Accommodation Scotland

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

Where’s the most stunning place you’ve stayed the night? For me, it’s Culzean Castle, Scotland.

I’ve always been obsessed with staying in quirky places. Lighthouses, churches, treehouses, giant hammocks: you name it, I’ll sleep in it. But staying overnight in a Scottish castle beats them all.

It’s a dream I imagine many people share: being tucked up in the top of a tall tower, listening to the wind howl around the stone ramparts outside and the rain pouring down on the windows. Preferably lying in a four poster bed, complete with swishing curtains.

So when the guys at Visit Scotland invited me to spend the night in Culzean Castle, I almost passed out from the excitement.

A Scottish Sleepover: Spending the Night at Culzean Castle, Scotland

Where exactly is Culzean Castle?

Culzean Castle (pronounced ‘kull-ane’) sits on the cliff edge of Scotland’s Ayrshire coast, where a sheer drop leads straight down to the choppy waters of the Firth of Clyde. The castle is the former home of the Marquess of Ailsa, head of an ancient Scottish family named the Kennedy Clan who are descended from Robert the Bruce and who have owned the building in its various conversions since the 14th century.

Amazingly enough, it’s also been kept in rather wonderful condition for over 600 years – mainly because the combined property of Culzean Castle and Country Park was handed over to the National Trust for Scotland in 1945 by the 4th Marquess of Ailsa, who owned the castle until then.

(Although why on earth someone would willingly give up ownership of their very own castle is beyond my comprehension.)

A Scottish Sleepover: Spending the Night at Culzean Castle, Scotland

A Scottish Sleepover: Spending the Night at Culzean Castle, Scotland

Culzean Castle and Country Park is a tourist attraction in its own right, and plenty of people come to walk the beautiful grounds and wander the inside of the castle.

But the National Trust for Scotland has also allowed visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to stay overnight in the castle.

Wait – you can really stay overnight in a castle?!

It might not be common knowledge, but there are plenty of castles to stay in Scotland. From five star luxury castle hotels to castle campsites, there’s castle accommodation dotted all over Scotland.

Although a night at the Culzean Castle hotel is probably fancier than most.

With six double bedrooms and a maximum capacity of twelve guests, Culzean is often used as a wedding venue or a place to celebrate a special anniversary. It’s also a great spot for a group of eager travel writers who can’t believe their good luck.

A Scottish Sleepover: Spending the Night at Culzean Castle, Scotland


Read more: Exploring an abandoned hotel in the Scottish highlands


Our arrival at Culzean Castle

When we left Glasgow it was under a huge storm cloud of rain, but the weather had brightened up considerably by the time we reached the Ayrshire coastline and could see Culzean Castle’s elegant stonework in the distance.

As our cars pulled up at the castle entrance, the clouds were held at bay. I was chomping at the bit to get outside into the beautiful late afternoon light spilling over the castle grounds.

A Scottish Sleepover: Spending the Night at Culzean Castle, Scotland

Leaving the cars, I walked towards the castle entrance and immediately felt like I was being transported back in time. There were no other vehicles to be seen; just worn-out brickwork, narrow arches and twisting pathways leading down towards the shoreline.

A Scottish Sleepover: Spending the Night at Culzean Castle, Scotland
A Scottish Sleepover: Spending the Night at Culzean Castle, Scotland

My friends soon disappeared as I stumbled around in open-mouthed wonder, snapping photos in every direction. Just like all the best Scottish castles, there seemed to be a ton of nooks and crannies just begging to be explored – and I hadn’t even made it into the proper castle building yet!

A Scottish Sleepover: Spending the Night at Culzean Castle, Scotland

Eventually I caught up with the others inside the castle’s doorway where we met David, the young caretaker of Culzean.

He seemed just a little unnerved by the loud arrival of a group of women into the quiet spaces of the castle – although I couldn’t put my finger on quite why.

A Scottish Sleepover: Spending the Night at Culzean Castle, Scotland

David led us through a narrow corridor to a tiny lift, complete with two sets of sliding doors made from creaking, folding metal. As we rose upwards in the lift, he remained mysteriously quiet. It was only when we stepped out onto the oval balcony that he began to speak about Culzean castle in more depth.

At that moment though, I was somewhat distracted by the inside of the place.

I couldn’t stop staring at the portraits of past generations lining the walls; the tiny sculpted ram’s heads on the bannisters; the grandfather clock ticking sombrely away above the incredible sweeping red-carpeted staircase.

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

Learning the recent history of Culzean Castle, Scotland

David told us that the six bedrooms on the top floor of the castle make up the Eisenhower apartment, presented to President Eisenhower in 1945 for his personal use as a gesture of Scotland’s gratitude to America during the Second World War. He stayed here on four separate occasions, including once when he was President!

The Eisenhower apartment isn’t open to the daily visitors who throng the lower floors of the castle – but we were lucky enough to be spending the night in those exact rooms.

I watched everyone surreptitiously eying the closed bedroom doors while David talked. The one directly behind him was marked ‘Eisenhower’s Suite’. No prizes for who usually slept in there, then.

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

David walked us along the corridor and opened the doors for each of us (using, I was happy to see, the chunkiest of old metal keys which you’d expect in a castle like this!)

I was staying in the Kennedy Suite. While it wasn’t the biggest room on offer, I was more than happy with the stunning views of the castle grounds outside and the churning seawater beyond. And as soon as I spotted the tartan throws across both armchairs, I immediately put one around my shoulders.

Perhaps it was my one-eighth of Scottish ancestry shining through?

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

Watching the sun set from our Scottish castle

Once we’d all settled into our rooms (and I’d reluctantly dragged myself away from my new favourite window-side view), our group reconvened in the beautiful circular Drawing Room for a drink before dinner.

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

But alas, the light outside was still so beautiful that it tempted us back on the castle walls once again.

We then got overly excited about an old cannon that sat facing the chilly waters of the Firth of Clyde, jabbing our fingers eagerly at the numbers that dated it back over two hundred years.

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

Eventually the sun approached the horizon with increasing speed, and we sipped on glasses of champagne while we watched the light fall below the surface.

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

Dinner, drinks and a Scottish murder mystery

We spent the first part of our evening in the State Dining Room: a space with high ornate ceilings, Corinthian pillars and portraits of the Kennedy clan all over the walls.

Despite having a capacity for 72 guests (perfect as a wedding venue!), it was just the nine of us for dinner. We sat comfortably around the castle’s original oak dining table and were treated to a three course meal of haggis, fresh salmon and quite a few bottles of wine.

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

Afterwards, we retired to the Drawing Room upstairs for an impromptu murder mystery party, complete with accented character voices and a great deal of pantomime-style miming.

As the clues pointing to our elusive murderer grew more pronounced, I tried not to think about the extensive weaponry in the armoury below.

On display, yes; deactivated, most likely; but that didn’t take away from the century-old scratches embedded deep in the sword blades, or the sunken pistol mouths from countless bullets, or the metal worn smooth by hundreds of thumbs gripping tight.

In the silent lulls between our words, it was all too easy to imagine life in the castle when those guns were still in common use.

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

What’s it like to wake up in a Scottish castle?

Like any castle worth its salt, Culzean has plenty of ghostly rumours. But if I’d been concerned about any paranormal activity during the night, there was nothing to suggest that any ghosts were haunting us.

The next morning, I awoke instead to the sight of clear seas and a pink-tinged sky through the window opposite.

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

While the rest of the castle’s inhabitants still slept soundly, I went for a wander by myself – padding across the carpets in bare feet and stealing glimpses at the sunlight that flooded in.

I kept imagining the generations of Kennedys who had stood at these windows and looked down at the crashing sea below. How different their lives had been to mine. I wonder if they could have imagined what their castle’s future would look like?

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

I was still deeply entrenched in Culzean Castle’s past when I walked down to breakfast in a little side room. It felt slightly bizarre to be eating a bowl of Crunchy Nut Cornflakes underneath a crystal chandelier.

From the window by my table, I watched David clamber into his little golf cart in a car park only big enough for ten vehicles and disappear down the path to another, unknown part of the castle.

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

When breakfast was over, I walked back to my room to pack my case and heard a strange sound. Looking down the grandeur of the Oval Staircase, I saw a man in a National Trust for Scotland jacket busily hoovering the plush red carpets – and just like that, the timeless spell of the castle was broken.

Beyond the noise of the hoover, I could already hear the faint murmurs of the castle’s first visitors for the coming day. I took a last lingering look into my room before closing the door (leaving the big key still in the lock), and transitioned back into being just another visitor.

