Thirlestane Castle
- Premier host
- Lauder, Scottish Borders, Scotland
- See on map
- Sleeps: 2-16
- Bedrooms: 8
- Bathrooms: 8
- Minimum stay: 1 night
Whether you’re gathering your favourite people to celebrate something special, or you’re simply in the mood for a unique family escape you’ll discover the perfect accommodation in Thirlestane castle’s South Wing. Choose between booking individual suites, or the entire accommodation wing which sleeps up to sixteen people.
Luxury meets history within this unique castle accommodation, spectacularly decorated and finished to a 5-star standard. Inspired by its history and the castle’s beautiful surroundings, the accommodation is tastefully furnished with antiques, artwork and artefacts from the castle’s collections.
Guests can enhance their stay with a variety of experiences, such as food hampers, spa treatments and country pursuits within the castle grounds. Choose self-catering or be catered for – the choice is yours.
The individual castle suites are all self-catered and can be booked individually – one, two and three bedroomed suites are available. Each is uniquely designed and there are five to choose from.
Glenburnie is charming one-bedroom suite takes its name from the moor behind the castle. The spacious bedroom has been finished with gentle greens and accents of pink and red creating a calming space. Statement pieces of furniture from the castle collection have been used including the dressing table which was formally the base for a spinet harpsicord.
The soft greens of the gardens outside The Sculleries suite have inspired the restoration of this space, and link the bedroom with the natural beauty of its surroundings. The stunning sleigh bed and wardrobe were used by the Maitland family in their private rooms. Guests can enjoy the ultimate luxury in the extremely spacious bathroom and relax in the free-standing roll-top bath. Formerly the sculleries for the main castle, this castle suite is accessed from the mezzanine of the castle’s cobbled Courtyard.
Lavishly decorated with the Maitland family tartan, The Lauderdale is a relaxed yet sumptuous one-bedroom suite offering an authentic Scottish retreat. Complete with an open plan living-dining space decorated with natural tones creating a relaxing atmosphere. The luxury continues into the bathroom where a beautiful free-standing roll-top bath takes up the centre of the room.
Keep readingAt a glance
- Five luxurious self-contained suites in the South Wing of an historic Scottish Borders castle, less than a mile from the town of Lauder.
- Featuring eight bedrooms in total, the suites can be booked individually, or the entire South Wing can be reserved to accommodate up to sixteen guests.
- Each suite comes complete with a kitchen for self-catering. If preferred, groups can be catered for in the State Room or the original Victorian Kitchen.
- The suites are dog friendly with food bowls, dog treats provided. Enjoy marked walking routes around the estate or explore further on the Southern Upland Way.
- Perfect for the whole family with highchairs and cots available on request. There is also a dedicated children’s play area in the castle grounds.
- A number of additional experiences can be arranged, from spa treatments and food hampers to a bagpiper’s welcome and an exclusive tour of the Borders. Groups can arrange on-site activities, such as falconry experiences, archery, and axe-throwing. All guests are welcome to book a private tour of the castle during their stay.
Features
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Large Groups
Facilities
Open plan kitchen, living space with sofas, chairs, Wi-Fi and TV. Kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave, cooking basics, dishes and equipment, dishwasher, oven, kettle, wine glasses, toaster, dining table and chairs. Bathroom with bath, shower, hairdryer, WC. High quality linen and towels provided as well as Scottish toiletries. Travel cot and high chair available on request. Free parking. EV car charging points. Varies per apartment, check website for full details and breakdowns.
More information
The historic Earl & Countess suite was once the private quarters of the 14th Earl and Countess of Lauderdale. With three bedrooms and a dramatic open-plan reception room, it is perfect for small groups and families. Enjoy sweeping parkland views from full-height windows as you relax amongst statement furniture and paintings from the castle collection.
The two-bedroomed Maitland suite was once the old laundries for Thirlestane Castle. Classic Singer sewing machines nod to the apartment’s past whilst large, dramatic, family portraits in the main reception room offer a sense of grandeur. Guests can enjoy views into the castle’s cobbled courtyard and lush gardens.
Thirlestane Castle is the perfect destination for a family reunion, gathering of friends or a good old celebration. Groups of up to 16 can take all five castle suites and enjoy exclusive use of the South Wing.
The Victorian Kitchen with its vaulted ceiling and 19th-century range is included and provides a central space where the whole party can dine together. You can choose to self-cater, or request award winning caterers to cook for you in the Victorian Kitchen or, for that very special occasion, in one of the castle’s grand State Rooms. A cosy and rustic vaulted cellar also awaits, with a roaring fire and cosy sofas, plus a table tennis table and other games.
Upon request, the castle team can organise a range of unforgettable experiences for accommodation guests. Outdoor activities include horse riding and wild outdoor experiences (archery, tree climbing etc), whilst indoor activities and treats include spa treatments, cocktail deliveries, whisky tasting and luxury hampers.
Guests can also explore the Scottish Borders on a curated tour of the local area, or take a tour to discover the 400 year history of Thirlestane Castle (why not make it extra special by having Edward Maitland Carew share the stories of his family home?)
For those taking the whole castle exclusively, guests are invited to dine in the dramatic portrait-lines State Dining Room. An award-winning chef will work with the guests to design their perfect menu, complete with wine selected from the castle cellars.
Let the children run free in the private play area next to the accommodation wing, or enjoy a refreshing stroll around the woodland and riverside walks. Child friendly activities and experiences can also be booked during your stay, including archery, tree climbing, tomahawks and survival skills, plus Wild Outdoors holiday camps are available to be booked during the school holidays.
There are several marked routes available to explore around the castle estate. If you prefer a longer ramble the grounds are also part of the magnificent Southern Upland Way. Dogs are also welcome in every apartment, with a bag of treats awaiting their arrival!
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.
Things to note
Highchairs and cots are also available on request. Check in is from 4pm and check out is 10am.
EPC ratings are as follows:
The Earl & Countess Apartment – EPC rating D
Glenburnie Apartment – EPC rating C
The Lauderdale Apartment – EPC rating F
The Maitland – EPC rating G
The Sculleries – EPC rating D
Where you'll be staying
Lauder, Scottish Borders
What the guests of Thirlestane Castle say
“We stayed at the Earl and Countess suite in June 2022 for 7 nights. I cannot speak too highly of our holiday there – it was wonderful. A beautiful location, friendly staff, excellent, stylish, apartment. This was definitely 5 star hotel standard accommodation. The detail paid to both our needs, and those of our dog, was incredible.”
