Winton Castle

Tucked into the heart of East Lothian’s sweeping countryside, Winton Castle is over 500 years old and set amidst ancient woodland, parkland walks, and the serene beauty of rural Scotland. It is just a short drive from Edinburgh and its international airport, as well as from picturesque landscapes, adventurous outdoor pursuits, and some of the country’s finest historic sites and attractions.

Winton Castle’s remarkable history is intertwined with illustrious sovereigns and storied figures across the centuries, from Henry VIII to Mary Queen of Scots to Bonnie Prince Charlie. Redesigned to entertain royalty during the Scottish Renaissance, the castle has been carefully shaped over half a millennium to combine grandeur with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Regal History, Relaxed Ambience

Winton Castle offers a minimum two-night, exclusive-use stay for up to 20 guests. Known for hosting intimacy on a grand scale, it exudes a family-friendly atmosphere, with roaring fireplaces and a warm Scottish welcome that will envelop you and your party throughout your stay.

Constructed for the 3rd Earl of Winton, the majestically elegant castle is today a private retreat where families and friends can gather in grand yet inviting surroundings, making each stay or celebration truly special. Winton Castle is also an ideal base for groups of golfers seeking luxury accommodation along ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’.

The Castle

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Rooms and Interiors

The public rooms at Winton Castle are imbued with grace and grandeur, offering a series of beautifully composed settings in which to gather, relax, and entertain. The reception rooms reflect the castle’s layered history while remaining warm and inviting.

The striking and generously proportioned spaces are adorned in a rich palette of heritage colours. Be drawn to the magnificent plaster-work ceilings, walls of ancient books, opulent fabrics, and the family coat of arms carved in stone. Grand fireplaces, huge decorative rugs under clusters of characterful cosy seating encourage moments of comfort and conversation.

The Dining Room continues this sense of warmth and occasion, its joyous pink walls framing a long table designed to bring everyone together for shared meals, celebration, and conviviality.

Dining - Formal and Informal

At Winton Castle, dining is entirely shaped by your party’s preferences – from relaxed BBQs on the lawn to sharing platters of charcuterie, British cheeses, and local seafood; from alfresco meals to home-style menus to lavish banquets.

Guests may enjoy a full Scottish breakfast each morning, or a leisurely brunch after a morning exploring the estate.

Winton Castle’s creative panel of chefs will liaise with you to curate menus using the finest Scottish produce. Organic farming at Winton Estate provides the castle’s own beef and lamb, alongside locally and ethically sourced wild seafood, artisan breads, and cheeses. Dishes can be paired with wines or Champagne from the castle cellar. Celebratory stays can be crowned with tasting menus, wine flights, music, pipers, and dancing.

Dining can take place in the Octagon, Cabinet Room, formal Dining Room, or outdoors in the walled garden or lower terrace. Private chef and butler services are available for an additional fee.

Castle Accommodation

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Winton Castle welcomes up to twenry guests across ten bedrooms, six of which are ensuite and the others have a private or shared bathroom. Rooms are colourful, spacious, well appointed and beautifully presented.

The Belhaven Landing (1st floor) boasts rooms of heritage shades, grand beds and high, ornate ceilings.

Belhaven - Shared bathroom / four-poster double bed, ideal for a family
Seton - Shared bathroom, double
Elgin - Shared bathroom, double or twin
Nisbet - Double or twin with private adjacent bathroom
Hamilton - Four-poster bed featuring a roll-top bath with double shower and sinks

The Kinnaird Landing (2nd floor) brings blues and whites together in spacious rooms:

Dundas - Ensuite double
Kinnaird - Ensuite double or twin
Clive - Ensuite double

In the eves of the castle, The Wallace Landing (3rd floor) rooms feature fresh colours, ample light and wood panelled walls:

Wallace - Ensuite double or twin
Paterson - Ensuite double or twin

Additional Accommodation

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Winton Estate features three exquisite self-catering farmhouses, ideal for family or group retreats. Together with the castle, Winton Estate can host up to 54 guests:

Broomrigg Farmhouse - 4 bedrooms, 8 guests, with a hot tub
Winton Cottage - 5 bedrooms, 10-12 guests
Wintonhill Farmhouse - 6 bedrooms, 12-14 guests

Each property features stylish bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms, and spacious living and dining areas, with private gardens and outdoor spaces designed for relaxation and entertaining.

Activities / Leisure

Set within some of Scotland’s finest farmland, Winton Castle is perfectly placed to enjoy the rolling landscapes of East Lothian. The estate offers a range of pre-bookable outdoor country pursuits and castle activities.

Gardens / Estate

Winton’s meticulously maintained estate is a changing tapestry of manicured lawns, walled gardens, elegantly carved pathways, seating areas, and scenic woodland walks.

History

Winton Castle was built by the Setons following a grant of land by David I to Phillip de Sayton in 1150. Phillip’s grandson married the sister of King Robert ‘The Bruce’ of Scotland. In the sixteenth century, Henry VIII had Winton burnt in an effort to impress Mary Queen of Scots, and Mary Seton was later her Lady-in-Waiting.

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