Exploring the rest of Culzean Castle

At least there were more of the castle’s rooms that I hadn’t yet seen. The areas of Culzean kept perpetually on display to the public include bedrooms, bathrooms, drawing rooms, a library and a Georgian kitchen way down in the basement, complete with a row of bells along the ceiling to alert the servants.

It also comes with a wonderfully British attempt at creating atmosphere, with platters of artificial food laid out along the old table.

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

My wanderings took me through a number of rooms and past some bizarre features (the boat-shaped bed and the bathtub built into the wall were just a few of my favourites) but I was eventually halted by an extremely chatty volunteer guide who stood in the music room.

He clearly felt very strongly that I needed to know all the stories he had to offer about Robbie Burns, Scotland’s most famous poet who was born in 1759 in a small house not far from the castle. I listened politely while time ticked away, measured out by the music of a harp player and guitarist, and watched the elderly visitors in anoraks who peered around the curtains to the sea outside.

Perhaps they were hoping for a glimpse of the Irish coastline in the clear, early morning air?

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

When the Robbie Burns stories were over, I made my excuses and ventured out into the castle’s grounds for a brief look at the Fountain Court, the glass-walled Orangery and the crumbling garden walls.

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

I didn’t want to leave Culzean Castle, but the choice wasn’t mine to make. As we jumped into the car and I looked longingly back at the ramparts and turrets, I noticed the clouds beginning to gather ominously overhead.

Just in time for our departure, the rain was about to begin again.

Where’s the most bizarre place you’ve ever slept? Would you ever stay in a Scottish castle like Culzean? 

A Scottish Sleepover: Staying Overnight at Culzean Castle, Scotland

How to visit Culzean Castle:

How much does it cost to visit Culzean Castle and Country Park?

The Culzean Castle and Country Park is one of Scotland’s most popular destinations. Entry costs £32.25 for an adult and £12.25 for a concession, or you can just visit the park for a lower fee. For National Trust of Scotland members, admission is free.

The castle is open to visitors daily from 10.30–17.00 from the end of March through to late October.

How much does it cost to stay at Culzean Castle hotel?

Prices range from £250 to £400 per double room, and children can stay free of charge per a nightly supplement.

Is there a campsite at Culzean Castle? 

Yes! Campers can pitch their tents at the Culzean Castle Club from £7.85 a night.



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Disclaimer: I stayed at Culzean Castle as a guest of Visit Scotland, but I would’ve done everything in my power to spend the night in this place regardless. Come on, wouldn’t you?!

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31 Comments

  • Reply
    Jenia
    July 9, 2015 at 11:07 am

    I have never stayed in a Scottish castle – nor any other castle for that matter, but I am pretty sure I would pass out with excitement if I were able to! Whenever we travel, if there is ever a tour advertised for the “gran ol’ mansions of so and so’ I am the first in line — and i follow the guide very closely to make sure I don’t miss out on any historical details. So to wonder the castle by yourself – that’s just awesome! To go to sleep and wake up and explore the grounds, ack! Your photos made my morning today 🙂

    • Reply
      Flora
      July 22, 2015 at 5:33 pm

      I know the feeling, Jenia – I think I usually annoy the guides with all my questions! So glad you enjoyed the article 🙂

  • Reply
    polly
    July 9, 2015 at 8:35 pm

    Love the photo of the winding pathway to the entrance! And of course I’ve always wanted to stay in a castle, but now I think I have to participate in a murder mystery game at one as well, as that sounds amazing.

    • Reply
      Flora
      July 22, 2015 at 5:35 pm

      Honestly, a murder mystery in a Scottish castle will probably stay at the top of my ‘awesome experience’ list for a long while!

  • Reply
    veen83
    July 11, 2015 at 6:52 am

    Looks amazing! I would definitely try my best to stay in a Scottish castle — the history nerd inside me would explode with happiness and wonder. Gorgeous photos!

    • Reply
      Flora
      July 22, 2015 at 5:35 pm

      Thanks so much!

  • Reply
    The Guy
    July 16, 2015 at 1:22 pm

    Wow Flora this is like a dream come true. Such a beautiful castle with stunning scenery. The National Trust have done a top class job in preserving such a wonderful building inside and out.

    How fabulous as well that you were able to experience the accommodation of past US Presidents. Exclusive indeed!

