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Celebrate in style by renting a private castle

Megan Wilkins

Contributor

Host your next birthday, engagement, anniversary, or holiday party in one of the country’s oldest and most exquisite castles. From regal dining rooms and lavish parlours to rolling gardens and hidden rooms, a castle is the perfect backdrop to keep your guests enthralled while you shine as the epitome of excellent hosts. Thankfully, you won’t need to buy the castle. You are able to rent one of these architectural marvels for as long as you need. So get the champagne flowing, pop on your dancing shoes, and step back in time as you throw a party that would make even Henry Tudor green with envy.

Scone Palace - Highlands, Scotland

Overlooking the rolling, lush green hills of the Highlands, Scone Palace is one of Scotland’s most significant stately homes. Within a short distance of Scone Village, and sitting above the River Tay, this idyllic palace offers unmatched country scenery, perfect for anyone looking to spend time outdoors, exploring the surrounding area. Scone Palace itself has been home to royalty, with both Macbeth and Robert the Bruce having celebrated their coronations within its walls, making it a fabulous place to host your next event.

The venue is able to comfortably accommodate up to 27 guests, with 13 double rooms and one single room. Each room is expertly decorated in a way that complements the surroundings. With a vast array of antiques and ancient artefacts, your guests will have no end to the wonders hidden around every corner.

Walton Castle - Clevedon, Somerset

Situated in the breathtaking English countryside, Walton Castle is an impressive example of 17th Century masonry. With endless views of the Somerset countryside on one side and a spectacular vantage of the Bristol Channel on the other, anyone with an eye for beauty will be captivated by this castle. Found at the end of a private road above the Clevedon golf club, sporting enthusiasts will have ample choice when it comes to entertainment.

Walton Castle sleeps 16 in utter comfort and style, with every detail well thought of. From cobbled courtyards to manicured lawns, your event will be the talk of the season. With an ornate spiral staircase, indoor pool, and wooden hot-tub, there will be plenty to keep your guests occupied. Thankfully, you will not be stuck in the 17th Century for your stay, as modern touches have been included to complement the beauty of the castle itself. From big screen TV’s to pool tables, your every need is catered for. 

Eastnor Castle - Ledbury, Herefordshire

If you are looking for grandeur, then look no further than Eastnor Castle. This architectural marvel seems something straight out of a fairytale, with heart-stopping decor to match. Surrounded by a lake, deer park, and an arboretum, beauty is everywhere you look. Available for upward of 10 guests, this castle is the ideal location for a wedding, especially due to the fact that the State Dining Room seats 80. However, if you are looking to have a larger celebration, the Great Hall can accommodate 150 people.

Apart from the expansive entertainment areas, the castle boasts 12 luxurious bedrooms for guests, all of which have been immaculately maintained, even with the original artwork on display. The castle staff are ready to plan every aspect of your event for you, from food to music and décor, taking all your stress and worry away. Meals are prepared with the freshest of local ingredients and expertly paired with a selection of wines. All you will need to do is revel in delight at your spectacular party.     

Glenapp Castle - Ballantrae, Ayrshire

Built in 1870, Glenapp Castle captures every aspect of old-world charm and finesse. The castle has maintained its antique setting, from furniture to cars. And with 30 Acres of private and secluded grounds, there is no shortage of places to explore.

Guests will be welcomed into one of 17 gorgeous bedroom suites, each with their own en-suite bathroom. With the rooms overlooking either the beautiful gardens or across the Irish Sea to Ailsa Craig, you may run the risk of your guests never wanting to leave their suite. However, the award-winning dining experience will be sure to coax them out, with tantalising meals for any palate. Despite being true to the traditional setting, guests will still have access to modern technology, though they may want to forego it for a more authentic time.   

Ayrshire Castle - West Kilbride, Ayrshire

Ayrshire Castle is great for anyone looking for something more quirky and entirely different from any other venue. Seen as Scotland’s most exclusive holiday home, this castle was once a wedding gift for Princess Mary, daughter of James II of Scotland. This glorious hideaway sleeps between 12 and 14 guests, all of whom will be enthralled by the manner in which the castle blends the medieval with the modern.

Every bedroom contains wood-burning fireplaces and grand four-poster, hand-carved beds, encased in velvet curtains. For guests needing a modern touch, the Great Hall has a large TV and iPod, perfectly situated for impromptu dance parties. Every floor has its own bathroom, each of which boasts a unique stone bath. With plenty of dark, hidden corners and secret rooms, your guests’ imaginations will run wild during your splendid stay. 

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