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The South Wing at Thirlestane Castle

Exclusive Use, Self-catering
Luxury accommodation in an authentic 16th-century Scottish Castle

About The South Wing at Thirlestane Castle

The Thirlestane Castle accommodation consists of five beautiful, individual suites which provide spacious, luxury accommodation for groups of up to 16 people. Each room has been finished to a five-star standard with exceptional views of the parkland and estate.

Thirlestane Castle is located just 30 minutes drive south of Edinburgh. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, guests can discover historic battlegrounds, charming local market towns which are the heartland of distilling and textiles, outstanding areas of natural beauty and several incredible Scottish landmarks.

Choose from one of our luxury South Wing packages for up to 16 people to enjoy the ultimate castle experience.

South Wing Group Hire:

Perfect for a family holiday or to celebrate a special occasion, the South Wing allows groups of up to sixteen people to take all the accommodation at Thirlestane Castle.

The castle suites comprise of eight luxurious double rooms, each with their own private bathroom. The rooms have been decorated in a classic but contemporary style with items from the castle collections including portraits and furniture.

Guests have access to the Victorian Kitchen as a central dining space which features the original range and views of the castle gardens. You can choose to self cater or we can arrange for our award winning caterers to cook for you. In addition, access to the rustic Vaulted Cellar is also included - complete with a bar, cosy seating area and wood burning stove. The perfect spot to play games with the family or to enjoy a dram of Scottish whisky after dinner!

Additional activities can be added onto to the experience such as horse riding, archery, falconry, highland games, spa treatments or a tour of the Border towns.

Ultimate Castle Experience:

Our Ultimate Castle Experience has been created to deliver an unforgettable 3 night stay at Thirlestane, with the extra wow factor of a luxury dining experience in the castle’s state rooms.

Groups of up to 16 guests can enjoy the entire South Wing of accommodation, comprising of eight luxury bedrooms across 5 castle suites. Each room is tastefully decorated with antiques and artwork from the castle’s collection adding a touch of history and elegance. Guests will receive a complimentary tour of Thirlestane during their stay, luxury breakfast hampers and a delicious welcome pack full of Scottish treats.

Enjoy complimentary use of our Victorian Kitchen, featuring the original 19th century range and beautiful views across the Rose Garden - perfect for relaxed brunches and afternoon teas. Guests can also enjoy the Vaulted Cellar, complete with a wood burning stove and rustic bar - the ideal place to kick back and relax after an adventure-filled day.

The Ultimate Castle experience will also allow guests to enjoy a dining experience in the dramatic portrait-lined State Dining Room. Dine like an Earl or Countess within this breath-taking room which boasts intricate plasterwork ceilings and one of the largest collections of family portraits in the country.

Award-winning chefs will work with you to design your perfect three course menu. The dedicated Thirlestane team can further personalise your dining experience by organising a bagpiper to pipe you into dinner or pairing wine to compliment each course. A magnificent finale to your ultimate castle stay experience.

Country pursuits such as highland games, 4x4 experiences, fishing on the River Tweed or horse riding across the breathtaking Border moorland can also be arranged so that you can experience the very best that Scotland has to offer during your stay.

Exclusive use:

Planning the trip of a lifetime? What could be more memorable than a bespoke castle experience to celebrate the most special of occasions.

Thirlestane Castle and its grounds will be closed to the public so that it can be enjoyed exclusively by you and your guests. Our dedicated team will create a bespoke itinerary which is tailored to you - making sure every detail is perfect.

You will have use of the whole of the south wing, including the choice of eight luxury bedrooms, each with their own bathroom and several with adjoining private drawing rooms. Every room is finished to a five-star standard, uniquely decorated and features paintings and furnishings belonging to the castle collections. Welcome hampers can be arranged to ensure your guests have everything they require during their stay.

Start as you mean to go on by arriving in style by private chauffeur or helicopter and kick off the celebrations with an evening soiree on the castle terrace. Create the wow factor with entertainment such as archery, highland games and a whisky tasting with the director of the Border’s Distillery.

On the main evening of celebration, enjoy aperitifs in the State Drawing Room before being invited to dine in the dramatic portrait-lined State Dining Room. Our award-winning chefs will work with you to design your perfect menu choosing the best ingredients from Scotland’s larder, which can be paired with an extensive selection of wines available from the castle cellars. Following dinner, guests can retire to the Vaulted Cellar, with its rustic bar and wood burning stove, for a dram of the finest Scottish whisky.

Each day can bring a new range of exceptional activities including spa treatments, 4x4 excursions, a private castle tour with Edward Maitland-Carew whose family have lived in the castle for over 400 years, or a tailored tour of the very best attractions in the Scottish Borders. For those who want to immerse themselves in country pursuits, why not try your hand at horse riding over the Border moors, fishing on the famous River Tweed or clay pigeon shooting.

Several dining experiences can be included in your itinerary, and depending on your length of stay you may enjoy a decadent afternoon tea in the Rose Garden, a BBQ in the castle’s courtyard, lunch in the estate bothy, or even dinner in one of the Scottish Border’s michelin guide restaurants, located just 20 minutes from the castle.

Every element of your exclusive & bespoke stay at Thirlestane will be tailor-made especially for you to create a truly unforgettable experience.

The Earl & Countess Apartment – EPC rating D
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