    I’m not too clear on how many castle like hotels I have stayed in. I do particularly remember the Youth Hostel in Ayr, west Scotland though. That was a stunning seaside building with turrets. I highly recommend it to any hostelers going to Scotland.

    • Reply
      Flora
      July 22, 2015 at 5:39 pm

      Ahh great tip dude – I’d love to try staying in a turreted hostel! Next time I’m in Scotland, perhaps…

  • Reply
    Chella
    July 17, 2015 at 7:45 am

    Spending a night sleeping in a castle is certainly adventurous people and travel-lovers wish to experience. I wish to experience being like a princess as well who stays in an elegant and luxurious castle like this. I wonder what it is like to wake up in a castle.

    • Reply
      Flora
      July 22, 2015 at 5:41 pm

      Well I definitely felt a bit like a princess when I woke up, Chella..!

  • Reply
    James McBain
    July 21, 2015 at 7:56 pm

    My wife and I were married in the green house and stayed 2 days at Culzean. She is Scottish and I am from the U.S. It was s spectacular time and it is a wonderful place. There are even caves below you can explore during low tide. I had my groomsmen pictures taken in those caves. Everyone should try to see the castle. And we met David. He was great.

    • Reply
      Alistair Shand
      July 21, 2015 at 8:56 pm

      What James did not mention is that he also had drinks with the son of the last factor (Manager) of the Culzean Castle.

      • Reply
        Flora
        July 22, 2015 at 5:42 pm

        Wow, I didn’t even know about those caves! I’d have loved to explore them too. Glad you had such a great time!

  • Reply
    Lorna Sloan
    July 22, 2015 at 4:53 pm

    I grew up a few miles from Culzean and spent many happy days there, I have never stayed in the castle but I have sang in it with the school choir. Its a fantastic place and seeing the pictures where I walked my dog and took my children to swim in the ocean has made me very home sick. Its a shame we cant share this on facebook I would like my american friends to see it lol

    • Reply
      Lorna Sloan
      July 22, 2015 at 4:57 pm

      oops I was finally able to post it! 😀

      • Reply
        Flora
        July 22, 2015 at 5:43 pm

        Great stuff, Lorna – I was going to say that there’s a Facebook sharing button up at the top :p And lucky you for growing up so close to such a gorgeous building!

  • Reply
    Gemma
    July 22, 2015 at 5:56 pm

    What hasn’t been mentioned is that after dinner you are left in the castle with no staff or night porter should an emergency arise.
    You are also left to pour your own drinks at the bar surely at £500 per night you are entitled to a barman and a night porter.

    • Reply
      Flora
      July 22, 2015 at 6:24 pm

      I think David did leave us his phone number in case we had issues. I agree with you about the barman though!

  • Reply
    Leigh
    July 29, 2015 at 5:00 pm

    That is beautiful, I would definitely stay there!

    • Reply
      Flora
      August 1, 2015 at 8:20 pm

      Glad to hear it Leigh!

  • Reply
    Travelistasink
    August 11, 2015 at 2:19 am

    Flora,

    It looks like an amazing experience – I too would have jumped at the chance!

  • Reply
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  • Reply
    Mary Mack
    August 24, 2015 at 12:56 am

    what an awesome experience!

    • Reply
      Flora
      August 24, 2015 at 8:09 am

      It really was Mary!

  • Reply
    Daniela Frendo @ Grumpy Camel
    August 25, 2015 at 1:14 pm

    This looks amazing! Heading to Scotland next weekend, but no castles for me I’m afraid – will be camping instead.

    • Reply
      Flora
      November 9, 2015 at 12:01 am

      I’m sure camping out in the Scottish wilderness is just as exciting Daniela :p

  • Reply
    Katie Featherstone
    September 1, 2015 at 10:02 am

    My family lives i Scotland now, but I still can’t help falling in love with their castles!

    • Reply
      Flora
      November 9, 2015 at 12:01 am

      They’re pretty spectacular, Katie!

  • Reply
    Amy (Two Drifters)
    October 29, 2015 at 8:06 pm

    Oh my goodness, what a DREAM! I would get so wrapped up in the history of the place and would feel like I’d stepped back in time. Those bedrooms ahhhhhhh…man, I miss Scotland

    • Reply
      Flora
      November 9, 2015 at 12:04 am

      Aww Amy! As a Scotland lover I’m sure you’d adore spending a night in Culzean. Maybe it should be part of your wedding/honeymoon plans..?!

  • Reply
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