Timeless Castle

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. There is a selection of one, two- and three-bedroom suites which are ideal for large groups travelling in tandem with extended families or friends. Groups that take all the suites have access to the Victorian Kitchens as a communal dining space which features the original range and vaulted ceilings. It can comfortably seat 18 guests on a large central table. 

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! Guests can choose to self-cater or have the castle's award-winning caterers provide sumptuous menus in the Victorian kitchen or perhaps the State dining room for a really exceptional experience.

Immaculately executed, the suites offer airy, gorgeously decorated accommodation with breath-taking views across rolling parkland. They feature original castle features such as fireplaces, ornate and antique furnishings, oil paintings and irresistibly tactile fabrics - whether these be silk printed cushions or warm tartans with a nod to the local industry. There are other additional experiences available upon request such as an exclusive guided tour of the castle by a member of the Maitland family who still resides in a wing of the castle, whisky or wine tasting, food hampers or spa treatments to ensure your stay is as relaxed as possible. It is even possible to organise activities such as a Highland Games, horse riding or 4 x 4 drive experiences for your guests!

The wider castle is open to day visitors over the summer who can marvel at 17th-century Dunsterfield plasterwork ceilings - some of the finest in Europe, the bedroom where Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed and the magnificent State Rooms with one of the country’s most extensive family portrait collections. Day visitors are only permitted in the castle Tuesday-Sunday between May and October which means that out with these times (& in the evenings!) you can have exclusive use of the castle and chose to dine in the State Rooms or the rustic and atmospheric Vaulted Cellars. While the castle suites have been restored in graceful recognition of their surroundings, they offer every contemporary comfort for families and groups providing a “home from home” experience - beautiful and majestic within a 'movie-set’ backdrop!

This lavish and extravagant home creates a dreamy silhouette, its delicate spires and towers fused with a sense of history and theatrical brilliance which has been passed through the generations. Timeless Castle is situated in the tranquil countryside in the heart of the beautiful Scottish Borders, close to the winding River Leader. Visitors can enjoy acres of parkland and woodland and use the castle as a base from which to explore this beautiful part of Scotland. Timeless Castle offers three different booking options. South Wing group hire, Ultimate Castle Experience and Exclusive use.

South Wing Packages

South Wing Group Hire:

Ideal for a delightful family holiday or a special celebration, our South Wing package allows groups of up to sixteen people to enjoy exclusive access to all the accommodation at Timeless Castle.

The castle suites consist of eight luxurious double rooms, each featuring a private bathroom. These rooms are tastefully adorned with a blend of classic and contemporary styles, showcasing unique items from the castle collections, including portraits and furniture.

As a guest, you will have access to the Victorian Kitchen, a splendid central dining space offering views of the castle gardens. This kitchen retains its original range, adding a touch of history to your dining experience. You have the option to either self-cater or have our award-winning caterers prepare meals for you. Additionally, you can enjoy the rustic charm of the Vaulted Cellar, complete with a bar, cozy seating area, and a wood-burning stove. It's the perfect setting for family games or unwinding with a dram of Scottish whisky after dinner.

To further enhance your stay, we offer additional activities such as horse riding, archery, falconry, highland games, spa treatments, or a tour of the charming Border towns.

Ultimate Castle Experience:

For an extraordinary three-night stay at Timeless Castle, we present our Ultimate Castle Experience. This package ensures an unforgettable visit, combining luxurious accommodation in the South Wing with an exquisite dining experience in the castle's majestic state rooms.

With the Ultimate Castle Experience, groups of up to 16 guests can revel in the splendor of our South Wing, featuring eight luxury bedrooms spread across five castle suites. Each room exudes elegance, adorned with antiques and artwork from the castle's collection, adding a touch of history to your surroundings. During your stay, you will receive a complimentary tour of Timeless Castle, along with luxury breakfast hampers and a delightful welcome pack filled with Scottish treats.

As a guest, you will have access to our Victorian Kitchen, boasting a 19th-century range and picturesque views of the Rose Garden. This space is perfect for relaxed brunches and afternoon teas. Additionally, the Vaulted Cellar awaits, providing a cozy retreat with a wood-burning stove and a rustic bar, allowing you to unwind after a day filled with adventure.

The highlight of the Ultimate Castle Experience is an exclusive dining event in the grand State Dining Room. Adorned with intricate plasterwork ceilings and one of the country's largest collections of family portraits, this room offers a truly remarkable ambiance. Our award-winning chefs will collaborate with you to design a three-course menu of your dreams, showcasing the finest ingredients from Scotland's larder. To add a touch of flair, our dedicated Timeless team can arrange a bagpiper to pipe you into dinner or suggest wine pairings for each course. It's the perfect finale to your extraordinary castle stay.

Moreover, we offer a range of country pursuits, such as highland games, 4x4 experiences, fishing on the renowned River Tweed, or horse riding across the breathtaking Border moorland. These activities allow you to immerse yourself in the best that Scotland has to offer during your stay.

Rates:

2023 & 2024
3-night stay: £9,156

2025
3-night stay: £9,600

*available all year round excluding the festive period

Exclusive Use:

If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to celebrate a truly special occasion, our Exclusive Use package provides a bespoke castle experience tailored exclusively to you and your guests. Timeless Castle and its grounds will be closed to the public, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable celebration.

You will have the entire South Wing at your disposal, offering a selection of eight luxury bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Some rooms even feature adjoining private drawing rooms, providing a truly indulgent experience. Every room is meticulously finished to a five-star standard, featuring unique paintings and furnishings from the castle collections. We can arrange welcome hampers to ensure your guests have everything they need during their stay.

To start your exclusive experience in style, arrive in grandeur by private chauffeur or helicopter and kick off the festivities with an evening soiree on the castle terrace. We offer various entertainment options, including archery, highland games, and a whisky tasting session with the director of the Border's Distillery, guaranteeing an extraordinary time.

On the main evening of celebration, begin with aperitifs in the State Drawing Room before being invited to dine in the remarkable State Dining Room adorned with portraits. Our award-winning chefs will work closely with you to curate a perfect menu, utilizing the finest ingredients sourced from Scotland's abundant larder. You'll have access to an extensive selection of wines from the castle cellars to complement your meal. After dinner, retreat to the Vaulted Cellar, with its rustic bar and wood-burning stove, where you can enjoy a taste of the finest Scottish whisky.

Each day can bring a host of exceptional activities tailored to your preferences, including spa treatments, 4x4 excursions, a private castle tour with Edward Maitland-Carew, whose family has resided in the castle for over 400 years, or a personalized tour of the Scottish Borders' finest attractions. For those seeking country pursuits, indulge in horse riding over the Border moors, fishing on the renowned River Tweed, or clay pigeon shooting.

Throughout your stay, various dining experiences can be included in your itinerary. Depending on the length of your visit, you can enjoy a decadent afternoon tea in the Rose Garden, a barbecue in the castle's courtyard, lunch in the estate bothy, or even dinner in one of the Michelin Guide restaurants located just 20 minutes away from the castle in the Scottish Borders.

Every aspect of your exclusive and bespoke stay at Timeless Castle will be tailor-made to create a truly unforgettable experience. Our dedicated team will work tirelessly to ensure every detail is perfect, ensuring that your celebration is truly exceptional and filled with cherished memories.
Price on request for the exclusive use of Timeless Castle.

Each package provides a unique and unforgettable castle experience with luxurious accommodation, dining options, activities, and personalized services. Please see the Extras tab for more details.