The Old Castle - Rowallan Estate
9.2 Ayrshire, Scotland
Exclusive Use
You can have the venue to yourself, sleeps 8 guests in 4 rooms
Set in the heart of lush Ayrshire countryside on the banks of the Carmel Water, this 12th-century fortress was once the ancestral home of the Mures and the Campbells. With its rugged turrets, crow-stepped gables and sweeping views of ancient woodland, the lovingly restored fairytale castle combines medieval grandeur with modern comfort, just 20 minutes from Glasgow.
See inside The Old Castle
Our virtual tour gives you the opportunity to explore The Old Castle for yourself!
Comforting historical getaway
Whether for a private celebration or countryside escape, Rowallan delivers a distinctive experience where heritage, hospitality and natural beauty unite. The exclusive-use property offers luxurious self-catered stays for up to eight guests in four charming double rooms. It is ideal for small groups of golfers looking to experience the wealth of local courses, family breaks and friends looking to spend quality time together.
Rowallan Estate has a wealth of offerings to complement your traditional home-from-home surroundings. The contemporary Glasshouse, considered one of the best restaurants in Ayrshire, provides an alternative setting for dining out, whilst the championship 19-hole golf course provides beautiful landscaped grounds and has made the Old Castle a reputable group golfing retreat.
The Castle
Accommodation
Sleeping up to eight guests, the Old Castle features four enchanting double bedrooms and a variety of luxury amenities. The comfortable rooms have maintained Rowallan’s history and character with significant original features and quality wooden furniture. Tactile fabrics and hints of bold colour add warmth and ambience within these ancient walls, and little details help to create a most inviting stay.
Lounge
A leather Chesterfield-style 3-piece suite gathers around a large coffee table and before a stone hearth, making a pretty picture for family and friends to gather and reconnect.
Games Room
A snug room with a sumptuous corner settee below original wooden beams welcomes your cosy group to have fun and make some memories over a bottle of wine and before a warming fireplace. At the other end of the room is space for family games and music, featuring a snooker table, chess board, card table, a vinyl player and various musical instruments.
Dining Room
An ornate wooden table and chairs take centre stage here and catch the light through the windows. This room has a traditional country manor air about it and is enticingly cosy with its thick curtains, tartan upholstery and antique style rugs over original floorboards.
Kitchen/Diner
An inviting space with a dresser and dark wooden features creates a country charm. A kitchen island with a hob gives opportunity for sociable cooking and dining.
Dining
The Old Castle is well-equipped for your self-catered stay, featuring a gourmet kitchen and elegant dining facilities.
The Glasshouse Restaurant
For a change of scene, the estate’s on-site Glasshouse Restaurant, soon becoming one of Ayrshire’s premier culinary experiences, serves seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine alongside attentive service and stunning countryside views. Whether for casual or refined dining, the Glasshouse offers you the opportunity to enjoy a range of delicious dishes in a contemporary and atmospheric setting, just a two minute walk from the castle.
Gardens and Estate
Allow this enchanting Scottish estate to take you back to a place of time gone by. Enter along a winding drive, bordered by neat hedges and shaded by a canopy of trees, with parkland stretching on either side. From the romance of the gardens filled with seasonal blooms to the storied bridge over a gently flowing stream, you’ll soon discover endless charm, beauty and character in these beguiling grounds. Scenic walking trails and woodland beckon further adventure and evoke a sense of mystique to your local wanderings.
Activities/Leisure
Golf
Rowallan Castle Estate features a 19-hole championship golf course, designed by Ryder Cup winner 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
The original Rowallan Castle dates back to the 12th century, built as a fortified stronghold to defend the surrounding lands. Fragments of this castle remain alongside a 16th-century ruin which was home to the Muirs and was the birthplace of Elizabeth Muir, mother of Robert II, the first Stewart king of Scotland.
Over the centuries, it was expanded into a medieval residence, with thick stone walls, narrow windows, and defensive features typical of the period. The Old Castle reflects Scotland’s turbulent medieval history, having been home to prominent families, including the Kennedys, and witnessing political and religious upheaval over the centuries.
Prices
A 7-night stay will be priced at £8,500 on a self-catered basis, with shorter stays available from £1,300 per night.
Winter Break Offer
For 7-night self-catering bookings staying prior to 1 February 2026 we can offer a special rate of £5,500.
Additional extras available with prices on request:
- Private Chef
- Whisky Tasting Experience
- Skeet Shooting
- A round of Championship Golf
Location
Rowallan Castle Estate is situated within 600 acres of glorious and tranquil parkland in Ayrshire.
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 close by 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 (courses listed above). 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 Old Castle is ideal for discovering Scotland’s west coast.
Reviews
9.2
Our stay at the Old Castle was amazing! We had a lovely 70th birthday celebration, including a bagpiper, private chef prepared meal, and wine tasting. The hosts helped us to arrange everything, and the evening was perfect! The castle was truly stunning and all members of our family, ranging from 3-70, enjoyed checking out all the rooms and staircases. It was beautiful and an amazing experience to feel like kings and queens for a night. Everything was perfect! I highly recommend this castle, especially for a special occasion.