Don't book a cottage this Christmas, experience your very own private castle instead! Perfect for families or groups of friends. If you would like to benefit from our unrivalled knowledge, speak to a castle expert free of charge.

Borthwick Castle

North Middleton, nr Edinburgh, Scotland

Self-catering Christmas package from £47,500 for 3 nights (sleeps up to 26 people)

Our Experts Say:

Built in 1430, Borthwick Castle is located in a pastoral valley, just 12 miles from Edinburgh. Once the refuge of Mary Queen of Scots and the Earl of Bothwell and besieged by Oliver Cromwell in 1650, its Medieval ambience has been retained to this very day. Guests can enjoy one of 10 unique luxurious bedrooms in the castle and 2 rooms within the castle grounds. The castle's Great Hall, with large fireplace at one end, offers a superb setting for dinner.

Newhall Estate

nr Edinburgh, Scotland

Self-catering Christmas package from £21,000 for 3 nights (sleeps up to 40 people)

Our Experts Say:

This striking Baronial property, topped with chimneys and turrets and situated in over 1000-acre grounds featuring waterfalls and caves, is conveniently close to Edinburgh. A rich history combines with modern luxury to provide flexible spaces from small to large-scale weddings in its sun room, converted coach house or walled garden.

Neidpath Castle

Peebles, Scottish Borders, Scotland

Self-catering Christmas package from £1,050 per room for 2 nights (sleeps up to 2 people)

Our Experts Say:

With an illustrious history dating back to the 1100s, Neidpath is an amazingly preserved Medieval stronghold with many stories to tell. Easy to reach from Edinburgh, but once you’re there, it’s even easier to forget the outside world. Perfect for a romantic getaway for two, in the castle you can join a guest list that includes Mary Queen of Scots.

Thirlestane Castle Apartments

Lauder, Berwickshire, Scotland

Self-catering Christmas package from £1,148 per room for 7 nights (based on 2 people sharing)

Our Experts Say:

Thirlestane Castle is set in the Border hills at Lauder. Built originally as a defensive fort in the 13th century, it was re-built in the 16th century as the home of the Maitland family, one of the most able and famous in Scotland. The five self-contained apartments within the castle sleep between 2 and 6 guests. They are spacious, individually styled and furnished, each with their own sitting room

Birkhill Castle

Shores of the River Tay, Fife, Scotland

Self-catering Christmas package from £31,000 for 4 nights (sleeps up to 28 people)

Our Experts Say:

SPECIAL OFFER - 25% OFF STAYS DURING MAY 2026. Birkhill Castle is located in the Kingdom of Fife, overlooking the Firth of Tay, and has been the home of the Earls of Dundee since the 18th century. Stunning views over the estate and the River Tay estuary beyond make this a magical setting for an array of events and occasions.

Aikwood Tower

Selkirk, Scottish Borders, Scotland

Self-catering Christmas package from £7,000 for 7 nights (sleeps up to 10 people)

Our Experts Say:

This exceptional 16th-century Scottish Castle has been lovingly renovated to accommodate up to ten overnight guests in authentic, relaxing and comfortable surroundings. Aikwood Tower is located just 40 miles south of Edinburgh. It is in the heart of the beautiful Ettrick Forest - the ancient hunting ground of Scottish royalty up to the days of Mary Queen of Scots. The stunning local landscape around Aikwood Tower offers some of the finest shooting and fishing in Scotland, among many other leisure activities.

The Celtic Castles team on a castle visit

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