Live it up like Linda: The best Traitors-style castles to stay in
First the bad news. The actual Traitors castle is only available for hire if you’re getting married, hosting a corporate function or are part of Claudia Winkleman’s film crew.
The BBC takes over 19th century Ardross Castle for a few weeks each year to film the show, now in its third series, followed swiftly by Alan Cumming who fronts the US version.
But even the contestants don’t get to stay in this magnificent Highland estate which lies in a peaceful glen (at least until the backstabbing starts) 30 miles north of Inverness on the banks of the River Alness. And while the group are given a pastry-laden breakfast buffet in the castle’s dining room each morning, in reality they wake up in a hotel near Inverness Airport, a 45-minute drive away.
The good news is there are plenty of other places in Scotland for Traitors style weekend breaks which will satisfy any fans inspired by the show’s iconic setting. As Erin Hickey from Visit Scotland says:
"Scotland has always been a popular film and TV location, providing the dramatic background for everything from Braveheart to Outlander and The Traitors. Expedia reported a 190% rise in interest in the Highlands following season two and we’re expecting a similar boost in Traitors tourism this year. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing short break (minus any Traitors tension), a chance to take part in adrenaline-fuelled ‘missions’, or a place where you can recreate the game yourself, Scotland has something to suit everyone."
Best Traitors style weekend breaks
Here's our pick of the best Scottish castles for a Traitors style break – just don’t forget to pack a hooded cloak or your Claudia-inspired wardrobe!
Fonab Castle, Perthshire
This traditional baronial castle, nestled in the Highlands a 90-minute drive from Ardross, has been tastefully turned into a modern five-star hotel. With magnificent views over Loch Faskally on the River Tummel, there are 42 luxury bedrooms including a castle penthouse suite with stunning high vaulted wooden ceilings, two restaurants, outdoor dining pods and a spa. The Cairngorms National Park, home to a quarter of Scotland's native forest, is a 10-minute drive away for Traitors-worthy activities such as tubing, gorge walking and canoeing.
A B&B stay in a Castle Room costs from £290 per night, based on two sharing.
Knock Old Castle, North Ayrshire
This 14th-century castle retreat in Largs on the Ayrshire coast sleeps up to eight people making it a great place to gather family and friends for your own version of the Traitors (even if that just involves playing the board game!). Painstakingly restored over five years, this quirky property has a sauna in the tower, a painted ceiling in the keep and a glass-domed lookout with breathtaking sea views. It’s also within reach of Glasgow and Edinburgh if you need a break from the drama…
A three-night stay for up to eight people and two pets costs from £2,249 in January, £2,249 in February or £2,315 in March.
Glenapp Castle, Ayrshire
With a slice of the £120k Traitors prize money you could stay in Glenapp, one of the finest luxury castle hotels in Scotland (if not the UK!). This boutique 21-bedroom Pride of Britain and Relais & Châteaux hotel on the Ayrshire coast has 110 acres of gardens and woodland perfect for Traitors-esque missions including wild swimming, falconry and curling. Winston Churchill was a guest (and definitely a faithful) in 1944 to discuss the D-Day landings with President Eisenhower.
The exterior has the same turrets, sandstone battlements and pointed arches as Ardross and you’ll find similar button-back Chesterfield sofas, oil paintings and ornate curtains inside. The extravagant Castle Penthouse Suite is the largest in the country with its four ensuite bedrooms taking up the entire top floor and there’s a Traitors-worthy round table in the main dining room, too!
A B&B stay in a Garden View Suite starts from £395, based on two sharing.
Inverlochy Castle, Fort William
Perched at the foothills of iconic Ben Nevis, like Ardross, Inverlochy Castle dates back to 1863 when it was built by the first Lord Arbinger. Queen Victoria acquired it later and after spending a week at the castle in 1873 said ‘I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot’. Tales of Scottish clans, deadly battles and romantic liaisons echo through its hallowed halls and two Michelin star chef Michel Roux Jr oversees the Seasgair restaurant. There’s no shortage of Traitors style missions to attempt nearby, whether you want to go white water rafting, off-road driving or skiing on the Nevis Range. Arrive by steam train like a Traitors contestant on the West Highland Line or Caledonian Sleeper to Fort William and drive through Glencoe and up the Great Glen to this idyllic retreat.
GH Holidays offer double rooms at Inverlochy from £1,030 per night.
Dalnaglar Castle, Glenshee, Cairngorms
Dalnaglar Castle is a fairytale retreat set in the heart of Perthshire, offering a magical experience surrounded by the Cairngorms National Park. This elegant 18th-century hunting lodge in the stunning Glenshee valley, is perfect for large gatherings, featuring spacious bedrooms, a grand drawing room, a well-stocked library, and a dining room with garden views. The estate offers extensive grounds, a private loch for fishing, and access to some of Scotland's best walking trails, including Munros and the Cateran Trail as well as opportunities for fishing, stalking, clay pigeon shooting, and golfing nearby.
A three-night stay for up to 20 people and two pets costs from £4,069 in January, February or March.
Scone Palace, Perthshire
Poised above the River Tay with the Grampians as a backdrop, is one of Scotland's most important stately homes, Scone Palace. With 1,000 years of history, it’s been the seat of parliaments and the Crowning Place of Scottish Kings including Robert the Bruce, Charles II and Macbeth – surely the biggest Traitor of them all!
You can visit on a day trip (Entrance £19.50) and admire its impressive collection of antiques, paintings and rare artefacts as well as wander around the gardens but for the ultimate Traitors style experience why not hire the palace exclusively? It sleeps up to 22 guests in 11 bedrooms including the Balvaird Wing (which sleeps six and can also be hired separately for smaller groups) and the West Passage (which sleeps 16).
A one-night stay costs from £4,500 based on 10 guests (£450 per extra guest).
The Five Turrets, Selkirk, Scottish Borders
This Grade B listed baronial townhouse dating from the 1870s has four double bedrooms, a dramatic triple-height living area, wood burner, mezzanine library and huge TV for watching the Traitors on repeat. Close to the centre of Selkirk, you can’t miss its five distinctive turrets, one of which you can hideaway in to read.
Activities such as Landrover Safaris through the ancient Ettrick Valley Forest or birdwatching tours to spot hen harriers, short eared owls and golden eagles can be arranged and Floors Castle and Sir Walter Scott’s home at Abbotsford are also nearby.
A three-night stay for up to eight people costs from £1,279 in March, £1,722 in April or £1,840 in May.
Love castle holidays and want to visit one of the world's most famous? Join GH Holidays Transylvania tour and explore Dracula’s incredible gothic castle.
You Might Also Like
