Thirlestane Castle

Thirlestane Castle in Scotland is launching new group options for the 2019 season, including guided tours, fun activities and dining options.

Each group visit can be tailor-made to create unique experiences; plus a series of add-ons will be available.

Group tours, activities and dining options

A guided tour of more than a dozen rooms will led by a local guide and can be adapted to your group’s particular interests, taking in different parts of the castle.

During, you’ll walk in the footsteps of the Duke of Lauderdale, known as the uncrowned King of Scotland, explore the castle’s links with Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and discover more about the treasures collected by the Maitland family from all over the world. 

Groups taking part will be able to view the 17th century plasterwork ceilings and elegant state rooms and you can also arrange to be given a tour by Edward Maitland-Carew who grew up in the castle and still lives there today. 

Dining options are available too, for example coach parties can enjoy soup and sandwiches in the Tea Room or the private space of the Victorian Kitchen. 

Larger groups can be accommodated in a marquee in the castle gardens overlooking the oldest part of the castle. 

You can also opt to ‘Dine like a Duke’ in the atmospheric State Dining Room surrounded by portraits of previous inhabitants of the castle. 

A series of extra activities will also be available for your group. Try your hand at some traditional Highland Games sports in front of the castle, watch a jousting display from the front lawn or fly various birds of prey in the gardens. Whisky tasting and bagpipe classes can also be arranged.

Group information

All of these activities, tours and dining packages are available all year round for groups and can be available on an exclusive use basis, so you won’t have to share the castle with anyone else. 

Groups can also combine a trip to Thirlestane Castle with one of the many other attractions across the Scottish Borders including stately homes, historic abbeys and the area’s famous textile mills.

GTOs can contact enquiries@thirlestanecastle.co.uk or 01578 722430 for more details or to book a visit.

For more information, visit www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk