If you’ve ever dreamt of spending a weekend in a castle, you might be surprised at how affordable it can be, as long as you don’t go it alone.
Luxury rental company BigHouseExperience.com has revealed the costs per person for some of the most spectacular British castles available for private hire, and when split between a group, the cost per person is often less than a typical hotel stay.
From turreted towers in the Scottish Highlands to grand historic estates in the English countryside, these rentals offer a rare chance to live like royalty, without the royal price tag. Many of the properties sleep 20 guests or more, making them ideal for birthdays, reunions, and special celebrations.
According to a Statista reports, the average price per night for a London hotel is £158, and all three castles in this list cost less per person. An average price of a Travelodge hotel room is £70, and this castle in Wales works out at a similar price, at just £73 per person, per night.
Pengarth Castle, Wales
From £4,850 for 3 nights. Sleeps 22, featuring a hot tub, cinema room, games room and dogs welcome.
£220 per person for 3-nights/ £73 per person, per night.
https://bighouseexperience.com/large-houses-to-rent/pengarth-castle
With commanding estuary views, traditional stone battlements and 40 acres of private land to explore, this is an extraordinary retreat designed for memorable group escapes.
Step through the impressive castle entrance into a striking entrance hall, where a carved oak staircase sets the tone for what’s to come. The interiors blend grandeur with comfort: relax on plush sofas beside the marble fireplace in the drawing room, enjoy a game in the richly panelled billiards room, or gather for meals in the soaring atrium, crowned with a glass ceiling and encased by dramatic stone walls.
For more laid-back moments, the media room offers a 75-inch TV, while the peaceful library is perfect for quiet reflection and soaking up scenic views. Each bedroom combines classic elegance with modern comfort, featuring antique furniture, soft carpets, tasteful décor and flat-screen TVs.
Gareth Allen, founder of Big House Experience, said: “This castle is stunning. Not only does it have elegant and luxurious interiors, but it’s close to beautiful sandy beaches and the iconic Eryri National Park. It’s the perfect place to enjoy peace and tranquility.”
Carron Castle, Fife, Scotland
https://bighouseexperience.com/large-houses-to-rent/carron-castle
From £9,000 for 3 nights
£300 per person for 3-nights/ £100 per person per night
Sleeps 30, featuring a swimming pool, tennis court, gym, cinema room, games room, private beach access and dogs are welcome.
Carron Castle is the epitome of a Scottish fairytale escape. This majestic Scottish Baronial-style estate combines traditional grandeur with warm hospitality, featuring everything from sweeping staircases and crystal chandeliers to four-poster beds and gallery-worthy family portraits.
As a historic ancestral home, Carron Castle strikes a perfect balance between impressive architecture and relaxed comfort. Inside, you’ll find an elegant drawing room, a richly stocked library, and an inviting sitting room for relaxed gatherings. Challenge friends to a game of billiards, enjoy movie nights in the cinema room complete with Netflix, or let the musicians among you entertain with not one but two grand pianos and an organ.
Outdoors, guests can cool off in the swimming pool, enjoy a friendly match on the tennis court, or meander through the serene walled garden. The 1,500-acre estate stretches down to the Tay estuary, where you’ll find a secluded fire pit spot for unforgettable beachside barbecues.
For those eager to explore, there’s no shortage of options. Golfers will be in heaven with top-tier courses nearby, including the legendary St Andrews Old Course. Others may prefer a day of culture and shopping in Dundee, Perth, or Edinburgh. Back on the estate, nature lovers can seek out red squirrels in ancient woods or spot otters and seals along the shoreline, with the occasional sea eagle overhead.
Gareth Allen comments: “You can’t help but be seduced by Carron Castle, nestled in it’s own private estate on the shores of the Firth of Tay. You can feel the history radiating from the walls.”
Wyatt Castle, Dorset, England
https://bighouseexperience.com/large-houses-to-rent/wyatt-castle
From £8,940 for 3-nights
£447 per person for 3-nights/ £149 per person, per night
Sleeps 20, featuring indoor pool, tropical gardens, sun terrace, helipad and beach access.
Built in 1797 and designed by renowned architect James Wyatt, Dorset’s Wyatt Castle has long been a symbol of refined beauty and timeless sophistication. Its striking neo-Gothic design has captivated admirers for centuries, drawing in everyone from royalty to filmmakers and A-list guests.
Set above the ever-changing blues of the English Channel, the estate’s expansive grounds are a masterpiece in landscape design. Guests can enjoy a variety of gardens and terraces, each with its own unique character and perfect for outdoor entertaining.
Manicured hedges frame sweeping lawns, while the quintessentially English garden overflows with charm. Elsewhere on the estate, you’ll discover a formal Italian garden, a cascading waterfall, and a peaceful Japanese tea house.
A previous guest commented: “What a wonderful castle, so luxurious yet warm and welcoming. We had 20 guests ranging from 2 to 91 including teenagers and mid age adults, everyone said it was an amazing experience and one they will treasure forever.”
