversaries in the future. Our wedding day itself ran like clockwork with staff always at hand to help with any last minute requests. The staff were also incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the process. With the venue providing all of the bar and catering facilities there was really very little for us to do on the day other than enjoy ourselves.
We have just returned from the most magical weekend at Rowallan Castle for my daughter's wedding. Katy and her team organised it so well and you really could not be in a more romantic spot. I would recommend the castle for weddings and events for really special moments. We rented the Old Castle for the night before and it was amazing. All the rooms are beautiful. If you are looking for an ideal venue I would definitely recommend Rowallan Castle.